A young football coach has successful hosted a community football competition which was backed by two Leeds United players.
Sohail Rehman, 20, was featured by Asian Sunday earlier this year after receiving a congratulatory message from former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, while he was still in charge of the club.
The Keighley coach, who is FA-qualified, was delighted to have Leeds United players Noel Hunt and Ross McCormack come down in support of the tournament and his ambitions.
Hunt said: “It’s great to see, someone with such drive and desire for the beautiful game, and he’s been recognised by Sir Alex and it doesn’t get much bigger than that.”
McCormack added: “Football is a game for everyone and it’s good to see someone like Sohail. He can inspire many.”
The Class on Grass tournament saw players from across West Yorkshire, all from different backgrounds, come together for a competitive and friendly day of football.
Sohail is currently the Head Coach of Class on Grass, which is an organisation that he founded.
Class on Grass aims to introduce children to sport through football by using unique fun-learning techniques to develop real football and other sports skills, in a safe and creative environment that benefits every child.
The football tournament, held on December 15, was the first big event for Sohail and Class on Grass.
Sohail, who is one of very few wheelchair-bound football coaches, is working towards fulfilling his dream of managing in the football league.
The Manchester United fan has also received support from Spanish football pundit Guillem Balague, who invited Sohail to Liverpool for the signing of his new book, which is on the career of Barcelona and Argentine superstar Lionel Messi.
A number of supportive tweets have also been coming in from the likes of former Manchester United Midfielder Quinton Fortune, former World Heavyweight boxer Lennox Lewis, Bursaspor forward Colin Kazim-Richards and many more.
