Chapter 3

Practice makes perfect

The next day at school, RJ told the guys his plan to win the gold trophy next month at the soccer tournament.

"Since we have to be at school by 8:00, if we get up at 5:00 each day ad practice till' 8:00, we can get enough practice in to beat the Robins at the soccer tournament and win the gold trophy. It is foolproof. What do you guys say? Are you all with me?"

All the guys looked at each other and then said, "Yes, we are with you."

"Great! After school, meet me outside in the soccer field in your uniforms and then I will tell you the rest of the plan."

After school, RJ and the rest of the Blue Jays met out at the soccer field in their uniforms just like RJ had said.

"Ok guys, here is the plan. Let's get into two groups of nine. One team will be the Robins and the other team will be the Blue Jays. I will be coaching so the Blue Jays will only have eight members instead of nine."

So, Team 1 went to one side of the field, and then Team 2 went to the other side.

RJ threw the ball down in the center of the field and then the game began.

Brian, who played on the Blue Jays team, kicked the soccer ball towards Ken, who swerved around Bill who was on the Robins team, and then Bill kicked the ball into the Robins net, scoring a goal for the Robins.

"Goal for Team 2, huddle." RJ said.

Every one stopped and then listened as RJ spoke.

"Guys, don't let the Robins win, we're supposed to win, not them."

But it is so hard to make your friends your enemies." Kale said.

"I know." RJ said. "But make your friends your enemies just this once. This is the only way that we can practice."

"Oh, okay. Let's play the game right." Kale said.

The two teams got back on their own sides of the field and then the game began again.

Kale from the Blue Jays side kicked the ball towards Jason, who swerved and missed Jordan from the Robins team and kicked the ball into the Blue Jays net.

"Goal for Team 1." RJ boomed excitedly.

His plan looked like it was going to work. His dream of winning the gold trophy looked as if it would come true after all.

But he did not give too much hope. Things could be different next month.

Kale kicked the ball to Blaine, who swerved and missed Jordan from the Robins team and won the game.

"GOAL FOR TEAM 1. TEAM 1 WINS!" RJ yelled excitedly.

Good job guys. Keep up the good practice. At the rate we're going, we'll be winning gold for sure!"

Everyone cheered and then left for home.

The next day at 5:00 was very entertaining.

The Blue Jays were letting the Robins win!

"No, no, no. We are not supposed to let the Robins win. We are supposed to win, not them." RJ said.

"It is too early. I am still sleepy." Kale said.

"Me too, I agree. Usually, I am still asleep, waiting for my alarm clock to go off." Brian said.

RJ took a deep breath and then said, "Common guys, we can do this. I know that you all are tired, but this is important. If we do not practice, there is no way that we will win the tournament next month."

"Yeah!" All the guys cheered together, starting to wake-up.

"Let's practice and win that trophy!" Kale and Rodger said, giving each other a high-five.

RJ dropped the soccer ball, blew his whistle and then the game started.

Rodger from the Blue Jays kicked the ball towards Jason, who swerved and missed Kale from the Robins and made a goal.

"Goal for Team 1!" RJ yelled excitedly.

Everyone cheered and then went back to the game.

The game continued till' the Blue Jays won. Everyone celebrated.

Soon, it was 8:00. School started and everyone took the bus to school.

Today after school was real practice with Coach Joe. Now was the time to show Coach Joe what they had been practicing the past two days.

Before the game, RJ huddled with all the team members and rehearsed what they were practicing the past two days.

"Team 1 is supposed to be the Blue Jays and Team 2 is supposed to be the Robins." RJ explained to Coach Joe, who looked interested in what RJ was saying and how he was coaching.

Coach Joe sat and watched as the Blue Jays won the game against the Robins.

"Very impressing. So all of you have been practicing like this for the past two days so far?" Coach Joe asked RJ, who said, "Yes sir, we have. We are all determined to win the trophy next month at the tournament."

"And at the rate all of you are going, it looks like we are going to be taking home the gold trophy this year." Coach Joe said excitedly.

Everyone cheered and then to celebrate, Coach Joe treated everyone out to ice cream.