Shiraz Zawahir

Tell us about your road to Solent

Before attending university, I was a student at St. Anthony’s College in Kandy, Sri Lanka. While academics were not my strongest suit, I consistently demonstrated a deep passion for sports, particularly football and rugby. These sports played a significant role in shaping my discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills, which ultimately inspired my decision to pursue a career in coaching football.

After completing my studies in 2013, I started taking steps to pursue this dream. Due to challenges at the time, I wasn’t able to progress with my ambition to study in the UK, but I didn’t give up. Instead, I focused on building my skills, gaining practical experience and solidifying my passion for coaching.

In 2016, I was finally able to secure a place on Solent’s Football Studies course with a foundation year. My motivation for applying to Solent was driven by the University’s strong reputation when it came to their football coaching programme, which aligned with my career goals.

How did Solent help you get to where you are now?

During my time at university, I undoubtedly uncovered and deepened my passion for academic research and coaching. Solent’s practical approach to learning, coupled with its emphasis on real-world applications, helped me refine my skills and broaden my understanding of not just coaching but also what it takes to be a successful student.

What came next for you after university?

After volunteering at Southampton Football Club’s Saints Foundation, I joined Chelsea FC as a coach. This was an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a professional football environment.

After a year at Chelsea, I decided to take a break from the football industry to focus on personal growth and career development. This led me to a successful coaching role at Coventry University’s London Campus, where I worked for two years.

Ultimately, my passion for coaching drew me back, and I returned to Saints Foundation, where I currently work as a coach. Solent University has played a significant role in shaping my career journey. The skills, connections and confidence I gained during my time at Solent were instrumental in helping me secure these opportunities and navigate my path within both the football and educational sectors.

Tell us about your current role

My job provides me with a very fulfilling feeling, and it’s because I know I’m making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. It brings me immense happiness to be able to listen to individuals and communities, understand the struggles they face, and work towards providing solutions to their challenges.

Knowing that I’m helping people feel valued, especially those who often feel overlooked or ignored, is deeply rewarding. Creating spaces where voices are heard and fostering a sense of belonging and support within the community is what drives me every day.

What are your goals for the future?

I hope to continue building on the positive impact I’m making through my work with Saints Foundation, further strengthening the programmes and support we provide to the community. Personally, I aim to achieve my UEFA A and Pro License badges, which would allow me to take my coaching career to the next level.

My ultimate ambition is to transition into the professional game, where I can combine my passion for football and my commitment to making a difference. Whether it’s on or off the pitch, my goal is to inspire and empower others to reach their full potential.

Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my parents and my loving wife, Leeza, who has been instrumental in supporting me throughout my journey. Their unwavering love, encouragement, and belief in me have been my greatest source of strength. With their support, I truly don’t think I would be where I am today. I am incredibly fortunate to have them by my side, and I’m forever grateful for all they have done to help me achieve all this success.