For poor soccer lovers, Rahul is the only hope

Driven by the commitment to uplift underprivileged children through sports, 31-year-old Rahul Chaveria has become a hope. A former bank employee, Rahul left his stable job to pursue his passion for coaching talented children, who cannot afford training.

Rahul, a sports enthusiast since his school days, began coaching his fellow students in 2010 — just two years after he started playing. “I always enjoyed coaching. Within two years of playing, I realised teaching others gave me immense satisfaction,” he said.

During his five-year stay in Nawanshahr, Rahul connected with the Daily Morning Football Club and began coaching young players there. He also started a small club to train children from slum areas, single-parent households, and families of daily-wage labourers and rickshaw pullers.

“I don’t take any money from those who have talent but cannot afford coaching. Otherwise, the fee is just Rs 1,000,” he added.

After moving to Chandigarh, Rahul continued his mission with even greater determination. He founded the Joy and Jolly Sports Association, where he has employed coaches to train children across various sports.

Over the years, he has coached more than 600 young players — many of whom have gone on to compete at state and national levels. To identify new talent, he regularly visits local grounds and offers training opportunities to promising youngsters.

Rahul recently returned to Nawanshahr where he celebrated his birthday in a unique way — by playing a friendly football match with the Daily Morning Football Club. According to Tarsem Lal, Deputy Mass Media Education & Information Officer from the Civil Surgeon’s Office and Chairman of the Mass Media Wing, the match was played between the Aur Block Football Club and the Daily Morning Football Club Nawanshahr.

The Daily Morning Football Club took the lead in the first half with strong coordination from Rahul and his teammates. Although the Aur Block Football Club fought back in the second half, Nawanshahr secured a 2–1 victory.

Club president Ajay Mehra highlighted Rahul’s continuous contribution to the community, noting that while Rahul remains actively associated with the Daily Morning Football Club, his Joy and Jolly Football Association in Chandigarh continues to nurture underprivileged and talented children — carrying forward the great mission.