He was instrumental in sculpting various state and national athletes during his role as the head of the Department of Physical Education at Farook College. Today, as a retired coach, Akbar Siddique sits back and enjoys football matches at Goal 2014, being held at Koyilandi with the same enthusiasm. His tryst with football began when he was a student at the Malabar Christian College and represented the Calicut University team at the all-India championship. After completing his education he took a master’s degree in physical education and joined Farook College. He took over as the head of the department in 2000. Under his leadership, the college won 28 championships in various sporting events. Having been involved in the academic side of sporting, Akbar feels that any five sports should be compulsorily included in the academic curriculum.“ Students between the age group of 15 and 17 should learn five games practically and theoretically. It is the right age to tap one’s energy levels and talent and help them streamline into a particular game,” says Akbar. He adds, “When it comes to teaching sports in schools, you will be surprised to see that in most of the schools, teachers who are only qualified in CPEd are appointed to teach sports in Plus One and Plus Two.” About training the women’s sports team, he says, “There are very few women’s sports team from colleges in Kozhikode, especially in football, except from Providence Women’s College. I have trained women’s table tennis, shuttle and long tennis teams at Farook College, out of which both the table tennis and long tennis teams have brought home championships.” Like a proud Dronacharya, Akbar picks out the names of some of the students whom he has trained and who has represented the state and other clubs in various sporting events. “Footballers Saleel K, who has represented the state for the Santhosh Trophy, V V Farhad, who plays with the Services team, Sushanth Mathew, who has represented East Bengal FC and who currently plays with IMG Reliance, V Diju, Indian badminton player, ace volleyball player Vineeth Menon and Bibin M George are some of the players I have taught,” he says. Since his retirement last year, Akbar has been actively involved with the Kozhikode District Football Association as its vice-president.