0:00:02 > 0:00:03You ready?
0:00:18 > 0:00:20My passion in life is football.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22I love tennis.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25But I don't want to just sit and watch my sport...
0:00:25 > 0:00:27I want to be the world number one.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30And I want to be playing in the Premiership.
0:00:30 > 0:00:32We're facing our toughest season yet.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35Can I score enough goals to keep my contract?
0:00:35 > 0:00:38And can I win enough matches to keep my dream alive?
0:00:38 > 0:00:42ADAM AND MJ: This is our story of reaching for the top.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48My name is MJ.
0:00:48 > 0:00:54My number one ambition is to be the greatest tennis player in the world.
0:00:54 > 0:00:55I LOVE tennis.
0:00:55 > 0:01:00If I don't play tennis three days in a row, I feel weird.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02I just feel like I'm not a normal person.
0:01:02 > 0:01:07My ultimate dream is to play at Wimbledon, the home of tennis.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11My house is only 30 minutes down the road
0:01:11 > 0:01:14and has been totally taken over by all my tennis stuff.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16These are my tennis bags.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19These are all my trainers and these are all my medals,
0:01:19 > 0:01:22and I just... Sometimes, when I'm bored, I just listen to this sound.
0:01:22 > 0:01:23MEDALS JINGLE
0:01:23 > 0:01:25This is my trophy cabinet.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29This was my first national I won, so I was really happy about this.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33But it's not just me that loves tennis - there's also my mum.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35I love tennis so much.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38I-I think I love it more than MJ.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40- Mum...- Yes?
0:01:40 > 0:01:42All the work my mum's gone through
0:01:42 > 0:01:46and how much she's had to do for me to get here motivates me.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52I'm Adam.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55I'm 11 years old and I play for Stoke City Under-12s.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57My team-mates call me Ports.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01I've been a Stoke fan since I was born, really,
0:02:01 > 0:02:03and it's all I ever wanted to do.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06My dream is to play for Stoke at their home stadium
0:02:06 > 0:02:09in front of thousands of people.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11My house is just round the corner.
0:02:12 > 0:02:17This is my dad, and there's my mum and sister, Molly.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19They have to put up with a lot of football.
0:02:19 > 0:02:25We have two TVs because all I do and all my dad does is watch football,
0:02:25 > 0:02:29and because me mum and me sister don't really like football.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31They're sick of watching me anyway,
0:02:31 > 0:02:36so they go in there and they watch...whatever they watch.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40If you haven't guessed it, I'm absolutely OBSESSED with football.
0:02:40 > 0:02:41- SUPPORTERS SING - It's Saturday.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45Stoke are about to kick off against Hull and I'm on a bus with Dad
0:02:45 > 0:02:47and me grandad.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50'All of us are season ticket holders and we try never to miss a game.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52'We're a noisy bunch.'
0:02:52 > 0:02:55# ..Go marching in Oh, when the Reds go marching in
0:02:55 > 0:02:58# I want to be in that number when the Reds... #
0:02:58 > 0:03:00It's really good fun seeing the first team.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04I could be playing on that pitch one day.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08'Adam Porter on the ball.
0:03:08 > 0:03:09'He's past one, he's past two,
0:03:09 > 0:03:12'shoots, what a goal!
0:03:12 > 0:03:13'That's 1-0 Stoke City.'
0:03:15 > 0:03:17All that's a long way off.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21This year, my goal's to play well enough to get my contract renewed.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24I'm a massive tennis fan.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28Every year, I go to Wimbledon, where all the biggest tennis stars
0:03:28 > 0:03:30in the world come to compete.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34One of the charities that helps me has given us special passes
0:03:34 > 0:03:37so we can go onto Centre Court before anyone else.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40It'll be nice to see myself here one day, just looking back
0:03:40 > 0:03:45at the videos and saying, "Oh, I just won Wimbledon."
