When Jai Ingham moved from Brisbane to Melbourne to pursue his soccer career, he wanted to put his name in front of the two Melbourne based A-League clubs.
Having spent time with the Brisbane Roar youth side, which included one A-League appearance, Ingham moved to NPL side Hume City last year.
As Hume City became the fairytale story of last year’s FFA Cup, making it through the final four of the nationwide tournament, Ingham and his teammates were thrust on to the national stage.
While Hume City’s run ended at the hands of reigning A-League premier Melbourne Victory, the journey was only just beginning for Ingham.
Victory coach Kevin Muscat liked what he saw in the cup game and practice matches between the two sides.
“My coach [Louie Acevski] received a call from Kevin and he asked if I could come down and trial with the club,” Ingham said.
“They gave me an opportunity and I was very confident going into the trial that if I did my best I would be a chance.”
After a month of trialling with the Victory, Ingham, 22, was signed by the club on the first day of January’s transfer period.
Not only did they sign him for the rest of this season but also for next season, too.
“It has been an unbelievable experience … it’s a dream come true,” Ingham said.
“Even if I got a six-month contract I was hoping they would be happy enough with my game to extend my contract. Having two years gives me time to learn.
“They’ve made me feel really welcome and I’ve enjoyed my time here so far … the Victory set up is like no other and professionalism of the boys is really good.”
Ingham said it was an easy choice to sign with Victory despite other clubs wanting his signature.
“There was interest from overseas, in Asia,” he said. “My main aim is to try and work through the ranks here before going overseas.
“I’m still young and I want to learn my trade at the biggest and most professional club in Australia.”
Ingham didn’t have to wait long to make his debut for Victory, coming off the bench against Central Coast Mariners just days after signing.
He has been an unused substitute in two of the next three games.
“Coming off the bench was unbelievable … I’ve never seen a crowd anything like it,” he said. “There were so many messages from supporters hoping I did my best.
“It was nerve-wracking coming on at 3-2. To get a draw after a very gusty comeback, to get that kind of result, was a very good feeling.”
While many Melbourne Victory supporters are learning who Ingham is, Hume City coach Louie Acevski was unsurprised to see Victory sign him.
“Jai worked hard and he fits in with the victory model,” Acevski said.
“He is explosive and likes to score out wide, so I wasn’t surprised to see him get a chance.
“It is great for the kid to get that opportunity.”
Ingham was full of praise for his former side.
“Hume is a very good and very professional club,” he said.
“Louie is a good coach and he taught me a lot. It shows the juniors from Hume that they can come through an NPL side into bigger leagues.”
Ingham’s aim for the rest of the season is to continue to learn as much as possible.
His mentors at Victory include former Australian player Archie Thompson.
Muscat said Ingham was an exciting prospect who he believed would complement the Victory squad and play his role when he gets the opportunity.
“Having a coach like Kevin – I’ve learnt so much off him already,” Ingham said.
“Hopefully I can work my way into the starting 11 over the next year.
“Everyone wants to be in your shoes, being a professional footballer, so I know I have to work hard to stay here.
“Archie’s the best and welcomed me with open arms. I sit next to him in the change room and I’ve learnt a lot from him. You can see why he’s been a successful player on and off the field.”
