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In today’s edition of stories that unfold passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment, we bring you the journey of a man whose path is truly worth sharing. In a wholesome tête-à-tête with BBFS’ very own, Hendrickson Lyngskor, we delve into the transformative power of following one’s true calling.
A Quest For Purpose
Before finding his calling, Hendrickson dedicated his time to other fields of work. Once entrenched into the buzzing IT scene of Bangalore, he decided to move to Shillong to continue the same line of work at the Tata Consultancy Service. While he was working there, Hendrickson also layed a pivotal role in the introduction of smart class initiatives, at his part-time gig as a technician and trainer at St. Gabriel High School. His keen eye for talent didn’t go unnoticed as he nurtured budding footballers during after-school training sessions, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors.
He spent the next two years working as a second officer at a bank in Shillong, followed by his time at the Mahatma Gandhi University as a Centre head, until he decided it was time to take an important, giant leap. Embracing his calling, Hendrickson transitioned into the role of a grassroots developer and a head coach for Royal Wahingdoh FC.
A Fateful Encounter
The stars seem to have aligned because Hendrickson met Bhaichung Bhutia in 2016, and they shared their vision for grassroots football in Shillong. This led to Hendrickson’s introduction to Ankit Arora, BBFS’s CEO. From there on, Hendrickson’s journey with BBFS took flight, spearheading initiatives in the Shillong region and beyond.
In 2017, the opening of BBFS’s first residential academy in the North East marked a significant milestone. Recognizing Hendrickson’s leadership and commitment, Ankit offered him a full-time role as a football coach, later transitioning to the position of residential academy manager.
Inherited Passion
Hendrickson’s father, a banker, played a pivotal role in shaping his son’s passion for football. Despite his own experiences and challenges as a former footballer, Hendrickson’s father nurtured the local team in their community club, providing sponsorship and management. Witnessing his father’s dedication and love for the sport from a young age ignited Hendrickson’s own interest in football. However, due to his father’s concerns about the hardships associated with pursuing a career in football, Hendrickson was initially discouraged from actively participating in the sport. It wasn’t until later, during his college years, that he began to pursue football more seriously, recognizing a void in his life that traditional work couldn’t fill. This early influence from his father, combined with his own calling, laid the groundwork for Hendrickson’s eventual journey into the football industry.
The Long Game
For Hendrickson, the decision to remain with BBFS for seven years was not just about career progression; it was a testament to the organization’s unique culture and values. As he reflects on his journey, he sheds light on its pivotal role in fostering loyalty and commitment among employees. “You won’t find a culture like BBFS anywhere else. And, the best part is that there’s no hierarchy here”, he shares. He also emphasises the open communication channels that exist within the organization.
Hendrickson highlighted individuals like Ankit Arora, Kishore, and Sunil Patwal, who have been instrumental in motivating and guiding him throughout his journey. He expressed appreciation for the CEO’s willingness to engage with employees on a personal level, discussing problems openly and offering solutions.
“I found fulfilment at BBFS, that’s why I chose to stay”
Stepping Up
As Hendrickson’s journey with BBFS evolved, so did his role: as of March 2023, he transitioned from a football coach to a residential academy manager.
As a manager, he navigates a multitude of responsibilities each day. From offering guidance and assurance to new students and their parents, his role beyond administrative duties extends to serving as a mentor to coaches.
“I don’t exactly help them plan their day, but I show them how to get work done more effectively. I don’t push my coaches, I guide them. And I make sure they feel free enough to express their difficulties so that we can work on solving them together.” Hendrickson’s influence extends to every corner of the campus. When I ask him about what he enjoys most about his current role, here’s what he has to say: “I love talking to children from different backgrounds. I’d like to think that by mentoring them the right way, I can help them take the right steps to success. That drives me.”
Lessons Learned
Hendrickson’s journey at BBFS has been a transformative one, marked by profound personal growth and invaluable insights. One key lesson he emphasizes is the importance of patience—something he admits to be lacking initially. “I couldn’t control my anger, I didn’t have any patience. But I believe I’m a much better person now with my interactions at BBFS.”
Through his experiences at the academy, he has learned that patience is not merely a virtue but a fundamental skill in navigating the journey of coaching and mentorship. By actively listening to players and fellow coaches, Hendrickson admits that he has discovered how solutions often present themselves maturally when given the space to emerge. Though still a work in progress, he’s made significant strides in keeping his cool, showcasing resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
He confesses how it has made him a better coach and a better person.
Aspiring For Greatness
Hendrickson’s aspirations for BBFS are rooted in a desire for independence and autonomy. Currently, navigating partnerships can be cumbersome, hindering BBFS’s ability to fully realize its vision. He states how establishing its own infrastructure, including a dedicated school and academy, BBFS could unlock limitless potential . “We will be able to do a lot of things- we’ll be able to achieve a lot more”, he shares, passionately. Ultimately, Hendrickson’s vision for BBFS is one of empowerment, where the organization can chart its own course and shape the future of football development in India.
The Future of Indian Football:
Hendrickson was kind enough to oblige and respond to a controversial topic regarding India’s challenges in FIFA qualification. He states his frustration at the lack of effort from certain clubs and associations. Bringing our attention to the fact that while some individuals and academies work hard to groom talented players, he states how major clubs and associations often fall short. He cites the example of Meghalaya, where the state association has been inactive despite government initiatives like the Grassroot Project. Hendrickson stresses the importance of grassroots tournaments in nurturing talent. He wisely states how its not just training, but competition that is essential for player development.
Giving us a glimpse into the mind of a passionate man who knows his field, Hendrickson goes on to highlight the absence of a cohesive structure for youth development, particularly after players outgrow grassroots programs. He suggests that without proper pathways, talented players may fall through the cracks. Despite these challenges, Hendrickson sees BBFS playing a crucial role in bridging gaps by scouting talent from all over, especially various northeastern states.
For those looking to join BBFS, Hendrickson’s take is simple: “We have a great culture at BBFS. People love to work here. There’s freedom- you can voice out your opinion at any point of time. So, to those people who are really passionate about football, and want to work in the field, BBFS is the right place for you.”
Read more about BBFS Residential Academy
#97: Building a Legacy: Vivek Rawat’s Coaching Journey
#96: Training Titans: The Elite Football Experience at BBFS Residential Academy
#95: From Underdogs to National Contenders: The Rise of Snipers FC
#94: Mental Health Matters: How BBFS is Changing the Game for Young Footballers