0:03:45 > 0:03:49It's amazing to be able to touch the grass on Centre Court.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51I want to pull one of them off.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54It's overwhelming, but in a strange way,
0:03:54 > 0:03:55I feel like I belong here.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:03:58 > 0:04:02Before the matches start, I want to try and get a picture of some
0:04:02 > 0:04:06of my heroes, so my mum and I are waiting by the practice courts.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10The player I REALLY want to meet is Serena Williams.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13She's the best female tennis player in the world.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16- MJ GASPS - Here's Serena!
0:04:16 > 0:04:19- Hi, can I have a picture?- Sure.
0:04:19 > 0:04:20Oh, my days!
0:04:23 > 0:04:24Good luck today.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29MJ HYPERVENTILATES
0:04:29 > 0:04:30Andy, Andy!
0:04:30 > 0:04:32Oh, my days, oh, my days!
0:04:32 > 0:04:36'Wow, that's Andy Murray, Britain's best tennis player!'
0:04:36 > 0:04:38He won Wimbledon.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41- This is so amazing.- There you are.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44I think that YOU have to calm down, Mum. All you do is scream!
0:04:44 > 0:04:47You should've seen your face when you were taking the photo.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49You were like...
0:04:49 > 0:04:51Today has been so inspiring, but I know
0:04:51 > 0:04:55if I want to play at Wimbledon someday, I have to win matches now.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59And the biggest tournament is coming up at the end of the season.
0:04:59 > 0:05:04I'm starting a new season at Stoke Football Academy.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07A football academy is a special school that takes the most
0:05:07 > 0:05:12talented kids and teaches us to become professional footballers.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15So if I want to get to the top, I've got to make sure
0:05:15 > 0:05:18I keep my place here, but it's never guaranteed.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22We have a review every six weeks just to see how you're doing,
0:05:22 > 0:05:24what you can improve on, but the big review's in April.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28And that's where you're told whether you'll be kept on at the club.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30If I want to keep my place at Stoke,
0:05:30 > 0:05:33I'm going to have to work really hard.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35This is what I do.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38I train seven days a week and even take a full day off school
0:05:38 > 0:05:41every Thursday to spend at the academy.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43Well caught. Well done.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46We come out of school to predominantly play football,
0:05:46 > 0:05:49but while we're here, we do schoolwork.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52It's education, so we know it's got to come first,
0:05:52 > 0:05:55but, really, we just want to play football.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57Back on the pitch, we have a practice match
0:05:57 > 0:05:58and then do some training drills.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01This is the bit I love the most.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05By the time I've done all my drills, I've kicked a ball over 2,000 times.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08But there's more to training than just kicking a ball.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12We study football psychology and match tactics.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17Into the gym for some strength and conditioning.
0:06:19 > 0:06:20The day's not over yet.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24We watch old matches to work out where we can improve.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26I had a good game, I think.
0:06:26 > 0:06:27If you ever get tired,
0:06:27 > 0:06:30you've got to think about what you're doing it for.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33To become a professional footballer is the main goal.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35That makes you do your best.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37If I'm going to be ready for this tournament,
0:06:37 > 0:06:40I've got to train really hard as well.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42- Are you ready?- Yes.
0:06:42 > 0:06:43Put your trainers on.
0:06:44 > 0:06:49Every day, I get up at 5am and have my breakfast in the car.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53Everything's always such a rush.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55I go for a 15-minute run.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59Unlike Adam, I don't have a big team behind me.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02I have one person who masterminds all of my training -
0:07:02 > 0:07:03that's my mum!
0:07:03 > 0:07:05OK, sprint, sprint, sprint!
0:07:05 > 0:07:07- 'It's like her full-time job.' - Good girl!
0:07:07 > 0:07:09What's next?
0:07:09 > 0:07:10Oh, yeah, ball training.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14Then more fitness training.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16Up, up, up, up, up, up!
