Ash Rahman in Bahia, eastern Brazil, joining other international coaches to train children

IT is often whispered that England invented football, but it was Brazil who perfected it.

And for one top coach, a “truly life-changing” trip to Salvador in Bahia has been described as a special experience that has “rejuvenated” his “pure love” of the beautiful game.

Ash Rahman, co-founder of Pro Touch SA, tackled the 5,000-plus-mile journey from the artificial pitches in Market Road, Islington, to eastern Brazil to help coach underserved favela communities.

“Anyone who knows me knows that I’m not one to be lost for words, but I’m struggling to describe just how special it was,” said Ash, who lives in King’s Cross.

“The pure love that I felt over the course of 12 unforgettable days has rejuvenated my love and confidence for coaching.

“The way that the children welcomed me and embraced the training sessions created such an energy. It was a truly life-changing experience.”

Ash was invited to Brazil by Fernando Brosler, the man behind the Dani Cup, an annual football tournament held in Salvador that attracts over 1,000 youth teams and more than 20,000 young players.

With funding from Salvador City Hall and the Bahia state government, Ash joined other international coaches to train thousands of children.

He said: “This was not a holiday, it was a mission rooted in purpose and passion.

“Each day was intense, yet inspiring. Mornings began with two 90-minute coaching sessions – one for primary school children, the other for older kids. We would run a series of challenging drills working on things like speed, strength and close control.

“After a short break, I would move on to a new neighbourhood to repeat the same structure in the afternoon with fellow coaches from Brazil and Germany. By the end of the programme, we had worked with well over 4,200 children and young people.”

The 44-year-old added: “What moved me the most wasn’t just the volume of participants, but their energy, resilience and joy.

“Many of these children came from incredibly tough backgrounds, yet they showed up every day with enthusiasm and a genuine love for the game.

“Despite the lack of resources, their hunger to learn and connect was palpable. Football became our shared language – a bridge that closed cultural gaps and built instant bonds.

“We shared more than just drills and tactics, we shared laughter, stories and plenty of high-fives.

“And thanks to the partnership between Pro Touch and Charity Boots, I was also able to take a suitcase full of donated football boots and trainers – essential gear that went to those who needed it most.

“Seeing the joy on the children’s faces as they received these items was a powerful reminder of how small gestures can make a lasting impact.”

Ash now returns to Market Road to run his regular Sunday sessions. But even with 28 years of coaching experience under his belt, he admits that he’s still making mistakes, and is ready to keep on learning.

He said: “Being in Brazil reminded me of where my own journey began, as a 16-year-old volunteer coach at the Calthorpe Project in King’s Cross, and why I continue to use sport as a tool to inspire change.

“Football is so much more than a game. It has the power to unite, uplift and transform. To witness that first-hand in the heart of Bahia’s favelas was humbling. To be a part of that, even for a short while, is something I will carry with me forever.”

Telling his Pro Touch players to prepare for a whole new ball game, Ash continued: “My sessions at Market Road often focus on team training; defending as a unit, and how to move around the pitch together as a team. But now, in groups, I also want to work and engage with the individual.

“I want to get back to being a more technical coach who can help each and every player within the group improve their first touch and control, how to drop a shoulder and accelerate, help them build confidence and be able to work in small spaces.

“And, most importantly, I want to make sure all the players are enjoying training as much as possible and not just going through the motions.”