Dambrauskas realized at the age of 12 that he was unlikely to succeed as a player, but saw coaching as a way to remain involved in football.
In August 2002, he moved to London on a student visa. He was 25 and spoke little English at the time.
The next eight years demanded enormous effort. While bringing up two children and working several jobs, he coached in community initiatives, at a semi-professional club and in professional youth setups.
His career began to take shape in 2004, when he joined a sports science and coaching course at London Metropolitan University.
He gained his first coaching experience by volunteering with the Access to Sports Project, which supported disadvantaged children in Finsbury Park.
He later joined London Tigers, a community charity operating teams from junior age groups up to semi-professional level.
Having initially worked as a volunteer, he progressed over five years to become first-team manager, competing in the Spartan South Midlands League, FA Cup and FA Vase.
Dambrauskas was the first Lithuanian coach to earn a Uefa qualification through the London Football Association.
Dambrauskas said he attended every course, conference and London Football Coaches Association meeting available to him.
He took every opportunity to acquire more information, expand his knowledge and collect additional qualifications.
He believed that commitment was essential and made the most of every chance he received.
His first opportunity with a professional club came in 2004, when Manchester United Soccer Schools offered him a role.
He subsequently spent five years coaching on residential programmes across the United Kingdom and Europe.
Dambrauskas described the experience as one of the greatest opportunities of his life.
He went through three or four interviews and remains deeply thankful to Foundation chief executive John Shiels for trusting him despite his lack of experience.
He had never previously worked in an environment filled with so many impressive personalities as those he encountered at Manchester United Soccer Schools.
Following a brief period at Fulham, Dambrauskas joined Brentford. He considers academy director Ose Aibangee one of the most important influences on his career because he continually encouraged him to go beyond his limits.
At the same time, he had to balance family responsibilities with several jobs to support himself financially.
Dambrauskas recalled working as a gardener and handyman, delivering newspapers and polishing the floors of a pub.
He also held retail positions before becoming a sports development officer, then a sports development manager, while working at the central YMCA as well.
At various points, he was handling two, three or even four jobs simultaneously.
After travelling to face Manchester United this week, Sabah will conclude their Champions League group campaign against Arsenal in January.
For Dambrauskas, that fixture also carries a sense of destiny, as one of London Metropolitan University’s buildings on Holloway Road offered a view of Emirates Stadium.
Dambrauskas becomes visibly enthusiastic whenever he is asked about the years he spent in England.
For him, the word England has always represented opportunity.
He described his experience there as remarkable and said he would always appreciate everything the country had given him.
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