0:07:19 > 0:07:21Yeah, it is as painful as it looks.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24Then I play with the local tennis pro.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28This is all before school.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31And back home to get changed...
0:07:31 > 0:07:33second breakfast...
0:07:33 > 0:07:34Let's go!
0:07:34 > 0:07:36..then finally off to school.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42Oh, no, I'm late again!
0:07:42 > 0:07:43SCHOOL BELL RINGS
0:07:43 > 0:07:47After school, I always do some sort of training.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50Today, it's with some of the best junior tennis players
0:07:50 > 0:07:52in the country.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56Go! Hup, change direction. One point for you, MJ.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00I want you to exaggerate on the finish, MJ. That's it.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02Come on, exaggerate. Good.
0:08:02 > 0:08:07By the end of the day, I've hit a tennis ball over 600 times.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11I'm feeling quite tired, but my day's been very, very good.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13OK, let's go and eat now.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15'As you can see, my training is exhausting.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19'But when I DO get some time off, I like to hang out
0:08:19 > 0:08:21'with my friends from school.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23'Today, we're at Alisha's house.'
0:08:23 > 0:08:26So do you find it hard sometimes when you miss school and stuff?
0:08:26 > 0:08:30Yeah, cos I missed out a lot, didn't I? Like, trips.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32Yeah, you missed our trip to the art museum. You missed that.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36Yeah. I sacrifice my time with my family, friends...
0:08:36 > 0:08:38It was such a shame that you didn't get to come to my sleepover.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40I really wanted you to be there.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43I was in Romania for ten days and I hated it.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46On the last three days, I hated it cos I missed England so much.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51Does it sometimes just get boring, like, doing all this tennis?
0:08:51 > 0:08:55Well, if there's parties and stuff, it can really hurt.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00Although this is a crucial time for my football, I have to remember
0:09:00 > 0:09:03I still have to keep up with my schoolwork.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05Should we put something about that?
0:09:05 > 0:09:08I try to keep my football life and my school life separate.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11I don't want it to sound like I'm showing off.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15I don't particularly like talking about Stoke just in case
0:09:15 > 0:09:17I do get any people that don't really like me for it.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19Ah, yeah, cheers, mate.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22'At school, if I ever get tackled or anything or I lose the ball,'
0:09:22 > 0:09:23they just take the mick.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27I learn to let it go and I laugh with them, really.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30'But, if I'm being honest, it is a challenge
0:09:30 > 0:09:31'managing football and school.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34'So I'm meeting up with my friend Josh,
0:09:34 > 0:09:38'because he's the one person I talk to about how difficult it all is.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41'Whilst playing a football game, of course.'
0:09:41 > 0:09:43Are you coming out...?
0:09:43 > 0:09:48Erm, no, I've got training in the morning and, erm...
0:09:50 > 0:09:51..got to get some rest.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- (Yes!)- How are you beating me?
0:09:55 > 0:09:57- Just scored two goals with Messi. - Oh, God.
0:09:57 > 0:10:02Cos my mates don't have the commitments that probably I do,
0:10:02 > 0:10:07they go to parties, they go to youth club,
0:10:07 > 0:10:09they can meet up more together.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11Yes, yes, yes, yes!
0:10:11 > 0:10:13Ah, he's coming straight through us.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16When I get in school in the morning, all my friends are talking about
0:10:16 > 0:10:18what happened last night
0:10:18 > 0:10:22and it's almost like you're always catching up on what's happened.
0:10:22 > 0:10:2410-9. Close.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27Do you ever wish, like, you could hang around more
0:10:27 > 0:10:29and come out a bit more?
0:10:29 > 0:10:31Yeah, I do miss it a bit.
0:10:32 > 0:10:33What a goal!
0:10:35 > 0:10:37'But there's no time to worry about that now.'
