Prologue
Dear Hat Trick,
It has come to my attention that the Equestrian Soccer League is coming up next month and we are short of one team from the event. I have picked you to form Ponyville's first soccer team because of your experience, achievements and your love for the sport. I remember watching the games you've played and I can see it in your eyes, that you are determined to go back on the field and enjoy it once more.
I am very sorry for your short-lived career. A young stallion like you doesn't deserve this misfortune. I have sent a letter to the commissioner of the ESL, Tough Hoof, of Ponyville's registration. Your team shall be known as the Ponyville Strikers. I look forward to your team's first match.
Best regards,
Princess Celestia
Hat Trick had read the letter a couple of times over and over again. He couldn't believe his eyes. Princess Celestia wants him to become the manager of Ponyville's first soccer team!
Okay, okay. No pressure. You've played the game, now it's time to manage it, Hat Trick thought to himself.
He was still having that injury that he received a couple of months ago. Now, it was close to recovering. Hat Trick looked at all the achievements he had on his wall. 'Pony of the Match', 'Golden Boot Award', 'Player of the Year' and many more. He couldn't believe that he had gotten all of them at a young age. He sighed, as he relieved the moments he had during his career.
He was making a fast recovery. He could go back to playing the game again. Unfortunately, he still couldn't bear the thought of getting injured again. Not after what happened last time...
Besides, this was a good change for him. He always wanted to manage a team before. This was his big opportunity. But then again, he could always come out of retirement and join the game again. However, now isn't the time for that. He had matters of players in the team.
Great. Now how do I get ponies to join up for the team? he thought to himself.
Suddenly, an idea came to his head.
Posters were everywhere in Ponyville. They were all over the marketplace, the farms, town hall and even the outskirts of Ponyville. No one knew who had put these overnight, but they were intrigued at what the huge buzz was all about. Some who had just moved to the town were also interested in participating. It was pretty much the talk of the town.
Meanwhile, Hat Trick was on the way to the library to borrow a soccer playbook. If he was to manage a team, then he'll need a lot of books that have formations, tactics and important notes.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
The door opened and there stood Spike the dragon.
"Hey, Hat Trick! Here for another book?" Spike greeted in happiness.
"Well...you could say that, little guy." Hat Trick said, chuckling as he ruffled Spike's head.
Whenever he always visited the library to borrow a book, Hat Trick would always tell Spike the stories and highlights of his soccer career. The goals, the injuries, the controversies and confrontations, and so much more.
"Twilight! Hat Trick's here!" Spike shouted upstairs.
Footsteps were heard and coming down was Princess Twilight Sparkle, who had recently been coronated.
"Hat Trick, it's good to see you!" she greeted with a smile.
"I could say the same thing to you, Twilight." he returned.
"So what is it this time?"
"Well, I need a new soccer playbook for Ponyville's new team."
"So you're the one responsible for the posters all over town?" she asked, eyebrow raised.
"Was there ever any doubt?"
Twilight sighed as she looked for the book. This was totally like Hat Trick to do something ridiculous.
"And, I was selected by Princess Celestia to manage the team." he added, grinning.
"That's great Hat Trick!" Spike exclaimed. "Hey, can I join the team?"
Hat Trick looked at Spike. "How old are you?"
"Uh...14. Why?"
Hat Trick shook his head in disappointment. "Sorry, Spike. But you need to be 15 to be eligible."
"Aww..." Spike kicked the dust softly.
"Hey. Maybe when it's your birthday, I'll allow you to take part in tryouts." Hat Trick said, trying to cheer him up. Somehow, it worked.
"Really? Thanks!"
"Here it is!" Twilight declared, having found the playbook.
Hat Trick gave her his library card. As she was checking, she asked him something. "So are you planning to play soccer again?"
That thought clouded his mind again. It was a really tempting decision, but he'd have to make an answer soon.
"Maybe..." was all he could come out with.
"Hat Trick." Twilight gave him a look that said 'Pick your answers quickly'. "Look, I'm worried about your recovery. If you play soccer again, wouldn't you be worried that you'll have that injury again?"
He sighed. He was worried. Just when he was about to get his leg back again, another major injury meant that he would say goodbye to soccer. On the other side, he really wanted to enjoy the game once more. The sound of the crowd cheering for their favourite teams, boots rustling the grass and the ball kicking into the net was what he wanted to experience again.
"Well, I'm still thinking about it." An idea popped up in his head. "Hey, Twilight. You should join tryouts."
"Wha--?" A look of puzzlement was on her face. "But I'm not as athletic as Rainbow Dash! Or Applejack!"
"Well from the stories I've heard, you were 5th place for the Falling of the Leaves because you kept your pace and controlled your stamina."
"Well, that's true but--"
"I like a pony that can think strategically. Not only do we need the most athletic, but we also need the most intelligent of ponies to be part of the team."
With the checkout finished, he took back his library card and the playbook.
"I'll let you think about it before tomorrow. Anyway, I've gotta set up the field. Later, Twi. See ya, Spike."
"Bye, Hat Trick!" Spike returned.
With that, he left. Twilight was thinking of whether he should join or not. She wasn't athletic but as he said, it'll take both that and smarts to make a good team.