Football coach in a wheelchair: Why passion knows no limits

Can someone be a football coach who has never played football himself?
Josip Hrgovis's answer is unequivocal: Yes.

He has been a football coach for twelve years, including several years now as a full-time professional. Today, the 33-year-old coaches a team at TSV Gräfelfing. What makes his story special is that Josip has lived with joint stiffness and associated muscle weakness since birth and relies on a wheelchair.

What may initially seem like an obstacle to many plays a completely different role for Josip. For him, the wheelchair is not the focus—football is.

The love of football was always there

Josip grew up in Croatia and was passionate about football from an early age. The first World Cup he followed consciously was the 1998 tournament, in which Croatia surprisingly finished third.

Like many other children, Josip spent his time playing on the local football pitch. Within the limits of his abilities, he played football himself and even scored the occasional headed goal.

But at some point, a friend provided the decisive inspiration:

"Why not try coaching, because on the pitch you see things in football that others don't see."

At first, Jos asked himself:

"Can someone be a coach who has never played professional football himself?"

He decided to simply give it a try.

His first step as a football coach

In February 2014, Jos joined TSV Neuwied. There, he took charge of an under-11 team with nine- and ten-year-old children.

There was no time for a lengthy adjustment period. The club was looking for a coach, and Jos was given the opportunity to prove himself.

From the outset, it was clear to the club: His wheelchair is not an obstacle.

The sports facility was accessible, and Josip was able to begin his new role without unnecessary obstacles.

The children's reaction was also remarkably uncomplicated. While adults sometimes notice the wheelchair first, the children were above all curious.

"Cool vehicle—can I have a go too?" Questions like these were far more important to the young players than the fact that their coach uses a wheelchair.

When prejudice comes from outside

Over the past twelve years, Josip has gained extensive experience. Among other things, he coached men’s teams and worked in the regional and district leagues.

It was precisely there that he occasionally encountered prejudice.

One experience has stayed particularly clear in his memory. His team was already leading an opponent 4–0 decisively at halftime. In the end, the scoreboard showed an even clearer victory.

During the game, Josip heard a spectator behind him making disparaging comments about a team coached by a wheelchair user.

Josip turned around, smiled—and then simply carried on.

Perhaps that is his strongest response to prejudice: not stand still, but keep going.

“You’re always Coach”

For Jos, the finest moments of his coaching career have little to do with results or league standings.

He is especially proud that some players even deliberately switched to a team because they wanted to be coached by him.

What matters even more to him are the encounters years later.

Former players still greet him with “Hi, Coach.” When Josip points out that he is no longer their coach, the response sometimes is:

“You’re always Coach.”

For Josip, moments like these are still simply priceless.

The appreciation is even greater when former players tell him that they remember him as their best coach.

One statement particularly moves him:

"When people interact with you, they simply don't see the wheelchair."

For Josip, that is one of the greatest forms of recognition. It is not the wheelchair that should determine how others perceive him, but the person, coach, and personality behind it.

Inclusion means more than accessibility

Accessibility is important. Ramps, elevators, suitable routes, and accessible sports facilities create the conditions that enable people with disabilities to participate.

But inclusion goes one step further.

It is about not reducing people to their disabilities.

Josip demonstrates this impressively. To his players, he is first and foremost their coach: the one who plans training sessions, gives instructions, corrects mistakes, and wants to help his team develop.

The wheelchair is just one part of his story—not his entire identity.

“There will always be people who talk about you”

One of Josip’s most important messages is directed not only at people with disabilities.

In his opinion, there will always be people who judge others—how someone looks, how someone lives, or what decisions someone makes.

There is little one can do to change that.

That is why the decisive question is a different one:

"Why should you make your own life dependent on what other people think?"

His answer is clear:

Do your thing.

Not what others expect of you. Not what your friends think is right. And not necessarily what your parents think is right, either.

But rather what you yourself are convinced.

An example of what is possible

Josip Hrgovic’s story shows that limitations often do not arise where one initially expects them.

Of course, there are physical limitations and situations that are more difficult for people with disabilities. Barriers in everyday life and in sports still exist, too.

But it is just as important to create opportunities and give people the chance to show their abilities.

A football coach does not necessarily have to be able to stand on the pitch himself to understand the game.

And a person who uses a wheelchair does not have to give up certain roles or areas of life just because others may not think they are capable of them.

Twelve years ago, Jos took the first step.

Today, he has been a football coach for years—and to many former players, he is still simply one thing:

Coach.

Our conclusion

Jos’s story reminds us not to judge people first by their limitations, but by what they can do, what motivates them, and what they are passionate about.

Because sometimes you don’t need the perfect conditions—just the courage to get started.