During yesterday's U-17 preparatory friendly against the Republic of Ireland, a standout performance was observed from Matthew "Matt" Delevigne (Arsenal Academy, Age 12, Midfielder). Despite being significantly younger than the rest of the squad, Matt was fielded for evaluation purposes. The outcome warrants serious attention. -
was the description sent to the FA board along with the match's stats by Trevor, he knew if matt succeeded, the FA would offer him more, and what he had seen yesterday, Matt might help him become president of FA.
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What Trevor didn't knew was a similar report was sent to FA of Ireland, with even more detailed description about Matt's play style.
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"How was the camp! did you meet any players?" asked an excited Jack Wilshire
"Nope, but the physio there, he also looked after the first team" said Matt.
"Heh, so youve been touched by the same hands that touched beckham" said Mark Randall with a perverted grin.
"EW, you creepy mark, that was bad even with your standards" exclamed Jack.
"Dont talk to me in public" said Matt with a deadpan expression, both of them moved a little away from him.
"HEY! its a fact. like it or not" said mark spreading his palms and shrugging.
"youll definiately like it wont you" said jack pointing finger at Mark.
"who woudnt" said mark as if it was an obvious choice.
"me. US, infact any sane person." said Matt, including Jack too.
"some people dont deserve the opportunity that they get" murmured mark.
'Oh so he is still salty he didnt got the training camp letter' thought matt.
Initially Matt had hidden the letter from everyone at the academy except from jack, but before going to the training, he had to take a formal leave from his school and academy. That's when everyone found out.
Apparently matts private school had started to advertise him, now everyone knew he had attended Englands training camp, now he was a little celebrity among the kids.
Today he had been surrounded by his classmates asking questions about his camp and training.
"Opportunity for what, being a creep?" Asked him Matt mockingly, which shut him up.
"Hey Matt, do you think we could beat em, the Irish lot" asked Jack, being friends with Matt had made him a little competitive, he trains so he doesn't waste chances created by Matt.
'I wonder what heights he could achieve with that mindset' thought Matt.
"Of course, it would have been tougher on the defenders though, they were tall and didn't play fair.. nobody plays fair" said Matt sighing.
"Talk about yourself, I always play fair.. never once I've received a yellow" boasted Mark.
"That's because you don't defend well enough, and you spend most of the time on the bench mate." Said Jack.
"You're just Matt's lackey Jack, and you think you are better than everyone else. I'm just one call away, I'll get that callup too" said Mark, his face red.
"Sure, hope you believe that as much we believe you are a shit footballer Mark, absolute shit of a player, I could play better than you with one leg and one eye." said Matt not liking the words of Mark.
"You! I'm not talking to you guys, bullies." Said Mark before running away towards the changing room.
"Tch, I feel little bad whenever he runs away like this" muttered Jack.
"Then I remember how big of a Wanker he is, I know, you've said the same thing last time." Said Matt.
"Hmmn, he always points out my family situation, I don't like that" said Jack picking up grass from the ground, not looking at Matt.
"Everything alright?" Asked Matt.
"It's fine, just dad doesn't want me to play, and with you being called up for England, he now taunts me, saying I'm not even good at football" said Jack he sniffles a little, quickly wiping a tears.
"Look here Jack" asked Matt to Jack who was avoiding his eyes.
Hearing him, Jack took few seconds before looking at Matt who's face was red, he was angry.
"You trust me?" He asked to which Jack didn't even take a second to nod.
"I promise you bro, you'll play in the prem with me, and score 20 plus goals in your debut season. I'll write it down for you if you want it on paper" said Matt.
'The training Jack was doing was going to make him better striker that Isak, and when I assist, there's no need for him to worry' thought Matt as his bro.
Jack didn't say anything, just nodded again. He believed in what Matt said. He knows him for years and not even once Matt had lied to him, but even after his reassurance, there were doubts.
"It's decided, every Sunday, after my piano lessons, we'll train together, not football but how to play football, it will be like tactical training for strikers. What do you think is the most important thing for a striker?" Asked Matt.
"Finishing" said Jack, that's what the coach had told them.
Matt shook his head, "You're correct but to finish you need to be at the right place at the right time. Vision and timing are the most important aspect to master for deadly finish, we'll train that."
"YES!" said Jack, slowly getting back to his brash loud self, which brought a little smile on Matt's face.
"Let's go now, bet Mark's snitched coach about us being bully" said Matt.
"That's a loosing bet" said Jack with a laugh.
Matt didn't have to wait long for the office callup letter to arrive, this time it came directly at home.
The Football Association
Lancaster Gate, London W1V 3DW
Date: 15 April 2004
To: Mr. & Mrs. Delevigne
Parents/Guardians of Matt Delevigne
Arsenal FC Academy
England U-17 National Team — Official Call-Up
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Delevigne,
On behalf of the Football Association, I am delighted to inform you that Matt Delevigne has been selected to represent England at the forthcoming UEFA European Under-17 Championship Finals, to be held in France from 4–15 May 2004.
