Successful Player

Bento loved football and wanted to become a successful player like those he saw on television.

On Saturdays, he would put on his uniform, his socks, his boots, and go to the football field where his friends would be training. Bento would insist so much that his friends would end up putting him in the game but he was no good. Then, to not disturb the team anymore, his friends would kick him out of the game. The team captain told him one day:
- Bento, you need to learn the rules of football and practice more!

	That day, especially, he got very sad. He wanted to play but they did not let him! Bento returned home discouraged. How to become a successful player if they did not let him play the game? With moist eyes, he told his mother what
had happened and then added:

- I want to be like Matthew who plays very well and scores a goal in every game. Someday I'll be like him, mom!

Matthew, an eighth-grade boy who played on the older boys' team was the idol of the kids.

The mother, understanding and loving, snuggled Bento to her chest, running her hand through his hair. She let the child let out what he had inside, then pondered:

- Dear, I understand your sadness. However, Bento, to conquer something we must not forget the necessary effort. Every victory is a result of hard work and dedication. I'll give you a tip: talk to this Matthew that you admire. Find out how he became the player he is today.

The boy's eyes lit up:

- Good idea, mom! I'll try to talk to him on Monday.

And so, more excited, Bento enjoyed the weekend.

Early on Monday, he went to school. At recess, he waited for a moment when Matthew was alone to go talk to him.

But to no avail! He was the idol of the school and was always surrounded by friends.

When the classes ended, Bento was a little disappointed but still hoping to talk to Matthew before he left.

Thus, he waited outside while the students left in an uproar.

Suddenly the door was closed... a sign that everyone had already left. Hanging his head, he took the direction of his home.

As he passed near the bus stop he saw the boy sitting on the bench reading a book. He excitedly approached the boy and said to him:

- Hello, Matthew! You do not know me but I admire you a lot. My God! You play very well!

The boy looked up and smiled:

- I know you from school. Aren't you in third grade?

- That's right. My name is Bento. I would like to play as well as you, Matthew. How long have you been playing?

The boy closed the book and began to give attention to the boy:

- Many years, Bento. When I started I was younger than you and I trained almost every day. I was always very dedicated to football but without forgetting other things: school, reading, my studies, my relationships. Moreover, I even collaborate with a small group in the neighbourhood where I live. The kids are small and very poor, and on Sunday mornings, I train football with them. After all, we have to help each other, right? Everything is important.

Hearing Matthew speak, Bento became thoughtful. As he remained silent, Matthew asked:

- And you, Bento, how many times a week do you train?

- Only on Saturdays... when they allow me – he replied, embarrassedly.

- So, maybe you need more training to improve. And the most important thing is to learn whether you really have a talent for football. Because sometimes we are not good at one thing and are very good at something else. Got it?

- Got it, Matthew. Thank you. I would like to join this team you help on Sundays.

- It would be great. Come visit us! You will see that the boys will be glad that someone else cares for them.

Matthew gave Bento directions to the neighbourhood and the small square where they gathered. Then he concluded:

- If you need me, I am at your disposal, Bento. Count on me. Well, now I must go. My bus is coming. Good Luck!

Bento waved goodbye to Matthew and continued his journey with new ideas in his head.

At home, he told his mother that he had spoken with his idol and reported what his new friend had told him.

- Mom, he's a good guy. I thought he was going to snub me but quite the opposite. He treated me very well. I realized that I actually wanted to be a good football player by magic. I did not strive enough. Also, I do not know if I want to train football every day!

- You are good at table tennis, cycling, chess ...

- It's true, mom. But he made me understand that it's not just that. I have to value school, my studies, and my readings to learn more and more. I'm good at Maths, for example, and I can help other kids in difficulty!

- That's right, my dear! Do you know why? We do with love what we truly like. Think about it!

- I will. But one thing I am certain: I want to be a guy like Matthew, either as a player or not. I realized that he is a good person because he doesn't think only of himself.

Enthused, Bento was now another boy. He understood that if he studied and learned something well, he could be the best in that area.

That day, he asked his mother:

- Mom, I need to wake up early on Sunday. I'm meeting with Matthew in his neighbourhood.
 

Aunt Celia