Coming back from holiday was great just to get to see the MG renewals DB, but this?

This is Amazing, great to see you back in the story section again, obviously going to be following, especially as it's such a great idea.

+5 Determination

2.0 Natural Fitness
2.0 Work Rate
1.0 Decisions

Lace up the boots and separate from the herd. Nearly everyone in England thinks they can become a professional footballer. Perhaps that is due to the hundreds of teams we have or maybe our favourite players make it look way too easy on TV.

Regardless, there was certainly way more competition here than at the JLT-Condor cycling camp. There was no room for error. One mistake and they were going to check you off the list. They wanted well-rounded athletes with potential.

They didn't care what position you wanted to play. Finding raw talent was the aim. Someone that they could mold to their standards and bring up through the ranks.



I struggled to find my groove. I could trap and bring the ball down with ease, I sucked at basically everything else. I fought through it until the final whistle.

But, it wasn't good enough. "Sorry kid, we got to send you home."





Yeah, that sucked. But, what can you do? It happened, it's over. Time to move on.

My hometown club of Canvey Island FC is having open tryouts in a few days. I guess that is worth a shot. I just thought I was better than the depths of the Isthmain League, the eighth tier in England. But, I have always had a soft spot for my hometown club. It would be pretty cool to bring them some glory.

But first, I should probably make the team.

Better luck at the hometown club Marcus, it's not Fulham but it's just the start

"Kid, tryouts were three weeks ago. We got our first friendly coming up next week Saturday. You are a little late," Canvey Island head coach Danny Heale said.

Well, I had completely screwed this up as well.

"Danny, please, just give me a shot. I'll sit on the U18 bench if I have to. But, I know I can make this team better. What do you have to lose?"

Danny looked out at the senior squad running laps.

"You know, I like your determination," he said. "We could use some of that. How about this? A two week trial. You start on the bench for the senior team friendlies and can get some playing time in the U23 friendlies. Prove yourself and I'll see if I can work the budget around for part-time contract."

You got to start somewhere I guess, "Deal."


Hopefully, JLT-Condor will come back with an offer. And at least the new cycling season is still five months away. Time to get the football part sorted out.

Penalty Taking= 3.0
Free Kick Taking= 2.0

Minutes: 17

Acceleration 1.0
Agility 1.0
Balance 1.0
Stamina 2.0
Strength 1.0

23 mins

+6 Composure

26 Minutes

2.0 - Pace
2.0 - Strength
2.0 - Stamina

15 mins

Crossing	1
Long Throwes	1
Tackling	1
Anticipation	0,5
Off the ball	1,5
Jumping Reach	1

Minutes: 20

1.0 Acceleration
2.0 Concentration
1.5 Vision
1.5 Passing

25 minutes

31 minutes
Vision 2.0
Work Rate 2.0
Decisions 2.0

Crssing 3
Tackling 2

45 minutes

I had two weeks to show I could be somebody. I had to be decent enough to be worth at least a small contract because I can't afford to be playing for free. That's not going to help my mom pay the bills.

I was given seven training sessions and two friendlies (with limited action) with the first team to impress head coach Danny Heale. Here goes nothing.






"Marcus, I've liked what I have seen more on the training ground than in games so far. You got a longer ways to go, but the improvements you have shown over the last two weeks are rather impressive. We believe you could be somebody special and would be delighted if you wanted to start your football journey with your hometown club."- Danny Heale, Canvey Island Head Coach

How could I say no to that? I signed the dotted line. A one-year deal with £220 per month. Not great, but it's a start. Now I'm officially a part of the team!


I'm doing my best to fit in, but many of the guys don't really like the fact that I'm joining the team so late into the preseason. Surely, I can win them over with my good looks... I mean, if I can help them on the field.



Taking out the disappointing home defeat, a promising preseason campaign for Canvey Island. We are the favourites (7-2 odds) to win the league this season after they relegating into it last season.




The Isthmian League First Division North regular season kicks off for us on August 5. We are scheduled to play eight games this month. A fairly hefty load.

I still haven't heard back from JLT-Condor, I'm starting to think I should look elsewhere. What should I do?

He's going to score and 76th minute strike against Maldon and Tiptree, and I think he should wait and focus on his footballing progression for the time being.

Best not risk upsetting JLT Condor as that could be enough to convince them not to offer a contract and focussing on integrating with his Canvey Island teammates that don't currently like him might be a good idea for now anyway.

P.S. Is he locked in as a striker or is that open to change if we develop other stats more? at the moment we can choose if he develops his cycling stats as a climber or sprinter so was wondering if developing midfield or defence stats would mean he would change his football position.

Marcus isn't locked into anything. His stats will prompt a change if need be and that will be decided on by the community as well, if that time comes. Everything is fluid in this game/story. I was ready to do the Fulham U18 game, but things can change. I will report on whatever happens.

Also, since I haven't said it yet, thanks to everyone for following along. Feels great to be back in the story section.

He's not gonna score, but he will have 12 shots in august.

I think he should focus on cycling instead of football as he has the potential to reach a higher level and JLT Condor would be a better starting point.

Wait !

He scores date 22 in 75 minute. (barking)

He will score against Maldon & Tiptree in minute 34.

Wait in see if JLT-Condor will get in touch soon.