0:10:37 > 0:10:38The season is under way.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42I play matches in Manchester, Derby, Birmingham, even Spain,
0:10:42 > 0:10:44but I still haven't scored a goal.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53It's getting closer to our contract review day,
0:10:53 > 0:10:55so it's a nervous time for me and my team-mates.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58What do you think's going to happen at your review?
0:10:58 > 0:11:00Have you done anything to do with your targets?
0:11:00 > 0:11:03Yeah, I've worked on some footwork.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05Port, what do you think you've done well?
0:11:05 > 0:11:08I started checking my shoulders more, I know that.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12- Hasn't changed one bit, though, has it?- Thanks(!)- Jokes!
0:11:12 > 0:11:15It does become a bit more tense between the team because, obviously,
0:11:15 > 0:11:18'everybody's fighting for a contract and not everybody can stay on.'
0:11:18 > 0:11:20Best and worst part of football, if I'm honest.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23The best bit, telling a boy he's got a contract, it's fantastic.
0:11:23 > 0:11:24You see the smile on their face.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26You see the smile on the parents' faces.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29It's a great feeling for a coach. But then the flip side of that,
0:11:29 > 0:11:32to tell them there's no contract there, it's very difficult.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34It's probably the worst part of being a coach because,
0:11:34 > 0:11:37almost, you're bringing a boy's world crashing down.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41When somebody does leave, it's almost like you're losing a brother,
0:11:41 > 0:11:43because you spend so much time with everybody,
0:11:43 > 0:11:45it's just a hole that's been left.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47It always keeps you on your toes
0:11:47 > 0:11:50because you don't want to be the person that gets released.
0:11:50 > 0:11:55At the start of my season, I play in Scotland, Huddersfield and Leeds,
0:11:55 > 0:11:58then Russia, Czech Republic, Spain, Romania and France.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01But I still have my biggest tournament coming up.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07The season is going well, but my mum is really worried about money.
0:12:07 > 0:12:08It is very expensive.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12The cost is travelling for tournaments, booking hotels...
0:12:12 > 0:12:16you have to pay for one-to-one coaching.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20It's even harder for my mum because she's doing it all on her own.
0:12:20 > 0:12:25My dad died three years ago and even then I was playing tennis.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29I didn't know what I was doing because of how upset I was.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- Do you still want to be a tennis player?- Mm-hm.- Yeah.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35So you've got to work very hard.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39But we do get a bit of help from the LTA, the Lawn Tennis Association.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41They're the people in charge of British tennis,
0:12:41 > 0:12:45but they only fund me if I keep doing well in tournaments.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47That's a lot of pressure.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49And it's done.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51- You know how important this year is. - Mm-hm.
0:12:51 > 0:12:56This is a time where most girls, they just wake up and say,
0:12:56 > 0:12:57"I don't want to play."
0:12:57 > 0:13:01So it will either make you or break you, so it is very, very important.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04The LTA is going to check you out.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09- They don't even give you funding or anything.- Really?- No. They don't.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12With all the focus on my tennis, things are starting to
0:13:12 > 0:13:16get on top of me, and keeping up with my schoolwork is a struggle.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18I do my homework if I can, if I'm not too tired.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20I get work done slowly,
0:13:20 > 0:13:24I lose books because of my tennis.
0:13:24 > 0:13:25I may say to myself,
0:13:25 > 0:13:27"Oh, this is getting too tough, I want to stop,"
0:13:27 > 0:13:30but I know that I really want to carry on playing tennis.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33No matter how hard it gets, I just try my best.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39It's not just me that makes sacrifices, it's also my family.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42My whole family revolves around me, in a way.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45My dad gives up a lot and he has to leave work early.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48My mum works. She has to give up things.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51My whole family, really, doesn't really have a proper social life.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55Are you going to come to the match on Sunday, to watch Adam?
0:13:55 > 0:13:58- Yeah.- Yeah? We're going to have to get up really early.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00Our lives, really,
0:14:00 > 0:14:05are based around what's happening at the academy, where he has
0:14:05 > 0:14:07got to be, the amount of sleep he's getting,
0:14:07 > 0:14:09what he's eating, when he's eating...
