Football is a global sport that unites people from all walks of life. It often begins as a childhood dream. For many young athletes, the local parks, playgrounds, or school fields first spark their love for the game. Football is more than just a pastime across England- particularly in small towns and working-class communities—it offers a pathway to success. From grassroots levels to professional academies, many children spend their early years dreaming of stepping onto the field, not just for fun, but as a career. Few of these aspiring players make it to the professional ranks, and fewer still face the significant challenges that can derail even the most promising careers. For Muhammad Abdur Rahman, the journey in football has been marked by both opportunity and adversity.
Born in Rochdale, England, in 2001, Rahman’s early years were spent in a town known for its industrial roots and multicultural environment. Football, a constant in many British homes, was also a staple in Rahman’s life. At seven, his passion for the sport began to take hold. Football wasn’t just a hobby; it became an essential outlet for self-expression and personal growth. While Rahman’s childhood was typical of many in the region, it was on the football pitch that he stood out. His shyness off the field contrasted with his confidence and determination when playing the game, which quickly became apparent to coaches and peers alike.
At Kingsway Park High School, Rahman’s footballing career started taking shape. There, he balanced schooling with a growing commitment to football. As a student-athlete, Rahman showed maturity beyond his years as he juggled academic responsibilities and passion for football. In 2015, Rahman was allowed to trial at Rochdale AFC U13 level, a turning point in his career, which at that time was in a nascent stage. He was one of the top six picked from his school football team to attend the trial.
He also went through a personal development stage of life. Like most young athletes, who are typically forced to walk between football and school studies, Rahman found a way to maintain a balance between both fields. He then attended Nelson and Colne College to study for a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (Performance and Excellence). While at this college, Rahman was finally honed as a footballer while pursuing his education. It was only through achieving the highest grades in this program that he felt vindicated by all his efforts and zeal, which was a good sign for him in the competitive world of football.
In 2018, Rahman reached Burnley FC’s youth team, which had become the stepping stone for many players going to the top level. The solid youth development policy of Burnley FC made it a breeding ground for Rahman. Hence, an ideal candidate would be Rahman. He also quickly rose to prominence in the U16 and U19 teams, with his contributions meaning that he became a vital member of the playing team during his time with Burnley. In this period, Rahman made 47 appearances, scored four goals, and made one assist.
In Burnley, Rahman gained recognition through awards such as Player of the Month and Performance of the Season, which stamped his name as a bright prospect. His performance consistency, with strong leadership on the pitch, earned him respect from coaches and fellow players. These formative years, therefore, formed his future in that he continued developing skills and building up the mental toughness to deal with higher levels of the game.
Rahman came closer to realizing his potential when he was picked for the Jack Wilshere NCF Elites London program. This exposure allowed him to be part of a very competitive set-up where he would train with some of the best young players in the country. This course was devised explicitly for Elite talent, and for Rahman, it played a pivotal role in his technical and mental development. The fact that the NCF Elites performed for betterment and further tests as players reflects his improvement and adaptability.
Besides his experience with Burnley and NCF Elites, Rahman represented Panjab FA, where he could amass international expertise. This made him a player who could perform at a given level and in different teams. Each of these experiences, for Rahman, was a stepping stone that helped him grow as a player and build resilience in the face of pressures put on elite-level footballers.
Like most athletes, Rahman did not have a smooth ride throughout his career. In 2023, he suffered a major health setback that put him out of action for 12 months. It wasn’t just his body under pressure and mental strength during recovery. Rahman has repeatedly said how this non-playing period forced him to dig deep in search of strengths he never knew he had. It was difficult to return from this, but he never lost the desire to return to the playfield.
Rahman had joined Coppull United FC a year into rehabilitation in August 2024. Joining Coppull, a club playing in the West Lancashire League Premier Division, stemmed from his motivation to rebuild his career and make more impacts at the club level. Abdur Rahman remains optimistic about the future, balancing football ambitions with pursuing a degree in business management, which he will complete in soon.
Published by Stephanie M.
