Some stories involve making brave decisions. Kohei did just that, as he left Japan to move to Catalonia to follow his passion, football. Not an easy task with an intellectual disability, moving to a country far from his home, where everything is new, from the language to the way of life.

Kohei took it on board bravely and with a desire to find out for himself. Energetic and committed, he gives his all both on and off the pitch. He sees football as a way of expressing yourself, connecting with others and feeling part of something.

His first stop was Girona. He lived in Barcelona at the time, but travelled there each week by train. He recalls that year when he experienced training sessions for the first time, made friends and felt he was putting in the foundations for a new chapter. In time his journey would take him to the Barça Foundation Genuine project. Kohei may have an intellectual disability, but it doesn't define who he is.

He is known for his energy, generosity, curious nature and desire to improve. As such, he slotted in perfectly when he joined Barça Foundation Genuine. Putting on the FC Barcelona jersey fulfilled a huge dream, and the process of learning, developing and sharing saw the team become like a family for him.

And his journey has led to another dream, to create a similar space to what he has found for himself in Japan. As such, he is working to develop a network to give people with disabilities an opportunity through football, with learning, being together and feeling shared happiness the aim.

In the meantime, he continues to be heavily involved with the Barça Foundation Genuine team, learning everything that the project entails and developing as a sportsperson. His story may involve football, but there is much more to it, it's about seizing opportunities, being brave and the transformative power of sport when built on values.

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