Baller Boys Read online

“Fine, whatever.” Troy crossed his arms moodily.

  “Let’s just ask everyone and it’s up to them to decide if they want to do it,” Frankie said.

  Troy didn’t answer. He continued to sulk with his arms crossed.

  “Mum, me, Frankie and the boys from football are planning a sponsored run, so we can get some money to buy a club mascot. Can you help me find somewhere we can do it?”

  “What a great idea! You could do it at the sports centre where I work. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind.”

  “Can you take me there after school tomorrow please? I want to be the one to ask if we can use it,” Shay said.

  Joanne smiled. “Of course. I’m so proud of you lot. Where did you get the idea to do a sponsored run?”

  “Oscar came up with it. I mentioned that you usually do the sponsored swims to raise money for Gran’s charity and everyone freaked out saying they can’t swim, so Oscar suggested we run instead.”

  “I love this idea, Shay. What can I do to help? I’m sure if we ask, the other parents will be happy to give us a hand.”

  “Well, actually Mum, we’re planning the whole thing by ourselves. We’ve all got different jobs to do and the team want to organise everything.”

  “Okay sweetheart, I’ll take you to the sports centre tomorrow.”

  Shay ran up to his mum and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Thanks Mum.”

  CHAPTER 16

  Three Weeks Until The Run

  Over the next few weeks, Shay, Frankie and the rest of the under-nines worked hard to make the sponsored run a success.

  Frankie and his mum made lots of posters with all the details of the run and gave them out to the players at the club. They put posters up around their local area in Islington including the library, Chapel Market, in some shop windows on the high street and in the Angel Centre.

  Oscar’s mums helped him make the sponsorship forms, which he gave out at training.

  “Now, let’s try to get as many sponsors as we can. We can start by asking our families and friends,” Oscar said, as he handed out the sponsorship forms.

  “I’ll ask everyone that comes into my dad’s restaurant,” said Hassan.

  “Make sure you don’t let anyone leave until they sponsor us!” Oscar winked at Hassan and everyone laughed.

  “I’m going down to the fire station tomorrow to ask my dad’s friends if they will sponsor us,” said Frankie. “I’ll try and leave one of the forms there so that people on the other shifts can do it as well.”

  “Great idea!” said Shay. “Oh, come on, Coach Joe’s here.”

  At break time, while the boys were drinking their water, Shay and Frankie decided to try to speak to Jamie about the fun run. Jamie was playing by himself, doing roll overs with the football and cartwheels on the pitch.

  “Jamie!” called Shay, trying to get his attention.

  Jamie didn’t respond. He carried on doing cartwheels and skipping around the field.

  Jamie’s mum, Kathy, noticed the boys trying to speak to Jamie and went over to see what the problem was.

  “Hi boys,” Kathy said. Her smile looked strained. “Has Jamie done something?”

  Shay and Frankie glanced at each other.

  “Oh no, Jamie hasn’t done anything wrong. We’re organising a sponsored fun run and we’d like Jamie to be part of it,” Shay said.

  “Oh,” Kathy said with her eyes wide. “A fun run… and you’d like Jamie to join in?”

  “Yep, we want to raise money to get a mascot for the team. We’re going to do a five-kilometre run,” Frankie said.

  Kathy began to smile; in fact, she almost began to cry. Nobody had ever invited her Jamie anywhere.

  “I’m sure he’d love to be part of it,” she eventually said.

  “Good! We’ll get him some posters and some sponsorship forms after training,” Shay said.

  As the boys walked away from Kathy, Shay turned back to look at Jamie, who had skipped over to his mum. He noticed Kathy hugging her son close and it looked as if she was wiping tears from her face.

  At the end of training Coach Joe called the boys over.

  “How’s it all going with the sponsored run that I’ve been hearing so much about?”

  “Things are going to plan,” said Shay. “We even got Jamie involved.”

  “Oh well done!” Coach Joe said, giving the boys a high five. “Proud of you all.”

