My kids inspired me to get in love with the beautiful game of football, says Radhika Kumar of Nasinu.
A few months ago Radhika completed her first-ever futsal coaching certificate and now voluntarily assists Fiji Football Association in its grassroots development program at Academy Ground in Vatuwaqa, Suva.
With an interview with Fiji FA Media, Radhika 37 said she had passion for football when she was a kid.
“Actually I had passion for football when I used to watch my dad and brothers play, but you know during those days we were not allowed to play football, “she said
“I never thought I will come back into football till my two kids grew up and started taking part in the Fiji FA Grassroots Development program at Fiji FA Academy in Vatuwaqa,”
Radhika said it all started on her son Ayaan Raj Kumar’s 13th birthday.
“He didn’t want any gift from us but to take him to a football development program and we agreed,” she said
“So we came to know about the Fiji FA grassroots development program and brought both our kids here.
“Coming here in the program I saw how passionate my kids were.
“My youngest one Reyansh Aarish Kumar who is 10 years old also joined, so that made me come and watch them train,”
“While watching them train I got inspired and was reminded of my young days so I joined them. They motivated me.
“I am more thankful to my husband Rajneel who is very supportive towards our involvement in football,”
“Me and my husband dedicated ourselves to our kids passion for the sport and that made me take a coaching course in futsal,”
“I was given an opportunity to take part in the Northland Tailevu Regional Club futsal coaching course with my husband which was conducted by Fiji FA.
“That really brought me in the game.
“Whatever I learned from the course I applied the tactics with my kids and I can see they have developed very well.”
“Even we have a futsal team in the Northland Tailevu Regional Club League which we are coaching”
“I would like to thank Northland Tailevu FA for giving me an opportunity to be part of their football family,”
“My aim is to move towards the grassroots development coaching course and help the development of football in the country.”
“I would also like to thank Fiji FA for giving me the opportunity to be with the development officers and learn during the program,”
She said age was not a barrier
“If you have passion for something go for it and work hard to achieve it,” Radhika said
