The final match is over. Maya’s team wins. Everyone runs to the field. They shout and hug. But Maya sits in the changing room. Her leg hurts, so she does not play today. She feels sad. The room is empty and quiet. Then, Maya sees something. The gold trophy is on the floor near the door. The team forgets it! Maya picks it up. It is heavy. She does not feel like a winner.

The door opens. It is Jess, the captain. 'I am looking for this!' Jess says. Maya looks down. 'I did not play,' she says. Jess sits next to her. 'You train with us every day,' Jess says. 'You are part of the team.' Jess gives the trophy to Maya. Maya holds it. She smiles a small smile. 'Come,' Jess says. 'The team is waiting for you.' They walk out together.

A young player named Maya learns that she is still a valuable part of her winning team, even when she is injured.

The Trophy Left in the Changing Room After the Final

The final match is over. Maya’s team wins. Everyone runs to the field. They shout and hug. But Maya sits in the changing room. Her leg hurts, so she does not play today. She feels sad. The room is empty and quiet. Then, Maya sees something. The gold trophy is on the floor near the door. The team forgets it! Maya picks it up. It is heavy. She does not feel like a winner.

The door opens. It is Jess, the captain. 'I am looking for this!' Jess says. Maya looks down. 'I did not play,' she says. Jess sits next to her. 'You train with us every day,' Jess says. 'You are part of the team.' Jess gives the trophy to Maya. Maya holds it. She smiles a small smile. 'Come,' Jess says. 'The team is waiting for you.' They walk out together.