Football is more than just a game—it’s a way of life. It is resilience, passion, and the belief that every challenge can be overcome. This is the story of a teacher, a coach who never retired from the process of teaching and learning.

Meet Sushil Kumar Verma, a coach who has dedicated the last 45 years to nurturing football talent—first in Jharkhand and now in Amarakanan, Bankura. Today, he works with students from remote villages, many of whom are too young to navigate their own paths.

Located in a remote village in Bankura district, Shamayita Sports Academy is more than just a training ground. It is now evolving into a residential football academy, aiming to support students from the most underserved communities. Speaking about the academy’s progress, the Director of Sabhayata Math Football emphasised the importance of structured training.

As the head coach of Shamayita Sports Academy, Verma is championing a cause far greater than football—providing education and opportunity to underprivileged children. The academy, nestled in a remote village in Bankura, is not just shaping young footballers but also taking a step toward building a more equitable society.

“Right now, I feel so delighted to be working with these young players and nurturing this part of society. Currently, they have only two days of practice, but we are planning to expand,” he said.

As part of its expansion plans, the academy is looking to provide full-time residential facilities to students from different parts of the region. “We want to ensure they can focus on both football and education. The goal is to establish an English-medium co-ed school, offering a holistic approach to their development,” he added.

The mission is unmistakable, to create pathways for these young players to reach elite academies like Tata Football Academy and eventually make their way into the I-League and beyond.

However, financial struggles remain a significant challenge. Verma acknowledges the difficulty of sustaining the academy without external support.

“The biggest issue is funding. Right now, the school is running entirely on the monastery’s money, but we are looking for more financial backing to ensure the students get what they need. I am not taking any remuneration; instead, I am giving them whatever I have,” he said.

His dedication goes beyond coaching. In 2022, Verma was honoured as the ‘Outstanding Coach of India’ by the Sports Authority of India, receiving a cash prize. Instead of keeping it for himself, he used the entire amount to buy boots, jerseys, and training equipment for his students.

Despite these hurdles, the academy continues to grow. Currently, three dedicated coaches oversee training—two working with the boys and one exclusively coaching the girls. Infrastructure remains a challenge, but Verma remains hopeful.

Shamayita Sports Academy is not just shaping footballers; it is shaping futures. In a region where opportunities are scarce, it stands as a beacon of hope—one kick at a time.