CHRISTIAN Pollifrone admits wearing black and white vertical stripes have taken some getting used to, but it’s getting more comfortable by the day.
The 19-year-old already feels at home with Brunswick Juventus FC, with the Mildura City Soccer Club alum hoping it’s the first step towards realising his professional dream.
The lighting fast forward impressed in his debut for the Victoria NPL2 club’s Under 21 side, starting and playing about 70 minutes on the right wing during their season opening 3-0 win against rivals Werribee last Friday.
Pollifrone wasn’t lacking in support for game one either with a huge contingent of family and friends filling out the stands of CB Smith Reserve in Fawkner.
The dangerous attacker had been content to play for his boyhood club and continue working on the family table grape farm, however after graduating high school and hitting the back of the net 25 times for City in an undefeated S-League campaign, he felt the urge to try his luck at the next level.
“I had always thought about trying for the next level but honestly it wasn’t really in my mind until I finished school last year,” Pollifrone said.
“I was enjoying being on the farm but I thought I had to back myself and at least see what I can do.
“It’s been really good, I’ve been enjoying it. Honestly I think the black and red suits me better but I’m happy to be wearing the black and white.
“After completing trials and a big pre-season for the club I now can’t imagine myself playing anywhere else. It’s already become a home away from home.
“It was a bit hard moving away especially having been on the farm but it’s a new adventure and a new lifestyle.”
While Pollifrone has made a bright start to the Under 21 season he doesn’t have plans to remain there for the year as he targets breaking into the senior team.
The 2021 S-League golden boot winner said he harbours ambitions of playing at the professional level, whether it be in Australia or across the globe.
“Obviously my main goal is to play professionally whether that’s in the A-League or elsewhere,” he said.
“There’s a lot of Australians who are getting opportunities with foreign clubs at all levels and that really drives me to want to it even more.”
As for his boyhood club, Pollifrone will be keeping a close eye on how his former teammates fare when the home and away season begins in late April.
“I’ll be watching City every time I can get home during the season,” he said.
