For some people football is a hobby, for others it's a religion. However, most people get to choose which of these camps they fall into. Not me. Below you can see my grandfather playing at Wembley, he played under the great Brian Clough at Derby County, and would then go on to join Rainworth Town and lead them into the clubs golden age. Culminating in a historic cup run, and cementing his status as their greatest ever player. My dad wasn't half bad himself, so it's fair to say expectations run high.
“Never celebrate just making it to the podium, then you'll learn to settle. Second place is just the first loser, never forget that” - Steven Reah (To a 7 year old me after finishing 2nd on Sport's Day)
Now while I can't deny I love football more than anything... F*** me did my family make it hard, it didn't matter if I'd just earned my first youth contract at Exeter City, earned the prestigious honor of captaining Devonshire in a national tournament, or scored a free kick from my own half. It always seemed to be "okay what's next", now I look back and I'm grateful for the added pressure as it made me a better player and person. However, there were moments I just felt like giving up, and I'm sure there are many others out there who felt/feel the same way. So this one's for any aspiring players out there, never laud over one specific achievement. Because I assure you, those around you will soon put it to the back of there minds, you have to keep impressing only then will you get a shot at making it to the very top. Not just in football, but in life.
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