Strength in Adversity: The Sohail Rehman story

“A crisis creates the opportunity to dip deep into the reservoirs of our very being, to rise to levels of confidence, strength, and resolve that otherwise we didn’t think we possessed.”
― Jon M. Huntsman Sr., Winners Never Cheat: Even in Difficult Times

It is always refreshing to encounter individuals who push beyond their limitations to achieve feats that are incongruent with their situation. The story of the 22 year old Sohail Rehman, who became the world’s first wheel chair bound coach for able-bodied players after gaining his FA coaching badges last year, is one of such.  Born with the debilitating condition spinal muscular atrophy, Sohail was confined to a wheel chair at the age of thirteen, but defied odds to qualify as a coach.

While that is a feat in itself, being the first man in his circumstances to do so, the young Manchester United fan made such an impression when he did a coaching session with United that he has been signed up by the club to work specifically with the club’s academy. His role, which is to coach teenagers who go to the club for a trial and also to visit schools to train children on behalf of United, is vital in shaping the next generation of stars.

For a man, whose dream of playing football was cut short, but managed to channel his passion for the game into sports development, culminating in his earning his FA badges despite his limitations, Sohail Rehman has the opportunity to share the sterling qualities that has distinguished him with young players of the future and inspire them to greater heights.

Accolades must also go to Manchester United for achieving this historical new signing and making a young man’s dream come true.

So, to you out there, who perhaps is considering quitting: Don’t consider the limitations or the barriers that are set before you. Be steadfast and totally committed to your dream. Daily take the necessary steps in that direction and the walls will surely come crumbling down.