Oliver D'Souza becomes India's first ever wheelchair bound football coach

Oliver D’Souza has overcome all odds to earn his coaching badges

In what could be the first in India, the nation has got their first ever wheelchair bound football coach in Oliver D'Souza. The 32-year-old had enrolled in the AIFF-D license coaching certificate at Cooperage in August and successfully cleared the course.

“I am very happy that I have cleared the course. It was a long wait but nevertheless a sweet one. With passing the course there is an added responsibility on my shoulders,” D'Souza said.

Oliver believes that it was his first ladder towards coaching.

“I always wanted to do coaching, but people told me that I can't do because of my physical attributes. But now that I have the license I can officially do coaching,” he answered.

For starters, he wants to take up grassroots coaching.

“That is first on my mind. I would like to take that assignment first and then take it ahead. I am extremely happy that I cleared the course. And it can't have been a better opportunity for me,” he further said.

D'Souza recalled how some senior coaches had once rejected him because of his physical inability. He would also be called for WIFA Grassroots course which is scheduled later this month.

“In near future, my aim is to take up a professional team. But I would make my way through the ladder. I believe in hard work and that is what I want to take it ahead,” he added.

D’Souza was involved in a freak accident a decade ago as he broke his spinal cord and since then he has been restricted to his wheelchair. But he did not let his disability get the better of him as kept up his relentless desire to take up coaching.