S. Yogesh coaches his students at PTC Football Academy at Navalpattu in Tiruchi on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: M. MOORTHY
Since 2015, S. Yogesh has been helping children in Tiruchi discover the art and joy of playing football by coaching them for free.Currently pursuing his Bachelor of Physical Education at Dindigul, Mr. Yogesh, 24, holds a ‘D’ coaching certificate from All India Football Federation. He has also graduated in English Literature from Jamal Mohamed College and done his MBA from J.J. College of Engineering and Technology.“My brother Tharun and I have always been interested in playing football from a very young age, even though cricket is a more popular team sport in our country. This academy is my attempt to teach others about this beautiful game, especially to children from economically weaker sections of society,” Mr. Yogesh told The Hindu on Tuesday.He credits his parents for encouraging him and his brother to follow their passion for football. “My father is an electrician, and my mother a homemaker. They have always supported our love for football.”The academy functions from a public ground at Anna Nagar, Navalpattu, and is entirely funded by the coach and well-wishers.“This year, I am training 23 boys and eight girls. Most of them are adolescents studying in government schools. We regularly attend matches, and save up any prize money we get to use for the team. Some parents also sponsor our expenses. We spend around ₹5,000 per week on various items. Occasionally, other local football players join in to mentor the kids,” said Mr. Yogesh.Playing on a public ground has its disadvantages, said the young coach. “Our games are usually held after school hours in the evening. There is no lighting here, so anti-social elements start assembling from sunset to consume drinks or drugs. We begin our sessions by clearing all the debris left behind in the night. The local authorities should consider fencing the ground to make it safer for us and other residents who may wish to use the premises,” said Mr. Yogesh.Recently, the coach and students pooled in money to buy a pair of powerful lamps to light the ground during evening playtime.With female students joining the classes, there is a need for changing rooms, he added.“Football teaches children discipline and teamwork. It also keeps their mind off the mobile phone. During exam days, we encourage the children to study for a while after their game is over. I am proud that four of our promising students have been selected for programmes at Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu,” said Mr. Yogesh. Published - August 11, 2026 07:36 pm IST