0:14:09 > 0:14:12So we fit in with him.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14My mum's right. I'm really lucky with my parents.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17My dad is always having to wait around in the car.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19It is a massive challenge.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21I've seen lads come in for trials
0:14:21 > 0:14:23and the coaches have gone to their parents,
0:14:23 > 0:14:27"We want your child Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday,"
0:14:27 > 0:14:30and the parents have just turned round and said, "No, I can't do it."
0:14:30 > 0:14:32So that stops that child having that opportunity to go
0:14:32 > 0:14:34and play in the academy.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37My place at the academy is never guaranteed.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42I'm constantly being assessed by the coaches to see if I deserve to stay.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45If ever a time came when he was released from the academy,
0:14:45 > 0:14:49then I think he would find it really, really hard,
0:14:49 > 0:14:52because this is what he has known since he was five years old.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56He's not used to any other kind of lifestyle,
0:14:56 > 0:15:00so I think he'd find it really, really devastating.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02You're not even...
0:15:02 > 0:15:06Ah, right, this is the nightmare of kids' football -
0:15:06 > 0:15:08the ball gets stuck under the car.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11'It's true. I can't imagine not playing for Stoke.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13'I know I've got to improve parts of my game
0:15:13 > 0:15:16'if I'm going to keep my place.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19'Final review day's in six weeks' time, and that's when
0:15:19 > 0:15:21'I find out if I get another contract.'
0:15:21 > 0:15:23I am a bit nervous.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27I still think maybe I can tackle a bit more...maybe.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30- Need to score some goals. - Yeah, I know.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33Practice, practice, practice.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35Oh, Dad! You always say that!
0:15:37 > 0:15:40I've come to the LTA for some extra training
0:15:40 > 0:15:43because the big tournament is only weeks away.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46I'm feeling really nervous, but my mum has a surprise for me,
0:15:46 > 0:15:48to give me a boost.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50Mama, why did we come here so early?
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- You've got to meet someone.- Who?
0:15:54 > 0:15:56It's Judy Murray.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58- You're lying to me.- I'm not!
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- Morning. How are you?- I'm good.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09- Well...- 'If you don't know, Judy Murray is Andy Murray's mum
0:16:09 > 0:16:11'and she's been on Strictly.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15'She's also one of Britain's top tennis coaches.'
0:16:15 > 0:16:17Last night, my mum told me,
0:16:17 > 0:16:20if you were to choose somebody, who would you choose to see?
0:16:20 > 0:16:24And I said, "The Murrays," and then it came true and I'm meeting you.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27Ah, that's nice! Well, it's great fun for me to meet you as well
0:16:27 > 0:16:30because I was hearing that you're doing very well with your tennis.
0:16:30 > 0:16:31What's your best shot?
0:16:31 > 0:16:35I'd say my forehand attacking is my ultimate best, but...
0:16:35 > 0:16:38'Judy gave me loads of advice on how to improve my game
0:16:38 > 0:16:41'and I made sure I took in every word.'
0:16:41 > 0:16:43The important thing, I think, at your age,
0:16:43 > 0:16:45is to experiment with lots of different kind of shots.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48- Thank you very much. - You're welcome.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51- Five.- Thank you.- Five, Mum.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54I don't know if I'm more excited now or before.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58After meeting her or before meeting her, I just don't know.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01Meeting Judy Murray was an incredible experience,
0:17:01 > 0:17:04and now I feel really fired up for my tournament.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08Back at the academy, we're training hard.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11On the way back to the dressing room, my coach tells me
0:17:11 > 0:17:16I have the chance to meet my hero - Stoke's captain, Ryan Shawcross.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19So what do you think players like me
0:17:19 > 0:17:22should expect in the years to come, to become a professional footballer?
