I. Raj Kumar (41), the Head coach of the First Kick School, Coimbatore, is a C- licensed coach and a passionate footballer. Raj Kumar, along with a few other footballers started a club in the name Stadium Football Club in the year 2000, which later came to be known for what it is today.

Raj Kumar has brought laurels to the district by winning tournaments at the State, national and international level. The coach also had the pride of having an International Trophy in his name. Raj Kumar is also an appointed player of Coimbatore Textool team, and has been with the team for six years.

Raj Kumar’s all time favourite and inspiration is the Brazilian legend Ronaldinho. “I have been playing for 25 years and have represented Tamil Nadu under different categories”, he said. In 1999, Raj Kumar was made the captain of Tamil Nadu U-21 team. He has also represented Annamalai University for five consecutive years.

When asked about his experience with kids, he says: “Being with kids helps me share many tips that are useful for their football career. The kids are like clay and the coaches should be strong mentally and physically in shaping them. Motivation helps the kids in improving their skills and techniques.”

On the winning streak of their team, he said that hard work and dedication towards game were the reasons behind their team’s success. “The kids here are regular in their practice session, they are working very hard and they deserve victories,” he said.