Artur Boruc was born on 20th February 1980 in Siedlce. He lived in Wyszyński Street and there, since he was a boy, he chased the ball on closely situated playgrounds and school pitch. ‘Parents had totally different approaches towards my passion’ – says Artur – ‘my dad (Władysław), who used to be a hockey player in Pogoń Siedlce, supported me from the very beginning. My mum (Jadwiga) wasn’t that supportive as she didn’t seem to believe that my hobby would be any of good for me.’ Also his grand mother Helenka was sceptical about it, as she often was telling Artur: ‘Remember, football will not feed you!’. Fortunately for Artur, it turned out that she was wrong ;) Little Artur was the top of the class until the day when his elder brother Robert took him for a practice of Pogoń Siedlce. ‘It was in 1989’ – says ‘Archie’ – ‘at the beginning, as every kid I dreamed to play in the front and score goals. But they wanted me to be a goalkeeper, so I was. And I keep doing it.’ – he adds with a smile. Artur was very lucky – his talent was very soon recognised by the trainer Józef Topczewski and young Boruc became the first goalkeeper in Pogoń junior team. In 1993 together with Pogoń Siedlce Junior Team he played in his first serious football tournament – it was the Dana Cup. ‘We finished in the 2nd place. It’s only a shame that I couldn’t play in the final match against Hammerby.’ – says Artur – ‘I sprained my ankle during one of the training sessions and had to finish my participation in the semi-final. Still, we finished in the 2nd place in the general classification so I will have good memories from Denmark anyway.