This selection is a recognition of Matt's hard work, discipline, and outstanding performances during the recent training camp and international friendly fixtures.
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Tournament Details
Pre-Tournament Camp: 27 April – 2 May, National Football Centre, Lilleshall.
Departure for France: 3 May (flight details enclosed).
Tournament Dates: 4–15 May 2004.
Return to England: 16 May 2004.
A full itinerary and travel schedule is attached. (Itinerary)
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Requirements
Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity).
Signed Parental Consent Form (enclosed).
Medical clearance (FA doctors will conduct checks at Lilleshall).
Personal items as per kit/travel list provided.
All training and match kit will be supplied by the FA.
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Welfare & Safeguarding
As Matt is under the age of 18, he will be under the direct care of FA coaching and welfare staff at all times. The FA has strict safeguarding protocols in place for all youth internationals. Contact numbers for staff in France are provided in the enclosed pack.
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Expenses & Allowances
The FA will cover all costs (flights, accommodation, meals, insurance). In addition, Matt will receive a daily allowance for personal expenses during the tournament.
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We congratulate Matt on his achievement, and we look forward to his contribution to the team's efforts in France. Please do not hesitate to contact my office should you require further details.
Yours sincerely,
Sir Trevor Brooking
Director of Football Development
The Football Association
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"My little potato! I'm so proud of you" said Eva, kissing Matt's face, smearing his cheeks with her lipstick.
"Mum!" Exclaimed Matt, he was not 4 year old now, he tried to get away from her, but he held to him like an octopus.
"What! Oh I'm going to call mom and dad they'll be so happy!" She ran off to call his grandparents leaving Matt and Adam in the living room.
"You did good son, I can't believe my boy is going to play for England" said Adam, his voice heavy with emotions.
Matt didn't remember or know why he felt a little ache in his heart.. he felt this whenever he had an emotional moment with his parents.
'It might be cause of my last life' he thought putting it to the side.
"Eva already said it, I'm really proud of you son" said Adam as he patted Matt's head.
Without any thoughts Matt hugged his father who was a little surprised but held the boy.
"Thanks Dad" said Matt not breaking the hug.
Adam smiled and just ruffled his hair.
"Hey!, I too want to join in family hug" said Eva who had returned, she spread her arms and jumped on them making all of them fall from the couch.
"Hahaha" they enjoyed much needed family time.
All of them were workaholics, Eva was dedicated to her hospital and saving lives.
Adam had his construction company, which brought a lot of issues which man delt with composer.
And then there was Matt who had School, training and piano lessons. On top of that, since last two weeks he'd been training Jack.
"You'd be going to another country leaving your poor mum alone!" Said Eva settling down beside him.
"Dad will be here" Matt said pointing at the man of the house.
"Take him with you" said Eva with a mocking face.
"What did I do now?" Exclaimed Adam.
"When was the last time you took us somewhere nice! Last year Pandora and Charles went to the Alps! She showed me the pictures it was so beautiful" said Eva with a dreamy smile.
'You walked into the trap oldman' thought Matt as he looked at the now nervous Adam.
"Well Matt has schoo-" Adam began his excuse.
"I'll be gone for 2 weeks dad" said Matt even before the man could finish.
Grace folded her arms and looked at Adam, "We'll see" said Adam with a sigh.
"Yes!" Said Eva, already beginning to form a plan for the vacation.
"I didn't say yes" said Adam pointing at her.
"You didn't say no, that means it's a yes" said Eva with a smile.
Hearing her, Matt too noded, "She's right dad, only No means no"
"You both don't listen" he said resting his head back, though there was a huge smile on his face which he didn't show.
"Have you told aunty, about my going to France?" Asked Matt.
"No, I'll tell her tomorrow, it's late and she has work. How about you go to your aunt's tomorrow? It's been a while since you been there" said Eva.
Immediately Matt shook his head, "No I'm good, you tell her, and I'm not going there, I have a lot to do tomorrow" he said.
"You're just like your dad! I already pity your wife, poor girl" she cried imaginary tears for her future daughter in law.
Suddenly her eyes shine, Matt could almost see a grin creeping up her face, "My potato is so cute, and I've seen few cuties in your class, perfect match, so have you got any crush or girlfriend?"
Matt zoned out hearing half of her question.
'im 12 woman, freaking 12, well there are few girls that wanted to kiss me, I absolutely refused to entertain them, which made jealous boys call me gay. Is it about that?' he thought.
"I like older woman not little girls" said Matt not bothering to look at her.
"Hahah" laughed Adam, looking at Eve who looked at her son with surprise.
"You're little too, little boys should like little girls!" Exclaimed Eva.
"I don't, I like Julianne Moore, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston" said Matt began listing actreses one after another.
When he looked up, he saw his mother horrified, "You! No Tv for you till you bring a girl back home."
She didn't wanted her son to be used up by some nonce cougars, she'll protect her kitten no matter what.
"Nice taste" said Adam giving Matt a thumbs-up, which made Eva direct her fury towards Adam.
'Thanks dad, I'll remember your sacrifice' he thought discreetly moving towards his room