Whistle ringing loud

Whistle ringing loud
Off-white clouds blanket the sky
Pride bursts from my chest

There was a familiar feel to the morning. A 10am kick off under an off-white sky, clouds stretched out overhead while the wind came and went in bursts. It felt like good football weather.

Coming into the game, it carried a bit of weight. First one back after last week’s defeat, and for the opening 20 minutes, it showed. The lads didn’t quite look themselves. A little off it, a little slow to settle.

But they found their way into it.

We went 1–0 up after 12 minutes. A solid start. Three minutes later, the opposition pulled it back. Then not long after, they went ahead, making it 2–1. It felt like one of those games that could drift away if we let it.

Right before half time, we found the equaliser. 2–2 going into the break.

The game felt intense. Not frantic, just heavy with importance. At half time, it wasn’t about tearing into them — just staying positive, encouraging them to trust themselves and put the work in.

About 10 minutes into the second half, everything changed.

Max picked the ball up outside the box and struck it. Clean. Confident. The kind of hit you know is in the moment it leaves the foot.

3–2.

And just like that, it landed.

That goal meant more than just the lead. He’s been chasing it for over two seasons. Playing in defence, doing the unseen work, and now stepping into midfield this year, finding his place again. Getting chances, coming close, just missing.

Until today.

Seeing him celebrate with his teammates — that moment of pure joy — that’s the one that sticks. That’s where the pride really hits.

The lads carried it on from there and added one more, securing the win at 4–2.

And somehow, the day didn’t stop there.

Later on, hearing how Grace had done at her dance competition added another layer to it all — 3rd in song and dance troupe, 1st in acro troupe, 2nd in lyrical troupe, 3rd in song and dance solo, and 2nd in street dance solo.

A full day. A proud one.