The New Midfielder

The New Midfielder

Matt’s family just moved to a new town. He needs to go to a new school. He is also going to need to make new friends. But it’s not easy to make new friends in a new school. “ This is Matt. I’m sure you’ll make him feel welcome. ” Mrs. Emory introduced him to the class. Matt sat next to a girl named Georgia. “ Hi, I’m Georgia! ” she said. Matt pretended to tie his shoelace. He was too shy to talk to Georgia.

Matt’s first day of school wasn’t too bad. At least no one else tried to talk to him. “ You’re the new kid, right?” asked Jeff after school. “ Do you want to play basketball with us?” asked a boy named Spike. Matt shook his head. “ Okay, see you tomorrow! ” said Jeff. “ Okay, see you tomorrow! ” said Spike. Matt was feeling angry with himself. “ Why didn’t I say something?” he said aloud.

“ They probably think I’m stupid! ” Matt wasn’t stupid. He was just very shy. At his old school, it took Matt almost a year to make friends. He never felt comfortable speaking to people. Matt wished he could live on a deserted island. That way he would never have to say anything to anyone. After school, Matt watched the soccer team practicing. Matt’s new school had a very good soccer team. In fact, they were one of the top teams in the league.

“ But Coach, I’ll be better soon! ” moaned Ben. Ben was the team’s midfielder. He had broken his leg during the last match. “ Are you new here? I’m Coach Klein, ” a voice called out. “ Hi, I’m Ben! ” the boy with crutches said to Matt. “ Immad, ” Matt mumbled. “ What?” asked Ben.

“ I’m Matt, ” he said more clearly this time. “ Matt, have you ever played soccer before?” Coach Klein asked. Matt answered, “ Well, sort of. ” Matt used to play soccer with his friends from his old neighborhood. But he had never played on a team before. Ben promised to help Matt become a good midfielder. “ I don’t know if I can do it, ” Matt said in a low voice.