INICIAR SESIÓNIsabella turned up at the Westbridge FC Training Ground the following Monday morning with her notepad, laptop and a clear idea of how she wanted to write her article.Over the weekend Isabella had spent most of her time thinking about what she wanted her article to be. Whilst it was originally going to be a straightforward piece on the clubs youth development programme, she had come to realise that there was more to the story.Ethan Cole’s situation had really highlighted how tough it can be to be a young footballer.Whilst they may have big stadiums, lots of fans and professional contracts, they’re still just kids who have to balance school, family pressures, money issues and pressure to perform.Some will go onto be professional footballers,Others won’t,But they should have an opportunity to grow and not feel as though their whole identities are based around football.Isabella wanted her article to show this.She walked in the academy and waved at the receptionist on her way to th
Alexander Hayes arrived at Westbridge FC training ground. It was busy with players running around and coaches shouting. Alexander got out of his car and looked at his phone. He had 3 messages from his best friend and colleague Daniel Brooks.‘Hey, we need to talk about Ethan.’‘The academy manager is waiting.’‘No he hasn’t called me back.’Alexander sighed. He had been thinking about Ethan Cole. One of the most promising players from the academy. He was very fast and disciplined. He had natural talent and the drive Alexander loves in young footballers.But he had been absent from training.Alexander walked towards the academy and Daniel was stood outside the managers office.‘Hey Captain.’‘Hey, any news?’Daniel shook his head. ‘No. His phone is off.’Have you tried contacting his parents?His mother answered yesterday. She said he was fine but didn’t really seem convinced. His father does not want him to play football anymore.Alexander frowned. ‘Why?’‘He says its a waste of his t
Golden rays of sunshine filtered through the curtains.Isabella shifted under the covers, automatically reaching for something to keep her warm. The space was empty.She peaked her eye open."Alex?"No response.She sat herself up slightly, glancing at the clock. Only just after seven.Normally Alex would be the last to leave their bed on mornings he didn’t have training. Although today Westbridge FC had an important game coming up, meaning Alex was putting in extra hours at training.But he could have atleast given her a kiss before leaving.Isabella grabbed her phone.Isabella: Where is my husband?A few seconds passed.Alex: Good morning to you too, Mrs Hayes.She smiled.Isabella: You left me alone in bed!Alex: I had to leave early. Training starts at eight.Isabella: You could have given me a kiss.Alex: I did. You were asleep.Isabella: I don’t remember.Alex: Because you were dreaming about me.Isabella giggled.Isabella: Very cocky aren’t we, Captain?Alex: Come down. I’ve le
EPILOGUE – Forever Starts HereOne Year LaterLondon was bathed in golden light.I wasn’t chasing a story.I wasn’t arguing with my editor.I wasn’t poring over dusty documents to uncover a secret that had been hidden.I was wearing my beautiful wedding dress.Standing in front of a mirror.With my mum behind me putting the veil into place.“You look beautiful, Isabella.”I smiled at her in the mirror."Thanks mum."Her eyes shimmered."I wish your dad was here to see you."I smiled gently.I pictured his familiar face appearing in the doorway. His gentle pride shining through as he walked me down the aisle. Telling me not to worry and that even the most complicated stories can end beautifully.I still missed him.Some days I would catch myself feeling sad.Other days I would just feel a dull ache.But now I no longer blamed myself.I no longer had to have the perfect answers to every question."I think he would have liked Alexander."My mum giggled."He would have interrogated him fo
The sun shone through the pale, spring sky as the trees blossomed around London.Isabella hadn’t woken up to her phone. For the first time in months, she hadn’t gone straight to check if there were messages about the Westbridge investigation.The story was no longer all hers...The original financial books had been recovered by the authorities, and there were now independent investigations into the findings.They showed that there were concerns about payments to Meridian Sports Advisory that weren’t properly documented. There was confirmation that it wasn’t possible to conduct the initial review due to obstructions.Richard Vale had also stepped down as an executive during the investigation. Thomas Bennett had stepped down as well at Westbridge whilst they investigated further into his involvement in Daniel’s departure.New financial checks and an independent reporting system for academy players had been announced.Michael Grant had also released a formal statement and passed on any c
The club announced that Alexander Hayes will be returning as the Westbridge captain for the next home game.They praised Alexander for his good behaviour, helping the investigation and continuing to contribute.Many fans applauded the announcement.However, there were still some people who weren't happy with how the club handled the situation.Alexander didn't really celebrate.He just stood there in the changing rooms looking at the captain's armband that the manager had pinned to his locker."Go on," said Daniel Brooks as he walked up to him."What?" asked Alexander."Put it on. You've been staring at it for five minutes.""I don't want people to think I'm forgiving everything," Alexander replied as he picked the armband up."If you don't say they're forgiven, then it's fine. You're ready to lead differently."Alexander slid the armband on his wrist.It felt natural.But it didn't mean the same thing anymore."Guys!" he said as he called everyone together before the game.Everyone f







