Having fled Syria due to the war, Ahmad counts himself as fortunate to be alive. It has not been plain sailing since his arrival at the Azraq Refugee Camp, but football has given him a purpose in life again. He wants to offer children hope where there was once despair, and a chance to be children again.
Ahmad was nominated for the Young Coach Education Programme by our main project partner, World Vision. Although his dream of carving a professional career in football has passed, he is happy in his new role as a coach.
AHMAD
Project: Jordan, September 2016 – November 2016
Parent Organisation: World Vision
Born: 1987
Nationality: Syria
“I come from Homs in Syria. Growing up we didn’t have much money. When I was a child, I played for a football club in Syria where I rose through all the age groups and almost became professional. But I had to leave the club to get a job and help my father earn money.
Two and a half years ago, I had to flee my home country because of the war. I am very lucky I got to Jordan alive; many of the people who fled with me did not survive. After a while in the Azraq Refugee camp, I left to work in a city close to Amman, Madaba. Unfortunately, I got injured on the job and was in a coma for three months. I didn’t have any medical insurance, so I had to return to the camp to get basic medical care.
After I woke up from the coma, people told me I might never be able to walk again. I know that with the injury I sustained, I will not be able to play football on a professional level, but I can still be a coach, train kids – and that is all I want to do now.
Kids have lots of energy, and need to play, but there is nothing here for them to do. This programme helps resolve the problem by providing football and other activities. I will apply everything that I have learned here with enthusiasm and passion, and help the kids fill their time with fun, meaningful, and entertaining activities.
Being here, and taking part in the programme, is a huge relief for me. I feel much better now that I have achieved something by completing the Young Coach Education Programme.”
Our Young Coaches are community leaders and role models in less privileged societies. They commit themselves to support the children of their communities by conveying important social topics (conflict resolution, inclusion, HIV prevention, etc.) through football. Each of the Young Coaches represents a unique personal story.