HISHI Lama has helped Wales Under-21s defender Luca Hoole land a move to League One Shrewsbury and Newport County AFC forward Kiban Rai sharpen up, but the burgeoning coach isn’t just obsessed with professionals at the top of football.
Lama runs Enhance Training Performance, offering group and one-to-one coaching with the aim of helping players of all ages and standards improve their game.
The 29-year-old, a former Nepal international, has helped a raft of young players earn academy places at County, Cardiff City, Swansea, Wrexham, Wolves, Newcastle, Manchester City.
Football is a passion for Lama, who came to the UK at the age of 12 as the son of a Gurkha, initially settling in Aldershot before a move to Brecon and Cwmbran.
After studying sports development at Cardiff Met and a masters in international sport management at Northumbria University, he intends to pass on top tips to Gwent youngsters.
“It’s about trying to give players an extra edge. So many kids play football and only a tiny few make it from the academies, but it’s not just about the elite,” said Lama, who played and coached professionally in New Zealand.
“I love to help boys in the grassroots who love the game to take the next step – I am in football to help people, no matter what their background is.
“It’s great to see players move to big clubs and do well but it’s also about helping young kids to grow as people and reach their full potential.”
Rai, who came on in the Exiles’ League Two win against Doncaster last weekend, has done drills with the coach while Gwent defender Hoole did pre-season sessions with him while sorting out a move from Bristol Rovers to League One rivals Shrewsbury.
“As well as being a great coach, he's a better person,” said Rai. “He always checks on me to see how I'm doing and what I can do to better myself.
“He always makes sure the sessions are specific to help improve my performance and that I feel like I'm always improving.”
Lama is aiming to expand ETP’s services with after-school programmes for children in communities that don’t have access to a high level of coaching.
Go to enhancetp.net for more information.
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