I’m Ashvir Singh Johal — a professional football coach and one of the youngest UEFA Pro Licence holders in Europe. I’m currently Head Coach of the B Team at Notts County, leading a group that bridges the gap between academy football and the first team.

My coaching journey began at Leicester City, my hometown club, where I spent 10 years coaching across the full player pathway from U7s to U18s. I was fortunate to be at the club during one of the most historic periods in its history — Premier League and FA Cup triumphs, a Community Shield win, and unforgettable European nights in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. Being at the club, during that time period — in my own city — is something I’ll always cherish and consider a privilege.

I was then given the opportunity to work at First Team level, and was appointed as Kolo Toure's First Team Coach at Wigan Athletic in the EFL Championship, before moving to Italy to work as Cesc Fabregas' Assistant Coach at Como 1907 Primavera.

Both roles accelerated my development and shaped my identity as a coach. I learned so much from being with, and working with, both Kolo and Cesc on a daily basis — and I’m incredibly grateful to them both for their trust and guidance. Going from coaching on local parks in Leicester to standing beside two Premier League icons on the touchline as their Assistant Coach is something I’ll always carry with perspective and pride.

In 2025, at the age of 30, I completed the UEFA Pro Licence with The FA, the highest qualification in football coaching and management — reaching a goal I set back at 16, when I completed the FA Level 1, my first coaching badge.

But this is only the beginning!

Excited for what’s ahead. We’ve got a long way to go.