0:17:22 > 0:17:25The main thing, when you're a young lad like yourself,
0:17:25 > 0:17:29is to enjoy it, and then if you come into a good club like Stoke City,
0:17:29 > 0:17:33there's obviously the facilities here to turn into a top player.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35So, if you're good enough, you'll get a chance.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38You've just got to work hard in training and hopefully improve,
0:17:38 > 0:17:40and then, as long as you enjoy it, that's the main thing.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42- Good luck in your career. Hopefully...- Thank you.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45- ..I'll retire in a couple of years and you take my place.- Thank you.
0:17:45 > 0:17:52It was a great experience getting so close to somebody like Ryan.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54He's really good.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58It was great to meet my hero, but now it's time to focus,
0:17:58 > 0:18:00cos I've got a match tomorrow.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03'I still have to earn my place at the club and I'm running
0:18:03 > 0:18:06'out of chances to impress the coaches before the final review.'
0:18:06 > 0:18:08- Here you go.- Cheers.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10I'm sure you've got more than me!
0:18:10 > 0:18:13'Tomorrow's game is against Nottingham Forest.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16'They're a good team and this is a vital match for me
0:18:16 > 0:18:18'to impress the coaches.'
0:18:18 > 0:18:21It should be a close game tomorrow, really.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23- Last few games have been close, haven't they?- Mm.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25- Quite a big, physical team, aren't they?- Oh, I don't know,
0:18:25 > 0:18:27they are good on the ball as well.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29'I do have certain rituals.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31'I've just had my chicken and pasta,'
0:18:31 > 0:18:35which is my night before match meal that I have every week.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39The other thing I do is packing my bag that I would take to the game.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43My towel, shin pads and a spare pair, just in case.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46Here's my rain jacket.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48Boots... So, that's my bag ready.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57In the morning of the game, I usually have a bagel
0:18:57 > 0:18:59and then some fruit for my breakfast.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03I had it one week and I played really well,
0:19:03 > 0:19:05so I kind of stuck with it.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07And then I always watch Match Of The Day.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11It kind of gets you into that football brain for the game.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16As soon as I get into the car, I put my headphones on.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19I start to visualise the match.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22I think through everything I've learnt in my training.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24I know how important this match is.
0:19:24 > 0:19:29A good performance here could mean securing my future at the club.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32I NEED to score a goal.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35In the changing room, the whole team stays focused.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41'Just before we go out, the coach offers some final
0:19:41 > 0:19:44- 'words of encouragement.'- Work hard.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46You don't get nothing in this life if you don't work hard on it.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48TEAM: Go!
0:19:48 > 0:19:50- The whistle goes. - WHISTLE BLOWS
0:19:52 > 0:19:54My whole family's come down to watch.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58Both teams get off to a good start.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02We go tackle for tackle, pass for pass, shot for shot,
0:20:02 > 0:20:04but no-one breaks the deadlock.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09Every moment that passes makes me more anxious to impress.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11I have to do my best.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18Finally, I get a free kick near their goal.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22I saw an opportunity, so I took it quickly.
0:20:22 > 0:20:23I waited to cross the box
0:20:23 > 0:20:26and Jordan got on the end of it to score our first goal.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31Well done, Ports, quick thinking!
0:20:31 > 0:20:34Forest fight hard to get back into the match.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38We need another goal to give us some breathing space.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40We get another free kick.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42Everyone can feel the tension.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44Well, not everyone.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46I whip in another curling right foot.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48It bounces off the keeper and Tom finishes it off.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50We score another goal!
0:20:50 > 0:20:51APPLAUSE
0:20:54 > 0:20:56It feels great because the team is doing well.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00But time is almost running out and I still haven't scored a goal.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04We may be two goals up, but I still have a point to prove.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08With five minutes to go, I get my chance.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13It felt like the entire season rested on this one opportunity.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15I smash a sweet right foot...
