FPDC Tales: Shahrukh Sohail, “Football is my Greatest Passion”

by Shahrukh Sohail, Islamabad

Football is my Greatest Passion; the Green Grass of the field, the Two Posts on either side is what I call home. For me Football is not about Trophies or Achievements it’s the sheer joy of having a Football at my feet.

Football runs in my Family, My father was well versed in the Game and Played for Young Men FC Rawalpindi, he also had the honor of representing Punjab. And he introduced me early to the game, obviously then it was just kick about stuff and I never took the sport very seriously. But in 2008, after some practice I found I had some talent for the game after all and then my journey started.

In 2008, a state of the Art Artificial Turf ground opened near my house, it was here that I started playing regularly and began honing my skills. Then came my big match against my seniors, even they we lost that match 4-3 it catapulted my football reputation and I was able to build on that.

Come 2009, I was finally eligible for my Football team and when trials were called I was the First person on the Field. I got selected as a Winger for the O-level Football Team that competed in the Beaconhouse Futsal Fiesta. Even though we didn’t win I think I gave a good display. Soon after our Team toured Lahore and played against Wohaib FC’s Youth Team. Since I was the most experienced player, The Coach told me to lead by example. And I didn’t disappoint, I scored 2 Goals and assisted with 1. After Lahore we were not able to reenact the glittering displays but we did the best we could.

In 2010, Football took a more serious role in my life as I was determined to play for a Proper Club. My School Coach was also the Manager of Evergreen FC, a club which played in the Islamabad “A” league. After seeing me perform for the School team, offered me a trial. And after a successful trial I was selected, my journey was still not complete and I wanted to represent the National Team. Meanwhile our School Team started taking Football very seriously and held proper practices which enabled us to win the IFA School Championship and we officially became the best school in Islamabad. My Best Moments came when I scored a Free kick from 40 Yards out, the Joy was unrivaled.

Now in 2011, I aim to prove myself and participate in the U-19 National Championship and get selected for the National U-16 Team that is going to the AFC Championship in Uzbekistan.

In my Long Term Future, I aim to become a Professional Football Player , if that Dream is fulfilled I not only have a backup plan of doing an MBA, I will try my best to become a Football Journalist but either way I shall try to remain within the Beautiful Game as long as I can. May Allah Tahla help me with all my endeavors.  Ameen.