Connections

38

*

Monday

Macie's P.O.V.

"Alright girls good morning" I smile, addressing the bus full of our players

Myself and assistant Lauren have found the teams flourishing in the past year and we have taken on another age group; this group of fifteen to eighteen year olds.

"Now only your parents know where we're going as of this moment so I will put you out of your misery before we get going" I say, "I have been in touch with our former coach Charlotte" I start to explain and some of the girls faces light up at her name, presumably they know who she works for now.

"As I said, I've been in touch with Charlotte and she has allowed us to spend a day training at the City Football Academy" I explain, but the end of the sentence is drowned out by the cheers and the noise the girls are making.

"Girls, quiet please" Lauren says, hoping to silence them a little so I can carry on.

"I want you all on your best behaviour today please girls, as I'm sure you all will be. We need to set a huge example as a sister club but also as visitors to the CFA and guests of Charlotte's" I say, "it will only take us ten minutes or so to get there so make sure you have everything with you and don't leave anything on the bus" I add before turning and sitting back in my seat, leaving the girls to their own devices.

"Was this really a good idea?" I ask, already exhausted and she smiles, "of course it was" she replies, "it's a chance for the girls to see what it's like to train at the highest level with someone they know and in a really special environment" my assistant adds.

As I sit back and watch the roads twist and turn as we drive towards the campus, I can hear the girls getting more and more excited and that puts a smile on my face.

*

Charlotte's P.O.V.

I'm watching and waiting through my office window for the bus to pull up as this morning Macie is bringing the group of fifteen to eighteen year olds to the CFA for a day to experience what it's like to train at the top level.

Soon enough it's here and as it pulls through the gate and before I can see it drive onto the complex, I quickly make my way down to reception so I'm ready for when the girls and Macie de bus.

"Morning" I quickly mutter to a few people on the stairs and then a couple passing through reception, making it just in time to see Macie walk in through the sliding doors. "Macie!" I smiles, pulling her into my open arms for a hug which she returns before pulling away; a huge smile on her face too.

"It's been waaaayyy too long" my oldest friend exclaims and I agree, "how are you?" she asks; "I mean you look pretty comfortable in these surroundings" Macie adds looking around for effect.

"I like to think I'm doing pretty well for myself" I reply, laughing and Mace smiles in return, "how about you?" I say. "I'm doing good, the teams are going well and I'm very excited for this. Shall I go and get the girls?" she asks and I nods; "thought you'd never ask".

Macie leaves me in reception and heads back outside, most likely to read the girls the riot act about behaviour before Lauren and the group appear.