Soccer Training

After lunch, you head down to the soccer pitch. The other guys are already in the changing room, but somehow you are still the first into your kit. "Are you guys coming or not?" you ask.

"Tactics, Alex," Charlie says, tapping the side of his nose. "The later we are, the less time we spend getting our balls busted by Daphne."

You laugh. "Well, being late is probably worse, so I'm not risking it," you say as head out onto the pitch.

Unexpectedly, only Mars and Val are out of the changing rooms, knocking the ball between them. Spotting you, Mars boots the ball over to you, and you have to lunge forward to touch it down before sending it back to Val, who heads it down to Mars.

"Hey, Alex," Val says. “Oh, by the way, I might need your help,” she says. “You know, with the pinkie swear.”

“Val has her eye on a guy,” Mars cheers in a sing-song voice.

Val crosses her arms. “I can tell him myself,” she says indignantly. “Not that I need to now. So, you good to help me out?”

You stroke your chin, pretending to think. “Uh … Yeah, I guess so.”

Val smiles gratefully.

Soon enough, the rest of the team arrives, and you begin warming up with some dynamic stretches and passing drills. After the warm-up, you chat briefly with Katie, Khloe and Keegan, but Daphne quickly calls you in.

“Alright, we’re going to work on chemistry and communication,” Daphne says to the huddle. “All the technique in the world won’t save you if you can’t work as a team. So, Keegan, set up in that goal. The rest of us … it’s boys versus girls.” Mars and Val exchange an excited look. “Girls will be attacking first, so boys, go and organize your defense.”

Charlie nods and leads you, Jack, Jason and Javier out of earshot of the huddle of girls. “Alright, I reckon our best bet is man-marking,” he starts. “It’ll limit their space and **** them–“

“Who made you captain?” Jack butts in, and Javier rolls his eyes.

“He’s got the most experience, and he’s captain of defense,” you say, and Jack glares at you but falls silent.

Charlie shoots you a quick smile of thanks. “Is everyone else okay with man-marking? Great. Alex, you’re the other defender – who do you want to mark?”

Katie +5
Khloe +5
Daphne +5
Mars +5
Valentine +5
Keegan +5
Jason +5
Javier +5
Charlie +5
Jack +5