21 Feb 2014 18:35:50
CELTIC Football Club is delighted to welcome Sohail Rehman to Glasgow. Sohail is just 21, and he is the first wheelchair-bound, fully-qualified football coach in the world.

He suffers from a disability known as spinal muscular atrophy. His real love was always football and, despite enormous difficulty, he played with his friends in the street and for a local team, until, at 13 he was forced into using a wheelchair.

However, as a passionate football fan and player, he was determined not to let the condition push him out of the game.

Sohail has completed his coaching badges, doing his Level 1 and 2 before going on to coach his local club's under-10 team.

When asked by one of his young players: "Coach, don't you ever feel like kicking the ball?" he replied, "You always have to be grateful for what you have. I might not be able to kick the ball, but at least I can see it.there's always someone out there who struggles more than you."

Sohail has also been instrumental in developing the organisation Class on Grass. The aim of the organisation is to help children enjoy sport. Class on Grass aims to get children and their parents out and about and into sport, using a style of fun, friendly, focused, skills-based coaching.

Recently Sir Alex Ferguson wrote to Sohail and said: "I am writing to congratulate you on passing your coaching badges and becoming a qualified football coach.

"It never ceases to amaze me the enthusiasm and effort people put into the game and more importantly in giving their time. May I take this opportunity to wish you all the best for the remainder of the season. Well done!"

Celtic Manager Neil Lennon was delighted to see Sohail at Lennoxtown this morning and echoed the comments of Sir Alex, adding: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Sohail to Celtic, his courage and determination is an example to us all.

"In the face of great adversity Sohail has shown that courage and determination counts for everything in overcoming obstacles.

"It is magnificent now that he will be sharing these great qualities with young players of the future and I am sure they will be inspired by all that he has achieved."

1.) 21 Feb 2014
That makes me feel so humble. All the best Sohail and hope you have a great career at Celtic!

2.) 21 Feb 2014
As above.