Coaches Across Borders
- Global Coaching Journeys -
Abdul Shiraz - Finland
“Take that first step and do not look back. It will be worth it.”
Name: Abdul Shiraz
Nationality: Sri Lankan
Home Town: Colombo
Countries coached in: Finland
Education: BHA Physiotherapy, Advanced Diploma in Physiotherapy
Coaching certificates: AFC D, Level 2
Current situation
Country: Helsinki, Finland
Club: LPS (Laajasalon Palloseura)
Roles & Teams:
Women’s first team Head Coach (Division 3)
Men’s first team Strength & Condition coach (Division 3)
Favourite Team: Manchester United
Favourite Coach: José Mourinho
Article published December 2025.
My Personal Journey
“I will never forget this moment.”
Where did your coaching journey begin and how did it develop?
My coaching journey began in my home country of Sri Lanka, coaching Gateway College Colombo, an international school. I will never forget this moment. I was still a player, and we used to play this futsal carnival every year with a lot of teams participating. I was asked to come help because some of the teams played at the same time, and I was given one of the older groups. It was a very tight game, and it was to qualify for one of the smaller trophies. We were 1-0 down. I remember speaking to the boys, giving a few instructions, and making a couple of changes during crucial moments, and we ended up winning the game 2-1. That is when I knew I had something in me. I was not the best football player, but I knew I would be a very good coach.
What motivated you to pursue a coaching career abroad?
I always felt like coaching was my calling. I loved motivating players and helping them see the best in themselves, giving them the belief to go out and do better than they thought was possible. I am a dreamer, and I know one day I want to coach in Europe and reach the highest stage possible, such as winning the Champions League.
Which country did you move to first, and why?
I have lived in a few countries: Switzerland, Germany, and now Finland. All of them were for studies. In Switzerland, I used to row for Seeclub Luzern, where I had the privilege of training with Olympic gold medal winners. It changed my love for coaching and sports in general entirely. In Germany, I dabbled a bit but could not get my football coaching going. When I came to Finland to finish my Bachelors in Physiotherapy, I knew I had to get this dream of mine going, and here we are, one step closer to the bigger goal.
What were your biggest fears before leaving home?
I did not really have many fears. I knew I had a job to do, and I had to get it done one way or the other.
What surprised you the most when you arrived?
The darkness during the winters. Funnily enough, I always entered Europe during Winter. The language was the other point. It was one I had never heard of. Despite speaking six languages, including German, Finnish was a real game-changer for me.
Coaching Abroad:
Reality vs. Expectations
“That was one goal ticked off the list.”
How does coaching abroad differ from coaching in your home country?
In Sri Lanka, we mostly focus on school football, although there are now efforts to make things smoother, and players have a pathway post-school with new academies and clubs. In Finland, players are with a club from a young age, and schools do not really have sports teams per se. While the thrill of representing your school to the beats of the Papare (famous Sri Lankan music played at carnivals and sports events) is an adrenaline rush in itself, representing a club and building your future in the sport is more concrete for future opportunities in the sport.
What were the biggest challenges you faced early on?
Language was an interesting one. I was lucky enough to work with kids who spoke a bit of English, but sometimes the deeper message got lost on them. The next challenge was the weather. Coming from a very hot country, training in minus-degree weather was quite a change, but we adapted well, I would like to think.
What helped you integrate into the local football environment?
Having very good colleagues at the club who did not let me feel isolated or alone despite the language barriers or cultural differences. I think I settled in really quickly and smoothly. Getting along with players and management was another key factor. Good communication always goes a long way.
How did you build relationships with players and staff?
I like to keep things honest and straightforward. I always let my players know they can speak to me about anything, and I value good communication between both players and staff. Football is a team sport, and the team is not just the 11 players on the pitch; it is the coaches, players, substitutes, caretakers, and everyone involved.
What has been your most rewarding moment abroad?
There have been quite a few moments I will not forget coaching at this club. I used to tell my friends that one day they would see me run onto the pitch as a physiotherapist for a big game on TV. That moment came when Laajasalon Palloseura (Finnish 3rd Division/5th Tier) played IFK Mariehamn (Finnish Premier League) in the Suomen Cup 4th round. I could not help but smile when I got back to the bench. I would say that was one goal ticked off the list.
