R. Johnson, a football coach, is all too familiar with the struggles of a young footballer trying to break into the big league.
“I was born and raised in a football-loving family. Yet, I could not establish myself as a football player without a struggle,” says Johnson.
Johnson wants to spare youngsters the challenges he himself faced; he trains underprivileged children, free of cost.
He started Premier Soccer Academy, a non-commercial venture, at the Corporation ground in Kodambakkam, in 2009, along with six other coaches.
“There were many potential footballers in localities in and around Kodambakkam. These children resided at housing board tenements and in slum areas in the region. We realised that many of these children were growing in a harmful environment; so, we approached and encouraged them to join us on the ground. And it paid off. They picked up the game well and fast. Today, some are playing for other clubs and earning as well,” says Johnson.
Currently, Johnson provides football training for youngsters from Anna Nagar and neighbouring localities, including Mogappair, Maduravoyal, Vanagaram, Choolaimedu and Aminjikarai. He continues to extend free football coaching to underprivileged children, including orphans and cancer patients.
“We collect a nominal from the children who can afford a fee, as we practise on a rented ground,” he adds.
Many of his mentees have played at state and national level tournaments.
He trains around 70 students, who are below 14 years of age, every weekend, between 3.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m.
“The main aim of the initiative is to empower underprivileged children,” he says.
Johnson can be contacted at 8778033190.