M. Saravanan, a known name in soccer, has for his inspiration Brazilian star Ronaldinho. Secretary of the Fist Kick School of Soccer Foundation, Saravanan has played the sport at different level across the globe. He is one of the major reasons for the existence of First Kick School of Soccer Foundation.

Saravanan, who started his career at a young age, is today a big inspiration to young football talents in the city at 45. “The motive of First Kick School of Soccer Foundation is to identify young talent”, he said.

Saravanan is an appointed player of Income Tax Department and also a shortlisted player for an appointment in Postal Department and the Electricity Board. “I got all these three appointments during my Youth Nationals and finally, I made my way towards Income Tax”. With the Income Tax team he won many laurels, which include an All India Championship trophy held at Kolkata and Bengaluru.

Considered to be a threat to his opponents, Saravanan has single- handedly taken his teams to victory, with his classy passes. “I had good coaches to guide me and that has helped me achieve this” he said.

The midfield maestro had been a part of Senior Indian veteran team in Malaysia and the team which emerged runner-up in South Africa this year. The veteran also represented Youth and Junior nationals at Meghalaya and Kolkata respectively. The iconic footballer also represented Bharathiar university football team for three consecutive years.

Now he is guiding young footballers in sports as well as education. “The kids in the Kick School are really talented and are working hard. People in Coimbatore can approach us anytime time when their kids need to pursue a career in football”, he concluded.