The next few weeks felt like a blur. It was as if everything we'd been grinding for, everything we'd been putting into those late-night sessions and early-morning runs, was starting to come to life. But none of us were satisfied. Not yet.
We'd reached a milestone—hitting a thousand views on a video—but that wasn't the end. That was the beginning. We knew it, and we weren't about to let this moment slip by. But every milestone felt like just another checkpoint in the distance.
The Call
It was a Friday afternoon when the call came. My phone buzzed during our cool-down after practice. I glanced at it, seeing an unknown number flash across the screen.
"Yo, it's the big leagues, huh?" Kyle joked, sweat dripping from his face. He was wiping his forehead with the sleeve of his shirt as KJ looked over.
I swiped the screen, answering the call. "Hello?"
"Hey, is this Kareem?"
I froze. I wasn't expecting this.
"Yeah, this is Kareem."
"This is Coach Thompson from the Metro Academy. I'm calling because we've been following your YouTube channel, and we're impressed by what you and your brothers have been putting out. The talent is obvious, and we'd love to have a conversation with you guys about what your future in soccer could look like."
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Coach Thompson, one of the most respected names in the local academy circuit, was talking about us—about me.
"I… uh, that sounds great," I said, trying to keep my cool. "What's next?"
"I'd like to schedule a meeting, maybe even set up a training session with our scouts," Coach Thompson replied. "We're interested in seeing what you guys can do in person."
I looked at KJ and Kyle, who had noticed the change in my expression.
"Alright, I'll get back to you soon with some times," I said, still in a bit of shock.
The call ended, and I just stood there, staring at the phone. KJ was the first to speak.
"Yo, was that… was that real?" he asked, eyes wide.
I nodded slowly, still trying to process the fact that a major academy had just reached out to us. "Yeah, that was real."
Kyle crossed his arms, a smug grin on his face. "Told you we'd get there."
And just like that, everything felt real. The vision we had for ourselves, the dream that had started as just a YouTube channel, was now taking shape. But I knew this wasn't the time to get distracted. We had a long way to go.
Training with Purpose
The next few days were full of excitement, but also full of focus. We didn't let up. If anything, we kicked it into high gear. Our next session was even more intense than usual, but this time, it wasn't just about us. It was about proving to ourselves that we were ready for the next step.
"I want you to play smarter, Kareem," KJ said as we worked on passing drills. "Look for the whole field, not just the guy closest to you."
I nodded, taking his advice. I was getting faster, sharper, but now I had to think like a pro. Soccer wasn't just about running hard—it was about reading the game, making the right decision at the right time.
After a while, I started seeing things that I hadn't before. The space between defenders, the subtle movements that gave me just the right angle. I wasn't just playing anymore; I was controlling the game.
And I wasn't the only one improving. KJ's footwork was becoming more explosive, his shot more accurate. Kyle's moves were tighter, faster, and his left foot? It was practically magic.
But no matter how good we got, we were all in it together. It was never just about one of us—it was about the three of us, always pushing, always learning.
The Meeting
A week after the call, we were standing in the Metro Academy's training facility. The building was huge, the field immaculate. I could see the players warming up in the distance, the sound of balls bouncing off the turf, the hustle of professional trainers barking out instructions. This was the real deal.
We walked in, our parents with us, trying to look like we belonged. But honestly? It was hard to shake the feeling of being out of place, like we were just visitors in a world we didn't belong in.
Coach Thompson greeted us warmly, shaking our hands with a firm grip. He was a man who didn't need to say much. His presence said it all. He walked us around the facility, showing us the gym, the locker rooms, and the training pitches. His words echoed in my head as he talked about player development, college recruitment, and what it took to make it to the next level.
"You've got the skills," Coach Thompson said, pointing at each of us. "But it's not just about talent. It's about consistency. Focus. Knowing where you're going and working every day to get there."
The conversation was brief, but it felt like a turning point. This wasn't just some random academy anymore. This was the beginning of something much bigger.
We finished the tour, and Coach Thompson made his pitch. "We're offering you guys a chance to train here with the academy for the next month. See how you fit with the program, and we'll go from there."
My heart raced. This was what we had been working for, all the late-night sessions, all the early-morning runs—it was all leading to this moment.
And just like that, the path ahead of us opened up. There was no going back now.