MY LIFE, PART 14: How I tried being an MP

Not counting physical education, which was – understandably – number one subject for all of us, I liked most subjects I had at school. I could learn anything and, what’s more, I was genuinely interested in all of it: maths, history, Czech language and literature.

I guess the teachers considered me to be very reliable: I liked to be the good boy. Looking back, I’m almost amazed how I managed to stay out of all the troubles and avoid all blots on my reputation. I can still hear it: “Oh yeah, Petr Čech, he’s a good guy, reliable, never gets into any mischief.” If I did occasionally forget my homework, teachers let it slide because of my good name.

And I’m very proud to say that I was even elected into the school parliament, as a representative of my class. I was honoured that my classmates chose me to be their emissary.

Our principal Mrs Justová was an innovator: for example, she established a “confidentiality box” where everyone could put any complaints they had, even anonymously. The school parliament then assessed whether the claim is justified and how to tackle the problem.

To this day, I’m not so keen on politics, but I liked haggling at the council meetings. Unfortunately, football was in the way. How could I attend meetings when I had practice? I only went to two meetings and then I had to stop. Nobody could make me miss football practice.

Five years flew by, I was constantly on the move. Suddenly I was fifteen and had to decide what next. A sports-oriented grammar school? That sounds perfect. And then I’ll study law! I was really excited by the idea. But would I have time to play football? Would the school let me attend training camps? Would they allow me to have an individualized study plan? What if technical school is the better option? I quite liked geometry and maths.

All of this was whirling in my head. I was 95% sure I would one day play as goalkeeper in the top league, but I didn’t know that dream would come true only two years later, in Blšany.

I decided to go to sports-oriented grammar school.