  CHAPTER 17

  Countdown

  “So far, I’ve filled in two sponsorship forms,” said Hassan proudly.

  “That’s great!” said Frankie.

  “Yeah, that’s great,” mocked Troy. “It’s alright for you. You don’t even have to do much to get sponsors. You just ask people that come into your restaurant.”

  “Troy give it a rest. That’s the whole point. We all need to ask as many people as we can,” said Oscar.

  “Yeah I know but why’s he showing off about it?”

  “I’m not,” Hassan said, holding up his hands. “I’m just saying.”

  “Everyone, let’s just keep at it. Remember we’re all in this together,” said Oscar looking at the boys.

  “I don’t know why you’re even saying anything Oscar. You’re always late so you’ll probably be so late you’ll miss the whole thing!” shouted Troy.

  “Guys stop!” Frankie said, and for a moment everyone was quiet.

  “We’ve only got one week left to try and raise as much cash as we can, so let’s not fall out now,” Shay said, noticing Troy looking worried.

  As soon as practice was over, Shay tapped Troy on the shoulder as he was grabbing his bag.

  “Yeah?” Troy turned around.

  “I wanted to check if you were okay about the run?”

  “Why wouldn’t I be? Why are you even asking me about the stupid run? I’m not even doing it!” Troy snapped.

  “What? You have to do it. I thought you wanted to help out?”

  “Well, things change and I’m not and no, I don’t want to talk about it.”

  With his head down, Troy stormed off.

  Shay caught Frankie’s eye who mouthed, “What’s up?” Shay held up his hand so Frankie would know to give him five minutes.

  Shay ran after Troy. “What’s wrong Troy? Maybe I can help?”

  At first, Troy didn’t answer and Shay almost left him to it, but then Troy said. “If my mum was here, she’d help me to get sponsors. She’d take me out so I could ask people. My dad won’t. He doesn’t even get it.”

  “Where’s your mum?”

  “She travels back to Nigeria a lot, so it’s just me, my dad and older brother. Dad doesn’t care and my brother is too busy with uni. He doesn’t even have time to come to church with us.” Troy shrugged. “Sorry, I just miss my mum.”

  Shay couldn’t imagine not seeing his mum every day. He thought about how lucky he was to have such a supportive family.

  “When’s she back?” Shay asked.

  “I’m not sure but soon I hope.”

  “You mentioned church? Why don’t you ask some of the people at your church to sponsor you?”

  Troy thought for a moment then smiled. “That’s a good idea. Thanks Shay.”

  “No worries. I better hurry back or my mum will be looking for me.”

  “You’re a good mate, Shay,” Troy said, and Shay beamed.

  “See you later Troy.” Shay waved as he hurried back to Frankie, who was patiently waiting for him. He felt good helping Troy with his problem.

  “What was that all about?” Frankie asked, handing Shay his bag.

  “I was just making sure Troy was okay but it’s all good now. Race you to the car?”

  “You’re on!” Frankie said and the boys sprinted to where Tina and Joanne were waiting for them.

  CHAPTER 18

  The Day Of The Run

  Three weeks later, AC United football team met at the local athletics club in Finsbury Park, ready to do the sponsored run, in front of their family and friends.

  Shay and Frankie saw Coach Joe, Coach Kaan, Pete and some of the other coaches, but so far, no sign of Coach Reece.

  The run was set to begin at midday, and as the time approached, Shay could see nearly everyone from the team. He smiled when he noticed Troy.

  “Guys, look who’s just turned up!” Troy laughed pointing towards the main entrance. As they looked over, Oscar came running in with minutes to spare.

  Shay looked at Troy and pleaded with his eyes to leave Oscar alone but Troy couldn’t help himself and burst out laughing. “Late again?”

  “No wise cracks from you. I’m not in the mood,” Oscar said.

  It was time for the race to begin and as the boys began to make their way to the start line, they could already hear the encouraging voices from their families.

  “Good afternoon. Is everyone ready?” shouted a very familiar voice over the megaphone.

