The week following the championship win was a celebratory blur. There was a mini parade in Eastfield town, and Ethan, Mason, and Callum sat on the back of a festooned truck, waving to their cheering classmates and neighbors. For once, the pressure Ethan felt was replaced by pure, unadulterated joy. He wasn't Eastfield's prodigy; he was a champion who'd won a title.
The season properly concluded with the Crestwood FC Academy Awards night, which was held in a banquet hall that felt far too fancy for a group of grimy teenagers. The players and their families, all spruced up, came out to bask in the glory of the club. The applause was thunderous when the U14s were called up on the stage to receive their league trophy and medals.
Coach Warren walked up to the podium, a huge grin on his face. "This team had more heart and grit than any team I've ever coached," he said, his voice booming through the microphone. "They learned to fight, they learned to trust each other, and they deserve this championship."
There were individual awards presented. Callum, no surprise, won the "Golden Boot" for top scorer in the league, and he strolled up to the stage with a massive grin on his face. Mason was chosen "Player's Player of the Year," which indicated how much respect the other players had for him. For the final award, "Manager's Player of the Season," Coach Warren provided a dramatic pause.
"This player demonstrated not only excellent skill but also phenomenal growth," he said, his gaze locked onto Ethan. "He carried the weight of expectation and delivered in the most important times. The Player of the Season is Ethan Matthews."
Ethan walked to the stage in a daze, shook the coach's hand, and was given the small, glittering trophy. He looked out into the crowd and saw his mum wiping away a tear from her eye, his sister clapping wildly. He caught the eyes of Callum and Mason, both of whom were clapping wildly for him.
Later that night, as the event was closing down, Coach Warren pulled Ethan and his mom aside. He was holding a thick, official-looking envelope in his hand.
"Ethan, your work this season wasn't going unnoticed," the coach said, now serious. "This arrived this morning. It's from the national association."
Ethan's heart began to race. He carefully opened the envelope and read the letter inside. His eyes widened as he read the words: "To Ethan, the English Football association invite you to the U14 National Team selection camp. Congratulations - English FA"
He had to read it three times to confirm. A chance to train with the top players in the entire nation. It was a level he had only dreamed about.
His mother hugged him tightly. "Oh, Ethan! I'm so proud of you!"
Callum and Mason wandered over to see what all the commotion was about. Ethan, still not able to speak, simply held out the letter for them to read.
Callum's eyes went wide. "No way," he breathed, a twinge of jealousy quickly giving way to a grin. "National camp? Just don't forget who was getting all the goals that got you noticed."
Mason clapped Ethan firmly on the shoulder, his expression one of gruff pride. "You deserve it, Eastfield. Now go and show them what Crestwood players are made of. Don't let us down."
Standing there, surrounded by his family, his coach, and his two best friends, Ethan looked down at the letter in his hand. The Crestwood experience had been the ultimate challenge of his life. He had started as a shy boy from a small town and ended it as a league champion. Now, however, an even bigger door was opening. This was the next level.