Vinil Poojary: “It was a dream to become a footballer, and I’m living my dreams”

by Rounak Majumdar April 21, 2020

Vinil Poojary made his debut for Churchill Brothers on 28th October 2018. Growing up in Mumbai, Vinil always had aspirations to replicate what Indian internationals Rahul Bheke and his brother Nikhil Poojary does in the football field.

When Vinil started, he dedicated his time to athletics in school. As he recalls, his mother always wanted him to take part in all the sporting activities that his school, St. Augustine organized. As the saying goes in Mumbai, St. Augustine is famous for its footballing history and their efficient structure for producing players. Vinil always looked up to his brother, Nikhil, who already made his place into the team and continued his efforts to make a place in the football team. He was a 7-year-old when his coach, Mr Sunil Poojary and Mr Amjad Khan called him up to be a part of the team.

I started as a little four-year-old. My mom always wanted me to participate in every sport in school. My brother was already playing for the school football team. At first, I was selected for athletics. Haha, I still remember I was very chubby and no one thought I’d get into playing football one day. Later, I got selected in the school football team after a lot of practice. At that time, I was 7, playing for the Under-8 team in school – Vinil Poojary

Under Coach Amjad Khan’s guidance, Vinil was developing well. Looking at his improvements, Mr Amjad sent Vinil for the Maharashtra U-15 trials. With his capabilities, Vinil made a place into the team. Soon, while he was representing Maharashtra, Poojary was noticed by Mr Kundan Chandra. Mr Chandra was associated with Mumbai FC back in the time. Observing Vinil’s attributes, he offered him a trial in the team. That, as Vinil recalls, was the turning point in his career.

I was called by Kundan Chandra sir for Mumbai FC U-15 trials and that was like a huge turning point in my career. I got selected after giving my best and started playing for Mumbai FC U-15. – Vinil Poojary

Vinil went on to represent Mumbai FC Junior outfits for the next three years. His next leap came when Maharashtra football team called for his services. He was an 18-year-old. Representing Mumbai FC U-18 in a practice match against the Maharashtra football team, Vinil’s exuberance caught the attention of the opposition team staff. After the match, the Maharashtra Santosh Trophy team coach, Mr. Godfrey Pereira immediately contacted and included him into the Santosh Trophy team.

There was a practice match between Mumbai FC U-18 and Maharashtra Santosh Trophy team. The team was going to travel in 4 days. Seeing my performance in the practice match, Godfrey Pereira called me for a medical test the next day. The next morning, I was a part of the Maharashtra Santosh Trophy team. – Vinil Poojary

Having played for the Maharashtra football team in the Santosh Trophy, it was quite understandable that Vinil was slated to play for the Mumbai FC senior team once he gets back from his state duties.

It was 2017 when Vinil was called for the Mumbai FC senior team. As luck would have it, in his very first opportunity to play in the national league, team Mumbai FC was disbanded. Failing to kick-off his career in the national league, Vinil signed for the Bengaluru based Ozone FC. It was a year of sheer hard work, determination, and dedication that Vinil had put up to script a new chapter of his life.

I must say, the opportunity I received from Coach Arshad Hussein to play for Ozone FC structured my career path. I have got to learn a lot from Ozone FC under coach David Booth and Mr Harshad Hussein. They had helped me grow as a player and I improved a lot after that season – Vinil Poojary

Finally, in October 2018, he got the breakthrough. He was approached by Birbal Sports & Entertainment LLP and they ensured him a slot in the I-League. He signed for Churchill Brothers. In his first season, Poojary had the opportunity to play a total of 5 matches. After two years, Poojary is now playing frequently and proving his mettle when a chance comes his way.

The coaches were impressed by my performance in the trials and I signed for Churchill Brothers FC for 2 years. It has been again an amazing journey so far and I’m getting to learn a lot of things. It has been a great experience playing under Bernardo Tavares. He is very hardworking and professional. He gives freedom to all players but also gives each one their responsibilities. I learnt a lot from him each day. – Vinil Poojary

Vinil has always aspired to become like his brother, Nikhil Poojary. Nikhil is currently plying his trade for the ISL based Hyderabad FC. He has also been a part of the national team in the recent past. Both of them have been a celebrated pair since college days. Nikhil and Vinil were a pivotal part in Pillai College’s several accolades. Speaking to his brother, Nikhil reminisces their childhood days.

I still remember his childhood days. He was a fat kid and used to stay indoors and watch TV. From those old days till now, Vinil has come a long way and made all of us proud. I think his last year with Churchill Brothers was the breakthrough point in his career and if he keeps his head down and focuses on bettering himself, he will go a long way. – Nikhil Poojary

With sheer passion and perseverance, Vinil apprised that he wants to fulfil his father’s dreams of playing for the national team alongside his brother.

My ultimate goal is to play for the Indian national team. It has always been my dream to get into the senior national team and score goals for my country. I have always worked hard for it ever since I started my career in football. I would like to fulfil my dad’s dream by coming up and playing with my brother. Waiting for the day my hard work pays off and I live my dreams – Vinil Poojary

The first day when Vinil was made a part of his school team, he could sense what he was destined to become, and he is steadily working his way up the ladder to reach the destination.

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