Second Chances: Indonesian Football Player

Chapter 16: Players selected to France and Spain

“Arya Bathara,Fiqih Firdaus,Ahmad Faishal and Najmi Alif.” Said Mr. Pierre Alan head scout of FC Nantes Youth Academy.

“M.Hilmy,Gabriel Pardede,Galuh Leo and Galih Leo.” Said Mr. Fernando the head scout of Youth Academy Deportivo La Coruna

They then closed their respective notebooks after they finished announcing the names chosen for sports scholarships in France and Spain

“That's it. Good luck to all of you.” Pierre said

“Ehh!” the other players, including several coaches, exclaimed. They began to steal a glance at Nero who was standing at the very back. He has scored three goals and an assist and played better than most players during the game. But these two men have crossed him off the list of players who will leave for France and Spain.

But everyone quickly forgot about the problem and Back noticed coach Andreas who had returned to the middle of the stage after the foreign scout left.

“Congratulations to the eight players who will be leaving abroad. They deserve a thumbs up for their outstanding performances in this match.” Coach Andreas said with a smile. He seems to be in a better mood.

Most of the other players clapped half-heartedly, they lamented the missed overseas opportunities. Yet some have learned to accept rejection and failure. They are looking forward to the next stage of this trial. They still have a chance to impress scouts from local Indonesian teams and scouts from other European countries such as Slovakia, Poland and others who are looking for new talent. Although they are also somewhat disappointed to miss the opportunity to join the football academies in France and Spain which incidentally entered into one of the best academies in Europe.

“OK everything. That's the spirit.” Coach Andreas laughed.

“I usually tell my students that it's okay – what to fail. Many people are afraid of failure so they skip trials like this. They ended up joining a group of people who did not consider themselves capable of succeeding as professional footballers.” He stopped, letting his gaze sweep across all the young men gathered in front of him.

“You should all realize that many people are achieving their greatest success, right after they experienced their greatest failure. Not being selected is just a small obstacle in your football career. Every failure in life is a stepping stone for us to try and improve ourselves for the better. I'm so glad that God. He has given me the right to be a coach. He has given me a vision to see that you can all still get back up after a failure and a fall. That belief is what kept me a coach for many years – years.”

“Are you all going to lose all hope of achieving and achieving your dreams and join the failed ones after not being selected.?” Or will you continue to pursue your dreams with renewed vigor after this momentary failure.?” He gave motivation to all the young men before him hoping they would not give up and keep trying to pursue their dreams.

Most of the players responded positively to the motivational words from coach Andreas. They all want to join a professional team and play football. Football is their passion, they love it so much that they don't want to give up on just this momentary flop.

Some of the people who looked sad before seemed to gain new hope after hearing coach Andreas' speech. They all had a glint of determination in their eyes which showed that they had not given up.

“Then, I'm relieved. You're all disbanded for today. Come back tomorrow to continue the next phase of trials.” Coach Andreas said. Indeed today is a special day for scouts from Spain and France to choose the most potential players in this trial. The next day, local scouts and other countries scramble for the remaining potential candidates in the next phase of the trial.

“Remember. Never give up.” Remember again.

- - -

‘Is it because of my explosion during the first half, or because of my injury history.?’

A few questions flashed through my mind as I tried to make sense of the scout's decision. He could feel the eyes of the players looking towards him. Some of them had expressions of pity on their faces, while others looked at him with ridicule as if their situation was better than his. They seem to forget that they were not elected either.

But while walking I try to think positively, maybe they are eight more interesting from the French and Spanish scout. I still have a chance tomorrow to get a scholarship abroad. Open to France or Spain. But he will remain grateful if he is elected by scouts from other countries even if it is Poland, Russia, Serbia or Belgium.

“Nero.” Call Ryandi while running up to me.

“Hei Ryandi.” I said with a faint smile to him.

“Are you okay.” She was worried to see my pathetic expression.

“Ya, it's okay.” I said

“I don't think about what the French and Spanish scouts think by not choosing you who is the best player during the game today.” The omel.

“It's okay. After all, the eight of them deserve to be chosen.” I said convince. Yes they are eight indeed very deserving to be elected, although eight of them are who will be the pillars of the Indonesian national team in my past. Even so I still feel the disappointment of not being elected.

“Then just ignore them. We still have a chance tomorrow. I heard that there are scouts from the Belgian, Portuguese and Austrian teams tomorrow. So don't worry, we will definitely be selected also tomorrow.” Her words encouraged me.

“Heh of course. We are a deadly combo.” I said a little joke. From my past memories, I know this trial is far from over. A few more players would get the chance to join other overseas academies over the next few days. I just have to do my best again tomorrow to join the chosen ranks.

“Are you really okay.” Ryandi asked back when she saw me daydreaming.

“Of course, just thinking of tomorrow.” My words calmed her down, even though I was still feeling sad. But I got rid of my sadness, Ryandi right, there are still many scout-scouts from the outside team that will come tomorrow.

“Then, let's go I will help you choose a hotel today.” I told him.

“Good.” Ryandi laughed, jumping around like a child.

“I'll buy lunch.” He said while patting my back.