Like every other kid I used to like cricket and played as an opener in my school team. In 8th class I switched schools and got admission in a private school where football was played a lot. At the same time I made a facebook ID and I started searching for all sports related to Pakistan and I stumbled upon this page name FootballPakistan.com [FPDC] and liked its updates and everything. My interest in football was developing more and more and I became a fan of Barcelona as well but country was always a first choice for me.
As a Striker, I joined B licensed club of Islamabad as it was closer to my home but left it due to educational commitments. Later I formed a small street club with the help of my brother and neighbors in 2009 and played lots of matches with them. Usually played matches against that older B licensed club and other schools. Played against Pakistan U19 squad as well but only once.
Bad part of any player’s career is getting injured and that happened to me and I got through an operation [2010]
When that injury was fresh our college participated in Federal Board Competition and for the first time I applied as Keeper and became the first choice Keeper for my College team and we reached to Semifinals.
Now I play as Central Defensive Midfielder and Keeper.
But after that Semifinal, my injury worsened and I was operated again and that led to the downfall of my football career.
Still I never gave up my love for football, In 2011 I got admission in NUST and I lead 2nd string team of my department. Even when no one is available I try to bring people together to play. Next year my little brother Bilal joined my university and he became part of NUST Football team and plays for A licensed club of Islamabad as well and I love watching him excel. He did what I couldn’t do due to my injury and I cheer him. He still plays in odd competitions though.
My football career was shortened but my passion for football grew stronger and I try to follow every match of my country live, graphic or even just in comments. So my all thanks goes to FootballPakistan.com and my fellows who still believe in me and plays with me.
This article is part of the exclusive reader-submitted series ‘FPDC Stories’. If you too want your footballing story heard, email us at s.sohail@footballpakistan to get published.