0:21:15 > 0:21:16Goal!
0:21:16 > 0:21:18Right in the top left-hand corner.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21It's the most incredible feeling.
0:21:21 > 0:21:22APPLAUSE
0:21:24 > 0:21:25FINAL WHISTLE BLOWS
0:21:25 > 0:21:28I've given it absolutely everything.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32Played well. So, hopefully, I've impressed.
0:21:32 > 0:21:33Well done. Played well, mate.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36'But have I done enough to get my contract renewed?'
0:21:39 > 0:21:42I'm here in Sheffield for one of the biggest junior
0:21:42 > 0:21:43tournaments of the season.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47I have to do well to keep my funding which allows me
0:21:47 > 0:21:48to carry on playing tennis.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50I've moved up an age group,
0:21:50 > 0:21:53so some of these girls are almost two years older than me.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55I just HAVE to do well.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58They are big girls and they hit hard.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02That is why you train hard nowadays and I am so proud of you.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05So I just want you, when you're on court, to relax,
0:22:05 > 0:22:07take one point at a time.
0:22:07 > 0:22:08OK? Let's go.
0:22:15 > 0:22:20I get off to a bad start and Caitlin takes the lead in the first set.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22I'm feeling the pressure.
0:22:22 > 0:22:27When I went 2-0 down, I was just like, "What am I doing?!"
0:22:27 > 0:22:30When I got to 2-all, I was like, "I have this."
0:22:30 > 0:22:33Then I went 3-2 down, I was like, "No!"
0:22:33 > 0:22:38And then I went 3-all and I was like, "Yes, I have this!"
0:22:38 > 0:22:41I went 4-3 down, I was like, "No!"
0:22:41 > 0:22:45Then I went 4-all and I said, "Yes, I have this!"
0:22:45 > 0:22:48And then I got 5-4 and I was like, "Yes, I have this!"
0:22:48 > 0:22:52And then 6-4 and I was like, "Yes, I got the set!"
0:22:52 > 0:22:54She has won the first set 6-4.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00After a shaky start, I'm on a roll.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06I comfortably win the second set and I'm through to round two.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08Well played. Oh, nice finish.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11Well done, baby. Well done. Mwah!
0:23:11 > 0:23:14It feels great to be through to the next round,
0:23:14 > 0:23:17but my mum wants to talk to me about something important.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20I am thinking about taking you out of school.
0:23:20 > 0:23:25When you finish year 6, you can't balance school and...
0:23:25 > 0:23:28- Tennis at the same time. - ..and tennis at the same time.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30I don't know what to say.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32I'm not sure what to do.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36I love tennis, but do I really want to give up school
0:23:36 > 0:23:38and all my friends?
0:23:38 > 0:23:41So before my next match, I meet up with Kylie,
0:23:41 > 0:23:44one of my friends on the tour, to talk about it.
0:23:44 > 0:23:45I know she'll understand.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48I train every morning and some evenings,
0:23:48 > 0:23:51and it's, like, kind of hard to get to school every day.
0:23:51 > 0:23:55The teachers and the headmaster kept e-mailing my mum
0:23:55 > 0:23:58- and everything, so it was like, can't keep missing this.- Yeah.
0:23:58 > 0:24:03In my old school, I had to miss lessons, but now, at private school,
0:24:03 > 0:24:08I can get out of lessons and I don't feel like I'm missing school.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14'I win the next two matches and get through to the quarterfinals...'
0:24:14 > 0:24:15Yes!
0:24:15 > 0:24:18'..only to find out that means I'm playing Kylie.'
0:24:18 > 0:24:20Can you believe we're playing each other today?
0:24:20 > 0:24:22It doesn't feel right.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24We're friends off court and in doubles
0:24:24 > 0:24:28but I really want to win, so I probably won't hold back.
0:24:28 > 0:24:29Neither will I.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33I'll still be friends with you, no matter what.
