Just stepping outside into the cold, winter, London air, sent shivers down my spine. The atmosphere was so unique compared to where I'm from. The busy streets, filled with people, all with a purpose of getting somewhere.

Recalling the past few days, I finish sorting out my suitcase and identify the clothes I will be wearing to the trial. I was given two days to settle into London before I had trials for Arsenal. Those two days flew by because I was having so much fun.

So today is my trial. I have only been advised of the one trial as of now. However I presume there will be more. The trial goes for a whole day as games haven't started so the teams are doing day camps. I will join in on that today. The trial will determine my future in football. No pressure Alana...

Basically, my trial is just training with the team and from there they will decide whether I'm Arsenal lady worthy. It seems simple, but your ever so wrong. The trial will involve, early morning start (like now), walking through the icy cold London temperature to get to the fields, let's not forget the essentials to be as fit and physically healthy as can be, like gym and swimming. To top it all off, j the middle of winter. I wonder what keeps me going through all of the hard work sometime. The same answer as always, this is part of football. Just like injuries, we all experience them at some stage. Its part of football. And thats what I love.

I am not yet nervous because they think I am capable, hence them scouting me. However, that doesn't mean the work here is done. Deep down, when I step out on that pitch, I will want to puke because I'd get that nervous. I'm just leaving that for later and focussing on the present.

Speaking of focussing on the present. I glance down at my watch for a few milliseconds, just enough time to calculate how long I have until I need to leave. Half an hour is what I'm working with and I still need to have a shower.

I power walk into the bathroom, on the way snatching a towel out of the cupboard and swinging it around my right shoulder. I then hang it up on the towel rack and undress myself. The pipes in London must be freezing because it's taking forever for the hot water to come through. I eventually give up and have a semi-cold shower as the hot water kicks in half way through.

Once I'm out, I transfer the clothes on the bed, onto my body. I then take the training bag in my grasp, which was moments before laying beside my bed, on the floor.

I scramble for my phone in my bag, to call a taxi in advance so by the time I get outside, it should be there, but my phone is nowhere to be seen. My body goes into a panic because I can't be late.

Racing back into my room, I scramble through the top drawer which is the only other place my phone would be. Until my eyes lay upon the precious item. Now for take two.

With the cab now on its way, the nerves are activating in my head, then spreading down my body, as a result my foot is profusivly tapping on the pathway out side of the slim building I will be occupying for a few days, maybe more.

I get to the grounds safely, after the most awkward taxi ride in the history of taxi rides. The guy was stressing me out even more to get here on time, as it was his first day on the job. He kept insisting that the right side of the road is the correct side. I bet I had to pay over $10 than i normally would due to all of the detours he took. However I really wasn't in the mood to argue.

When I leave the taxi, I walk around the car park, unsure of what to do at this exact moment as I have no idea where to go. I start really panicking because I want to be there on time to make a good first impression. I never really thought this through.

My tensed body releases as I hear a car pull up next to me. It's a beautiful grey farari. Who ever it is must know where to go. They are probably one of the girls. The car door opens so I decide to approach them.

"Hi uh, I was wondering..... MESUT?!" I I said confused. He stares at me shocked too. Maybe he has training at the same time, I'm not sure but the both of us were certainly shocked.

Once we are back in reality, Mesut breaks the awkward silence.
"yeah um, what are you doing here?" He asked, kind of in a confused tone. It came across quite blunt, however I think we were both just confused and in the moment.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you didn't I?" Mesut responded with a mild nod, expecting me to continue and explain. I take it as my cue to talk again.

"So... I have a trial for the Arsenal ladies today." His facial expression plastered on his face was pure confusion, until he processed what I said. His big brown eyes,  sparkled as he stared back at me, indicating he was impressed. My fit bit now read 7:30am and I really needed to get somewhere, but I didn't know where. That's where Mesut comes in.

"And I was wondering if you could show me where to go?" I asked. Mesut looked like he was slapped by a fish, not expecting me to continue talking. Mesut opens his mouth to form a reply.

"Uh, yeah of course." He quickly switches his attention off me, and leads the way. I pick up my bag, like I already have numerous times today.

We walked to the main building of the training centre which consisted of reception, pools and exercise equipment. After a minutes time of walking down a long corridor, we stop at a door.

"So over here is where you can get changed and then on your first left from here will lead you to the fields that the ladies train on." he explained.

"Thank you so much, you don't understand how much this helped me out. how can I repay you?" I asked. Mesut looked as if he was contemplating whether to say something. He looked me dead in the eye. It was immediately evident that he was nervous as it was showing all across his face.

"How about grabbing something to eat after your trials and my training?" He asked. I notice his hands shaking and the unsteady look on his face. I'm not too quick nor to slow to reply. However I knew exactly what I was going to answer with.

"Yes that would be lovely, where did you have in mind?" I asked confidently.

"Do you like Starbucks?" He asked

"Yes sounds great, meet you here after my trials?" I questioned

"Yeah, wonderful, and good luck with your trials" he smiled while replying to me. Clearly happy with himself.

"Thank you" I said and put my hand up to the door nob of the change rooms. I could hear music pumping on the other side, which gave me a feeling this was going to be fun. I walked into the dressing room and was welcomed by the players. I'm guessing they were expecting me.

The ladies welcomed me with opened arms. They were so nice and so chatty, I already knew this is where I want to spend my playing career.

After I was changed, I headed out onto the pitch. No one else was on the fields yet which is good because I wanted to make a good first impression and be out there early. Mesut really helped me with that. If he weren't there, then I wouldn't be on this pitch right now. I'd probably have walked into the men's changing rooms knowing me.

Eventually all the girls and coaching staff came out and we began training. I fell in love. I love what they do at Arsenal. I had a lot of fun and I'm really hoping that I get in. It will be a childhood dream come true.