Barnsley College GCSE English and Maths student, Behzad Hussaini, is setting his sights on securing a place at a football academy after successfully adapting to life in Barnsley.
Originally from Afghanistan, Behzad has been playing football since he was 10 after being influenced by his uncle who was a big fan of the sport. He started playing futsal aged 12 due to the lack of football pitches in his home country.
“College is where I actually started making connections with other teams and coaches that helped me be where I am today.”
Last year, the central attacking midfield/winger’s family relocated to the UK, with a brief spell in Crawley, Behzad moved to Barnsley where he now resides.
Currently, Behzad plays for Barnsley Sports Academy and Penistone Church under-18s while studying for his English and Maths GCSEs at Barnsley College. He said: “Football for me is a way of staying grounded and in time, not worrying about anything else but the game itself.
“Connections was my main problem when I came to the UK, knowing that I had what it takes but no one or nowhere to showcase it to was frustrating at times.
“College is where I actually started making connections with other teams and coaches that helped me be where I am today, travelling as far as Newcastle with College to play the game that I love was a huge opportunity for me and other players to have and that’s how College helped me.”
It’s not too late to apply to study GCSE English and Maths in September. Visit www.barnsley.ac.uk/esol for more information on applying and the courses on offer.
Last updated: 3rd April 2025
Originally posted on: 3rd April 2025