Advice for Coaches Wanting to Work Abroad
“Take what you get, make the best of the opportunity; there is no ego.”
What skills or qualifications helped you secure opportunities overseas?
I did not come in as just a football coach. Over the years, I developed various skill sets and pursued different qualifications: a degree in Physiotherapy, a strength and conditioning certification from the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association, and the AFC D License. I also coached football for over seven years and spent one year coaching rowing. This really helped me develop as quite the all-rounder.
What would you recommend coaches prepare before moving abroad?
Coaching is tough. You will have good days and bad days, and you need to make sure that you do not let the bad days overtake the good. You need to be able to battle mentally and physically day in and day out. While it is the most rewarding thing, seeing players develop, winning games, and getting praise, it can be equally brutal when you do not get results, your training does not go well, you lose matches, or make mistakes. If you want to make it, mentality is everything.
How important is networking in finding international roles?
I am relatively new to coaching in Europe, so I do not have the best answer for this yet. However, in general, I would say networking is super important. Not only do you learn a lot from other coaches, but you can also find hidden opportunities you did not know existed.
What mistakes should coaches avoid when seeking jobs abroad?
You are not too big for any role. Every role counts because every role teaches you something different. I have had the privilege of working with the 2013 boys hobby team and the competitive team, the 2010 boys competitive team, the club's men's team, and women's team. I can assure you that each one of them taught me so much. If I said I was too big for the hobby team, I would not have been able to work with the other teams at all. Take what you get, make the best of the opportunity; there is no ego.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you had before leaving home?
This seems like such a deep question, and I do not really have an answer to it. I think sometimes you just take life and the lessons in your stride and learn from experience.
Life Beyond the Pitch
“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”
How did living abroad change you as a person?
I was already quite independent back home, but I think living abroad just fortified that personality. It also made me a better cook and taught me how to wake up with an alarm in the mornings because I am definitely not a morning person at all. Working on time is another thing. We Sri Lankans take time for granted. Meeting your friend for coffee at 5 p.m.? That is when you head into the shower and drop them a message saying you are on the way... Good luck getting away with that in Finland.
What does a typical day look like in your current role?
I use the morning or afternoon to study or revise my physiotherapy notes, and then I go through the training plan for the day and make any changes accordingly if necessary. Sometimes I also spend time watching game footage or helping myself learn something new. Then we train in the evenings, after which I come home, prepare a nice meal, and then unwind either by gaming or binge-watching documentaries.
How do you balance football with life in a new country?
I think football does bring a nice social life with it: team events, trips to different tournaments, whether abroad or local. I also came in as a student, so I spent a lot of time in university and then went straight to training in the evenings. I am quite a workaholic as well. Doing what I love keeps me happy and helps me integrate better.
What cultural experiences have shaped you the most?
The sauna was super interesting, and I tried out different local cuisine. Food is a great way to bond with people and learn about the culture.
Would you encourage other coaches to take the leap abroad?
I think coaching in different countries and environments only helps you get better. There are no bad lessons, and every place will teach you something new; it just depends on if you are open to learning from them. So yes, take that leap of faith and brave whatever storm comes. A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.
Final Inspiration
“Take that first step and do not look back. It will be worth it.”
What legacy do you hope to leave in the Finland?
I would like to be remembered for the impact I have had on players and teams I have coached. Whether it was me helping them get through a tough period in school or life, or winning them their first medal. As a coach, you are not just there to coach football to a bunch of kids or even adults; you are also a role model and a mentor, and you have a bigger impact on individuals than you realize. Yes, I would also like to be remembered for my brand of football, which I like to call 'Shiraz Ball' (it is still a work in progress).
What’s next for your coaching journey?
Well, I am only just starting. I still have a lot to learn and a long way to go. I would like to start getting my coaching badges and further develop myself as a coach.
What message would you give to a young coach dreaming of working overseas?
Take that leap of faith and, like I said earlier, brave whatever storm you face. Learn from every lesson and every moment. Absorb like a sponge and filter the good from the bad. If you have a dream and a vision, the only one stopping you is you. Take that first step and do not look back. It will be worth it.