Part 8
You are going to read some articles written by different football players. For questions 47 - 56, choose from the articles (A-E). The articles may be chosen more than once.
Football players A I started playing football seriously at a very young age. I played on teams all year long. But even that wasn't enough. When my dad would get home from work, we'd pass the ball back and forth until supper. As I got older, I'd invite my three best friends to come over to my house. They didn't really like football, but we had an agreement; I'd give them a snack, we'd watch a little TV, then we would play. One against three, and if I won, they had to play me again. During university I had a chance to try-out for a pro-fessional team in Germany and I thought, 'this is my chance to really make my dreams come true.' Yet, when I arrived in Germany, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had made a huge mistake. To make a long story short, I made the team, but turned them down and returned home. I had realised that my dream wasn't all I had built it up to be. I had imag-ined the glory of that life, but what I failed to consider was the fact that I would be doing it all alone, without my family and friends. So, I came home, finished university, and began coaching football. I love my job, and I still get to play foot-ball. It's more fun now than it's ever been.
B I come from a family of footballers. My dad played in competitive leagues all his life and my mum was on the national team. Needless to Say, I began playing football at about the same time I began to walk. I played on the top teams since the age of thirteen. I was always the best on my team by far but, considering my background, that was expected. My parents were very committed to my football career and on some level I am very grateful. However, at times, their zeal was a little overwhelming. It was always in My head that I was playing football mostly to please my parents, which realty stripped the joy of the game from me. I still remember when my team won the biggest youth tour-nament in the nation. All my teammates were crying with joy and were so proud I was just happy the tournament was over so I could go home and be with my friends. That's when I realised that while I may have the talent for the game, I didn't have the passion for it. So at age 16 I told my parents I didn't want to play anymore. I couldn't believe how support-ive they were. I guess I put most of the pressure on myself.
C Football was always just one of my extracurricular activities. I was president of my class at school, a member of the school orchestra, on the debate team, and in the autumn. I played football. I was a decent player, but definite-ly not the best. Tactics weren't my strength, but I was tough! It was always a joke that I chose to go through other players, rather than around them. Of course, that aggressiveness didn't come without consequences. I left many games covered in bruises and blood, but the worst came the summer before my final year in high school when I was seriously injured and had to have knee surgery. I was devastated because I was supposed to be team captain that year and I was afraid they were going to take the title away from me. Luckily, I still got to be captain and I really loved my role from the sideline. I worked hard at my thera-py and was able to play in the last game of the season, which was great, but I had learned that my talents are best used on the sideline. I've been coaching youth teams for live years now.
D My parents were tired of me doing nothing but play video games so one day they said I was starting foot-ball practice. I protested a bit, but I knew my efforts would be worthless. My parents are unmovable. I have always hated exercise. I admit it. I am lazy. I went to practice pre-pared with multiple excuses to sit on the sidelines. I was getting the flu. I twisted my ankle. I was asthmatic. Yet. when I got there, I could tell by the look of the coach that he wasn't the kind of man who put up with excuses. There was something in his presence that told me he meant busi-ness. So I played the whole practice. And I really was the most awkward one out there. I never learned to love that game. but being on a team had some perks; at the end of every game some parent brought snacks. The snacks were undoubtedly the best part. I stuck with football until high school then became involved with the school newspaper, which really suits me better, considering I am not the worlds best athlete.
E I've been a professional footballer for fifteen years now. That may seem like a lot considering my age, but older generations of women did not have the opportunity to play as youths. So when England decided to start its first women's national team, they had to recruit from a younger age group. The first five years were quite difficult. The team had basically no money. We stayed in cheap motel rooms or set up mats on gymnasium floors when we trav-elled. For a long time, despite our success, we had no fans. no news coverage, nothing. It was definitely frustrating, but I also believe it is a huge testament to our love of the game. We didn't play for the glory or the fame. We played because we loved it. This is not to say we are not enjoying the recent attention being focused on our team; it is sure nice to finally be recognised, praised and admired for our hard work and talent. We have been through so much together. I feel like my teammates are my family. I work hard mainly because I know I owe it to them. And we sup-port each other and encourage each other when one of us has made a mistake or is having a tough time getting through training. I'm a better player and person because of my teammates.
Which footballer
started playing the sport only because his/her parents insisted? 47