Free Just for Kicks by Robert Rayner Page B

Then Cuz got the ball and headed towards our goal at top speed. Julie and Shay were nearby.
    Julie said, “I’ll tackle her.”
    Shay hung back as Julie moved in to challenge. Cuz swerved past her. Julie spun around and gave chase. Cuz slowed as she neared Brian’s goal. He moved out, crouching, ready to spring on the ball. Julie was closing in when Shay called, “Julie, not from behind!” I knew what he meant – if she tackled Cuz from behind, if she slid and rammed her cleats between Cuz’s feet to trip her, like professional players do, she might hurt Cuz.
    Coach Fleet roared, “Julie! Shay! One of you — stop her!”
    Julie hesitated. Unchallenged, Cuz dribbled the ball around Brian and scored.
    Our coach jumped up and down, shouting, “What’s wrong with you today?”
    â€œEnd of game,” Coach Ferret announced. “We win 3–2.”
    â€œThere’s five minutes extra time,” Coach Fleet protested.
    â€œWhat extra time?” Coach Ferret asked.
    â€œWe should play extra time because your players were slow taking throw-ins and goal kicks. They delayed the game.”
    The parents from both communities had surrounded the coaches as they argued.
    Mr. Price put in, “We should play extra. We might score.”
    Meredith’s dad scoffed, “Your team couldn’t get a goal if our guys played on one leg with their hands tied behind their backs.”
    â€œWe’ll see who’s laughing next week in Brunswick Valley,” Mr. Price threatened, as the Pleasant Harbour parents walked away laughing.
    The twins’ mom said, “Right!”
    Linh-Mai’s dad said, “You’re in for a whipping next week.”
    â€œWe need a referee to stop you trying to add extra time,” Cory Ferret said to Alan Fleet.
    â€œWe need a referee to stop your players ignoring the offside rules and obstructing my forwards,” our coach countered.
    Cousin Cuz elbowed me gently. “Better luck next week, Cousin Toby. You scored a great goal.”
    I said, “Well played, Cousin Cuz. You scored a super goal, too.”
    We hugged goodbye.
    Julie said to Shay and me, “Are you coming on the bus?”
    Shay shook his head. I did too. Julie climbed aboard and the bus pulled away. Shay and I turned towards the Mountain Road as the rain began to fall.

11
A Healthy Competitive Atmosphere
    â€œToilet paper — one pack,” Conrad called.
    We were shopping for groceries on Tuesday night. Ma wanted something special for supper to celebrate because Conrad had come home from work with news that they’d negotiated a settlement at the mill and they weren’t going on strike.
    Conrad and I were playing our usual Food Mart game where he threw food items in the air and I had to catch them in the cart. This time it was bathroom tissue. Conrad threw the six-pack of TP past me so I had to back up the cart madly to catch it. Conrad applauded.
    â€œI suppose you two smart guys are going to try that with the eggs,” Ma commented.
    Mrs. Fiander called across from Fresh Produce. “Coach Fleet says there’s a meeting tomorrow night at the Harbour Café. It’s to talk about forming a soccer league. He wants all the parents there.”
    â€œI’m working,” said Ma.
    â€œI can go,” said Conrad.
    â€œWhat does Mr. Fleet mean — form a soccer league?” I asked.
    â€œI guess we’ll find out tomorrow,” said Conrad. “It sounds as if your soccer is turning into serious business.”
    He picked up an egg carton and called, “Eggs — one dozen. Catch, Toby.”
    Ma shrieked.
    â€œJust kidding,” said Conrad.
    * * *
    Most of the parents and kids from Pleasant Harbour were already at the Café when we arrived. I waved to Cuz and her mom. Meredith, sitting beside her dad, mouthed, “Toby the Tub.” I mouthed, “Four-eyes.” A good number of parents