  Everyone turned to look in the direction of where the voice was coming from. Standing there, in his trademark red top and black tracksuit bottoms, was the legendary Coach Reece.

  “Yes!” shouted the players and their families.

  “It’s a beautiful day for such a great event,” he continued. “Now, parents and friends, let me hear you make some noise for AC United!”

  The athletics club was filled with screams of “Go on AC!” and “Good luck boys!” mixed with clapping, cheering and whistling.

  “The run is about to begin. On your marks, get set, go!” Coach Reece yelled before he blew his whistle. The boys were off, arms and legs gliding through the air.

  Jamie led the run to begin with but was soon overtaken by some of the older boys. The spectators were screaming and shouting, and this encouraged the boys to keep going.

  Frankie was fast and
kept up a good pace. He was up at the front with the older players, while Shay was in the middle, just behind Tandeep, but alongside Oscar. The spectators were clapping and cheering them along.

  Suddenly, the cheering got louder and louder. Shay knew they must be near the finish line. As he looked ahead, he could see Frankie almost at the finish line.

  “Go on, Frankie!” Shay panted under his breath.

  Pushing ahead, Frankie crossed the finish line to screams from the spectators. He had won the race!

  When the run was finally over, the boys were exhausted but it didn’t stop them from giving each other high fives and congratulating Frankie on a great run.

  Shay prayed that they had raised enough money to buy the mascot costume. The older boys came over to Frankie and congratulated him with fist bumps.

  “Little man, you’re really quick, even faster than us. I’m impressed!” said one of the older boys.

  “Thanks,” was all Frankie could manage to say. He couldn’t stop smiling. In fact, he smiled so much he thought his face might get stuck.

  Afterwards, to everyone’s surprise, Frankie’s dad and his mates turned up with their fire engine to hose down the boys. They had never felt so grateful to be cooled down.

  “Can I ask you a few questions for the local newspaper?” a man, wearing glasses with a notepad and pen in his hands, asked Shay.

  “Oh wow, sure,” Shay said, wiping his sweaty brow.

  “Tell me, how did you young boys come up with the idea of the sponsored run?”

  “Well, it all started during break time at football practice…”

  CHAPTER 19

  Bring It On!

  Training had been going very well since the sponsored run. Coach Reece sat them down at the beginning of the practice.

  “I have some news for you.” Coach Reece had the biggest smile on his face. “Firstly, we’d like to congratulate you for coming up with the idea to get a club mascot. We really loved that idea and, honestly, I can’t believe we didn’t have one already! Secondly, the way you worked together to raise the money made us very proud. We love your team spirit and hope you keep it up. You’ve raised enough money to buy the mascot costume and I believe it’s been ordered!”

  The boys cheered so loudly that Coach Reece had to cover his ears.

  The sponsored run had brought them closer together. The boys were much sharper, faster and tighter and the coaches were pleased with their progress. So pleased, in fact, that Coach Joe told them that they would soon be ready to have a real match!

  The boys were so excited at the thought of their first match of the season that all they could think about was training hard and getting ready.

  A few weeks later, during a training session, Coach Reece was watching them and taking down notes. At the end of practice Coach Reece sat the boys down.

  “Coach Joe tells me you’re ready to compete in matches. What do you think?” teased Coach Reece.

  “We’re ready!” the boys shouted back.

  Coach Reece laughed. “Well, in that case your first match is in two weeks and it’ll be a friendly game against The Highbury Bears.” Coach Reece had to speak louder over the boys’ excited chatter. “Although it’s a friendly, you’re still expected to play as a team and go for a win.”

  Shay was excited but nervous. He knew of the Highbury Bears and they were a good team. In fact, some of the boys at his school played for them.

  Shay leaned towards Frankie. “Sammy and Ben play for Highbury Bears. I’ll be playing against our friends.”

  “Yeah, I know. Are you nervous? This won’t be lunchtime football; this will be the real thing. They’re really good as well. Do you think you’re really up to it?”

  Shay frowned. “Yeah, of course! Why would you ask me that?”

  Frankie shrugged his shoulders.

