“The beautiful game” is littered with examples of players who have overcome insurmountable odds and succeeded in their endeavours to pursue a career in football. Pratik Shinde is the youngest Indian to be offered a contract by a foreign club, which happened at the age of 15, when US-based club Galveston Pirates signed the young Mumbaikar.An alumnus of the Kenkre Academy of Mumbai, Shinde was spotted by former Pirates’ and current Houston Hurricanes’ coach Brandon Keyes at the under-14 Gothia Cup in Sweden, where he became an instant hit after scoring against a German team.Becoming a footballer was not easy for Pratik, as he had his fair share of hardships at a tender age. “I come from a poor background. I used to live in the slums and did not have the means to pursue my dreams. My father passed away in 2008. So all in all, it has been a tough ride”, he recollects. The diminutive youngster hails his mother as the most influential and supportive figure in his footballing journey. “My mother has been there for me always. When I told her that I wanted to play football, she never hesitated to provide her support. She has been taking full care of my sisters too. Without her it would not have been possible.”"I am very optimistic about the success of the league over the years."Pratik ShindeShinde also talked about how his mother’s sacrifices shaped his fledgling career. “My mother started taking tuitions after my father passed away. She has always been a selfless person. She saved money so that I could go to the USA and play football.” Pratik also faced several problems while applying for his US visa. “It was so difficult to get my visa. My financial condition was not that great. Even though I received a full scholarship, I had to look for sponsors. I managed to get all the requisite documents, but took a lot of time to get everything arranged.”Earlier, Shinde had received an offer to play for Spanish lower-division club Alvobendas FC, but financial constraints prevented the move. However, a saviour arrived in the form of Galveston coach Keyes, who managed to spirit him to the US. Pratik played 22 games for Houston Hurricanes in 2013, finding the net nine times and providing 11 assists.Now 19, Shinde is a part of the FC Pune City squad in the Hero Indian Super League, and is looking forward to playing in India alongside some of the biggest stars of international football. “The Hero ISL is a great concept and will provide impetus to football in India. I am very optimistic about the success of the league over the years and I believe this will be a great opportunity for young Indian players to compete and play alongside world-class international players” said Shinde when asked about his expectations from the ongoing event. The young lad from Mumbai will be looking to write headlines once again whenever he gets his chance for Pune City.
