Meet Our Founders
Sajjad Alam
Co-Founder & Head Coach
Armed with a B.Sc. in IT, Sajjad chose to follow his heart and pursue football, leading to the establishment of The Soccer Academy. Drawing from his experiences as a player—representing Maharashtra in U19 and U20 National Championships and playing for reputed clubs like Mumbai FC, Kenkre FC, Air India, and Mumbai Customs—he understands the challenges and needs of young athletes.
An AFC 'B' Licensed Coach with over 9 years of experience, Sajjad has successfully trained boys and girls aged 3-17 and amateur men and women. He has coached at esteemed institutions like Oberoi International School, the American School of Bombay, and the German School, with his coaching philosophy that transcends the pitch, incorporating technical, physical, and socio-psychological development.
As a favorite among trainees, Sajjad's approachable, motivational techniques foster trust and growth. Now leading The Soccer Academy, he is dedicated to guiding players toward their potential and shaping the next generation of footballers
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Nesarullah Khan
Co-Founder & Goalkeeping Coach
A lifelong football enthusiast, Nisar began his career straight out of college, joining Akbar Travels and showcasing his talents as a goalkeeper in the MDFA Elite Division. His impressive performances earned him call-ups to represent Maharashtra in the U21 National Championships as Vice-Captain in 2007 and 2008.
Nisar's career took him to Bengaluru, where he captained Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) in the 2nd Division League from 2009 to 2012, winning the Bangalore League. This led to a stint with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in the prestigious I-League in 2012. Nisar has represented Mumbai University in the All-India Inter-University Championship and Karnataka in the Prestigious Santosh Trophy.
At The Soccer Academy, Nisar specializes in goalkeeping coaching, focusing on nurturing the next generation of goalkeepers. His mentorship has been instrumental in developing players who have represented Mumbai District, Maharashtra teams, and excelled in school and club careers. Nisar emphasizes technical skills, tactical understanding, and mental resilience, making him a vital part of TSA's coaching team.