Making it big in the field of sports isn’t for the weak. Neither does it specifically cater to strongest on the field. But the game rewards individuals with great passion and even greater discipline. Sunny Uppal’s journey into the world of football coaching is one such example.

His story marks passion, perseverance, and a deep love for the sport. Now serving as the Head Coach of the under-15 squad in NRL Academy at Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS), Sunny is a powerful example of how dedication and hard work can lead to success, even when faced with mighty challenges.

How it Started

Growing up in Greater Noida, Sunny’s first love was cricket. However, his life took a significant turn when Divya Joshi, a player who would become instrumental in his development, introduced him to football. Seeing potential in Sunny, Divya encouraged him to take on leadership roles, making him captain of their school team for two consecutive years. This experience ignited a passion for football that would shape Sunny’s path in life.

Sunny’s journey as a player was no less than a rollercoaster of andversity and achievements. Playing A-division football by the 9th grade, Sunny went on to join Uttarakhand FC, helping the club reach the senior division. However, his path was riddled with difficulties, from financial struggles to a lack of support at home, as his parents were initially against his pursuit of a football career. Despite these setbacks, Sunny’s determination never wavered. He routinely woke up at 3:45 AM, rode his bicycle to early morning training, and then attended school—a testament to his unyielding passion for the game.

The Transition to Coaching

After earning his D license at the age of 18, Sunny struggled to find consistent work, taking on part-time coaching jobs at small academies. It wasn’t until a friend mentioned a job at BBFS that Sunny’s coaching journey truly began.

At BBFS, Sunny first started working across various age groups, from under-6 to under-17. His diligence and natural coaching ability were soon recognized, and he rapidly moved up the ranks, eventually becoming a junior mentor and now a full-fledged coach. Today, in addition to his role as Head Coach, Sunny is also the Head of Coach Education at BBFS and the youngest Technical Mentor at 27! Reflecting on his journey, Sunny notes, “I came to BBFS as a boy, and now it has made me a man with strong values.”

Building a Coaching Philosophy at BBFS

As Head Coach of the under-15 squad, Sunny’s coaching philosophy centers on the belief that every individual has the potential to excel. He sees it as the coach’s responsibility to unlock that potential. This philosophy aligns perfectly with BBFS’s core values, which emphasize transparency, trust, and treating everyone with respect. Sunny’s approach has been instrumental in shaping the careers of young footballers, many of whom have gone on to achieve great success.

A Supportive Community

When asked about the culture at BBFS, Sunny expresses a genuine appreciation for his place of work. He highlights the invaluable lessons he’s learned from those he’s worked with, from his first Centre Head, Deepak Giri, to the pivotal guidance of Anup Singh, whom he describes as a brother and mentor. He fondly mentions Vikas Rawat as one of the individuals at BBFS that he looks up to. Sunny credits his parents, who despite their initial reservations supported him. “My father and mother,” he reflects, “raised me to fight against our middle-class challenges and instilled the values that have made me who I am today.” Another early influence was Mohamed Rafique Sir, his childhood football coach, who nurtured his passion for the game. “Please mention Sir”, he says, “I’m very grateful to Rafique Sir.”  

Sunny remembers his experience at BBFS during COVID-19, and shares that, even though the pandemic brought its own set of challenges, BBFS’s supportive environment allowed him to thrive. Despite limited resources during COVID-19, Sunny’s commitment to his players never wavered, pushing through difficult circumstances to continue fostering their growth. He fondly reflects, “I respect BBFS a lot. It gave me the chance to grow and learn in ways I never imagined.”

Under Sunny’s leadership, the under-15 squad has seen remarkable success. From winning state-level competitions to placing third in national tournaments, his impact is clear. Several of his players have been selected for India camps and state teams, a testament to Sunny’s effectiveness as both a coach and a mentor.

A Testimonial from Avani Joshi:

Giving us insights into the experiences of a student training under Sunny, Avani Joshi had nothing but great things to say about his coach:

“I have been training under sunny sir since I was 9yrs old. He always used to put in the extra efforts for us and made our training session much more efficient. I feel like I evolved as a person after training with him for such a long time. I have developed both football and life skills. Sunny sir always pushed us towards team building. He says that, “Football isn’t an individual game, you might be very good as an individual player but if you can’t play in a team, then you can’t reach great heights as a football player.”

I still remember Sir attending training sessions and organising matches for us even when he was injured and had been through a surgery. He always pushed me to give my 200%. 

One could see that even when sir was scolding us, he was just helping us to achieving our goals. Sunny sir, to our team, is not just a coach but also a person who we can talk to about our difficulties, on field as well as off field. He is always there for us, helping us to grow more and more each day.”

Words of Advice for Aspiring Coaches

For those considering a career at BBFS, Sunny keeps it real. He acknowledges that football coaching is inherently challenging but highlights that BBFS provides the resources and support necessary to thrive. “If you’re willing to put in the effort,” Sunny says, “BBFS offers an environment where you can truly grow—both personally and professionally.”

Sunny’s experiences reflect the impact that strong mentorship, a supportive community, and a relentless pursuit of one’s dreams can have on an individual’s life. As Sunny continues to shape the future of young footballers, his journey serves as an inspiration to anyone who’s got a dream and wonders if they can make an impact.

I only hope that at the end of this read, you know that you most certainly can.

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