In Ganderbal, a football coach funds an academy from his pocket to locate and train the new generation of sportspersons reports Ishtiyak Magray
Talent alone cannot guarantee success in any sport. To showcase this talent, one needs proper training, mentoring, and timely conditioning for players.
Amir Sofi, 28, a football coach from Gadaroo, a village located four kilometres from Ganderbal, embodied this philosophy by establishing an academy to nurture young and promising football talents in the district.
SA Football Academy, situated near Physical Education College Ganderbal, was founded in 2021, offering free training to youngsters with minimal external support.
Amir’s journey into football is a testament to his unwavering passion. Born into a family with no prior connection to the sport, he was drawn to football when he noticed children his age playing in the streets. At the tender age of 4, Amir kicked off his football journey.
“Every winter morning, I would embark on a five-kilometre journey to a football ground, driven by my childhood passion for the game,” Amir recalls.
As Amir grew up, he continued playing football in nearby fields, taking inspiration from his brother, who was also playing football locally. “He used to play for the local team, and whenever he went to the ground, he would take me along. I would watch him play with great enthusiasm,” Amir said.
Amir had the potential to become a promising midfielder for any team. However, at the peak of his playing career, he faced a life-altering choice: continue his personal football journey or invest in nurturing young talent from his local community. He chose the latter.
At Personal Cost
With no external funding or support, Amir embarked on a journey to identify young football enthusiasts in his area. His relentless efforts culminated in the formation of the SFA Football Academy in 2021, where he began offering free training to youngsters of various age groups. Amir had turned his dream into a reality.
“My dream was to establish a football academy, and I am profoundly grateful to the Almighty Allah and those who supported me along the way,” Amir says with pride.
Amir’s family, especially his father and brother, played a pivotal role in motivating him to set up the academy. They recognised the importance of diverting the youth from negative influences such as smoking and other vices.
Despite juggling his roles as a young football coach and a government employee, Amir has consistently covered all the expenses related to team management, uniforms, equipment, and travel from his own pocket. At times, he would allocate half of his salary to support the academy.
“I don’t charge any fees from the students; I bear all the expenses myself. Managing the daily affairs of the academy is challenging, but I remain committed to the cause,” Amir affirms.
While Amir’s dedication is unwavering, the academy has received limited support from a few sponsors who provide training kits and essential resources. However, the support remains insufficient to cater to the needs of the ever-growing number of children attending the academy.
Qualified Coach
Amir possesses an AIFF (All India Football Federation) ‘D’ License and has imparted training to over 100 talented players from various parts of the district and beyond. His goal goes beyond just honing football skills; it aims to inspire young players, offer them hope for a brighter future, and guide them away from the dark shadows of drug addiction.
The primary motivation behind establishing this academy was to counter the alarming rise in drug addiction among the youth. Amir envisioned providing a platform to rescue the younger generation from the clutches of addiction, offering them a healthier alternative through sports.
“When we speak about drug addiction, it is often just words,” Amir regrets. “Little is done to address the problem at its root. I wanted to make a difference by providing our youth with a choice, saving them from the grip of drugs. Sports can be a powerful alternative.”
Looking ahead, Amir’s ambition extends beyond the academy itself. He aspires to elevate the club to a level where it serves as a role model and a beacon of hope for others.
The Trainees
The SFA trains students across age groups, catering to 8, 10, 12, and 16-year-olds. Amir ensures that training gear is provided, recognising that many students come from underprivileged families.
Football has transformed Amir’s life. It has not only earned him respect, recognition, and personal satisfaction but has also instilled in him a sense of duty. He believes it is his responsibility to train young talents to the best of his abilities, enabling them to pursue professional football careers.
His father, Bashir Ahmed Sofi, beams with pride when he talks about his son. “My heart swells with pride when I hear about him. At an age when others might be drawn into negative activities, my son has chosen to open an academy to channel the energy and aspirations of local youth.”
The impact of Amir Sofi’s unwavering dedication to the community and the youth goes beyond the football field, offering hope and a pathway to a brighter future for countless young talents.