0:24:33 > 0:24:34- OK.- Hug.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37I can't reach!
0:24:39 > 0:24:42But now we have to put our friendship aside.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44This is an important tournament for both of us.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46Neither of us want to lose.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57The quarterfinal gets off to a bad start.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01Kylie was my toughest rival last year and has been playing at this
0:25:01 > 0:25:05level for a year longer than me, and today she's playing amazingly.
0:25:06 > 0:25:11I try everything to beat her but my frustration gets the better of me.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14And in tennis, if you lose your focus,
0:25:14 > 0:25:16it makes it so much harder to win.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23Kylie beats me in straight sets and I am heartbroken.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30Getting knocked out at this stage makes me realise
0:25:30 > 0:25:32I am not at the level I want to be.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35If I don't win tournaments, I may lose my funding.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38I have a lot of decisions to make about my future.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41Oh, baby girl!
0:25:43 > 0:25:47Today's the day that could either be the best or the worst of the year.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50Will I be able to stay in the academy and continue on the road
0:25:50 > 0:25:51to the Premier League?
0:25:51 > 0:25:55- Hi, Ports, you ready?- Yes. - Come on then, upstairs.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58I've been called in to the coach's office for my final review.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00I just hope I've done enough to keep my place.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03OK, so we'll just have a brief recap of the season.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06Look at your objectives here for the Burton Albion game.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08Not one of the best of games, against Burton.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10Nottingham Forest game, scored really highly.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13'My coach goes through all my matches,
0:26:13 > 0:26:16'telling me where I can improve, but all I want to know is...
0:26:16 > 0:26:18'have I got a contract?'
0:26:18 > 0:26:19Having said all that,
0:26:19 > 0:26:22we'd like to extend your contract for the next two years. OK?
0:26:22 > 0:26:25You've done fantastically well. You've justified it.
0:26:25 > 0:26:26The club thinks a lot of you.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29Happy with how things are progressing. Keep it up.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31Have a good preseason and come back fighting fit
0:26:31 > 0:26:35- and ready to do well again.- Yeah. - OK? Good lad. Well done.- Cheers.
0:26:35 > 0:26:40'It's been a couple of weeks since I lost to Kylie, but my mum and I have
0:26:40 > 0:26:43'made a decision about my future, and I've come to tell my friends.'
0:26:43 > 0:26:48- So how are you guys finding school? Enjoying it?- Yeah.- Not really.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50Well, I really love mine. What about you, MJ?
0:26:50 > 0:26:53Actually, I'm not going to secondary school,
0:26:53 > 0:26:56- I'm actually getting home-schooled. - Really?- Really?- Yes.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59It helps me because I can go abroad with my work
0:26:59 > 0:27:02and I can play tennis in the mornings and stuff.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04The reason why I'm doing home schooling is
0:27:04 > 0:27:06cos I want to take my tennis to the next level
0:27:06 > 0:27:10and I want to become a better Serena Williams.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13Who teaches you? Is it your mum or...?
0:27:13 > 0:27:15Who is it that, like, is your tutor?
0:27:15 > 0:27:19It's my mum and two other boys' mum.
0:27:19 > 0:27:20If you're being home-schooled,
0:27:20 > 0:27:22does that mean we're not going to see you?
0:27:22 > 0:27:24Actually, we can see each other a lot more.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26ALL: Whoo!
0:27:26 > 0:27:29It's been a really tough but great season for me,
0:27:29 > 0:27:32and I didn't do as well as I wanted in the tournament, so me
0:27:32 > 0:27:37and my mum have decided that home schooling's the best thing for me.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39So I hope next season's going to be even better.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45This last season's been exhausting, but it's been a great season
0:27:45 > 0:27:46and I've got a new contract,
0:27:46 > 0:27:49so now I'm going to work twice as hard next year
0:27:49 > 0:27:52and hopefully get a contract at the end of next year.