For Harpreet Singh, playing in I-League first division was his biggest dream. Not only he wanted to play at the highest level in India but also rub shoulders with the best in the business with the likes of Bhaichung Bhutia and Sunil Chhetri. Part of his dream has come true as the Chandigarh Football Academy lad was recently signed by newly promoted first division I-League team Pune FC. "Harpreet, along with Baljinder Singh, Johny Kumar and Pankaj Negi had gone to five trials for Pune FC. However, only Harpreet was able to impress them with his skills," revealed Harjinder Singh, coach, CFA.

However, his dreams to play alongside veterans like Bhutia will take some time as the CFA lad has been recruited for the Under-19 team, as per the norms of AIFF. "The AIFF has stipulated that all the I-League clubs should have Under-19 and Under-15 teams. He is still young and he has just crossed past the Under-17 category. If he does his training well then we will definitely see him playing in I-League in next two-three years," explained coach Tejinder Kumar.

It is pertinent to mention that Pune FC, formed two years back, have qualified for the first division I-League for the season 2009-10 along with FC Lajong, Viva Kerala and Salgaocar FC. And young Harpreet Singh couldn't have asked for me as the newly promoted club has signed India's number one goalkeeper Subrata Paul.

There is no doubt that the Punjab lad will blossom into a fine custodian under the former Mohun Bagan player's wings.

... contd.