  “What’s wrong with you Frankie? Don’t say weird stuff like that just because I made the team and you didn’t.” Shay turned his back on his friend and shuffled closer to sit next to Hassan.

  Frankie opened his mouth but no words came out. He knew it was true and didn’t want to make things worse.

  “Shay,” Frankie eventually said and Shay glared at him. “I’m sorry and I bet you’ll even score against the Bears.”

  “Thanks,” Shay said frostily.

  “Shay, on Monday when we’re back at school, let’s use our playtime and lunchtimes to practice some of the drills,” Hassan suggested.

  “Yeah cool.”

  “Can I practice with you as well?” asked Frankie.

  Hassan hesitated. “Well… you’re not on the team, so I thought it could be just the guys who are actually playing?”

  “Cool,” Frankie said getting up to walk away.

  “No, look we can all train together,” Shay stressed as Frankie walked away. “Frankie!”

  “Forget it,” Frankie called over his shoulder. He didn’t want anyone to see that the tears were threatening to come.

  “Frankie, wait up!” pleaded Shay but Frankie was moving further and further away.

  Frankie looked for his mum and spotted her and Joanne talking to Coach Joe. His mum had his baby brother on her hip and was holding Katie’s hand. As he got closer, he overheard Coach Joe telling his mum about the upcoming friendly game.

  “The players only have three more training sessions before their first match, so everyone would need to be here on time for every session. Even those in the development squad.”

  “Do you think Frankie will get a chance to play?” Tina asked and Frankie held his breath.

  “He’s definitely improved, and boy is he fast, but to be honest it’ll be the main team that play. Don’t worry, he’ll get his chance soon enough, but not this match.”

  Now the tears came and Frankie couldn’t stop them. He hurried to his mum just as Coach Joe walked away.

  “Can we go home now please?” Frankie asked. “I don’t feel great.”

  He reached for his mum’s hand and held onto it tightly, something he hadn’t done much of lately, forcing his little sister Katie to hold on to the pushchair.

  “Of course, love,” Tina said, looking at her son with concern. “See you later Joanne.”

  “Bye guys. Hope you feel better Frankie.”

  Frankie waved at Joanne without looking her in the eye.

  CHAPTER 20

  Three Is A Crowd

  That evening, Shay couldn’t stop thinking about Frankie. Even though he wasn’t very kind earlier, he didn’t want him to feel left out. He wanted to reassure him that he could join in the playtime training if he wanted to.

  Just before bedtime Shay went to find his mum who was in the kitchen baking a cake.

  “Mum, I know it’s a bit late, but can I go on my computer and speak to Frankie please?”

  Joanne glanced at the clock. “If you’re quick. What’s going on? Frankie said he wasn’t feeling good.”

  Shay explained to his mum what happened at practice.

  “Ah yes, I think it’s worth having a chat,” Joanne said, once she had heard the full story.

  Two doors down at Frankie’s house, after Tina had got the baby and Katie off to sleep, she went to find Frankie who was sitting alone on his bed, staring at a notification on his screen from Shay.

  “Frankie, love, what’s wrong? You haven’t said a word since we left training.” She placed a cool hand on his forehead. “And your temperature feels fine.” Tina sat down on the bed and started stroking his hair.

  Frankie rolled over onto his mum’s lap, and as he began to tell her what had happened, tears filled his eyes, then slowly began to run down his cheeks.

  “I just feel left out Mum. I want to play in the main team and I’m jealous that Shay gets to. What if he gets a new best friend? I think Hassan is trying to take him away from me. He’s always leaving me out and I don’t know why.”

  “Listen, don’t worry, okay? Shay is still your best friend and he won’t leave you out of anything. Look, he’s trying to contact you,” she said, noticing the notifications on the screen. “Just hear him out.”

  Tina kissed his forehead and once she was gone, Frankie put his headphones on.

  “Frankie, are you alright?”

  “Sorry again, Shay, for what I said earlier. It’s just I really want to play with you and it’s obvious that Hassan doesn’t like me.”