Football, a major breakthrough for Churchill Brothers’ Anil Gaonkar
MANJERI: General perception says that Goa is one of the hubs of Indian Football, that the beautiful game is played and worshipped in every nook and cranny of the little state on the Western Ghats. So when a new exciting prospect comes out of the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, it is not much of a surprise.
However, Churchill Brothers FC Goa have brought to the fore one such player who did not have the luxury of growing up in an area where football enjoys as much popularity as some of the other sports.
Hailing from Sanguem, Goa, Anil Rama Gaonkar has impressed as an attacking player in the 2022-23 season of the Hero I-League, and is now looking ahead to some good performances in the Hero Super Cup.
“Sanguem is a little different from the other parts of Goa, namely that football is not the most popular sport there. Cricket, of course, is quite popular, but mostly, the people of my village play different sports as per the seasons. Football has always been more of a monsoon sport,” said Anil.
Luxury is something that the 25-year-old has never had, and is probably still in his own pursuit of happiness. Having lost his father at the age of one due to a kidney failure, Anil, along with two elder siblings were raised by their mother, who toiled hard as a daily wager in the fisheries.
“My mother has worked very hard to raise three children, and I feel that we are all doing fairly well at this moment,” said Anil. “Of course once I started playing professionally, it our financial situation has gotten a little better, but it is up to me to make our family much more financially stable hereon.”
The nifty winger, who has played a key role on the flanks for Churchill Brothers this season, grew up idolising Sunil Chhetri, bet was never really able to see the famous no. 11 in his younger days.
“It was a hard life for us, and we did not have any TVs either. So I never really watch football outside my town, when I was a kid,” recalled Anil. “I had heard a lot about Sunil Chhetri and his exploits from others, and that motivated me a lot. Later he also joined Churchill Brothers and won the Hero I-League with the club, so that’s when I finally saw him.”
In fact, Anil would probably have not taken up football, had it not been for his brother.
“We used to play casually among friends when I was a kid. One day my brother got these pair of boots, and I also wanted to try them on. It felt good playing in them, and I soon saw that I could do quite well. From then on, I have just kept playing,” he said.
Progressing from school to district, and through to the Sporting Clube de Goa U-19s, Anil finally joined Clube Desportos Vasco da Gama at the age of 19, and played the Goa Professional league for four years, before moving to Kerala Blasters reserves, where he also played the Kerala Premier League.
It was only in January 2023, when Anil first got his big break when he signed for Churchill Brothers in the Hero I-League, and the young lad has not looked back since.
“Playing the state leagues were tough, and physically quite demanding,” said Anil. “Once you get to the Hero I-League level, they encourage you to play passes and keep the ball. But when you’re playing a state league, the matches are much more physical. The teams try to put in long balls into the box, so you always have to be alert.”
Now playing some of the top sides in the Hero Super Cup, Anil aims to play in the National Team one day.
“I finally got my break in January, and I’m thrilled to be playing at this level. The I-League was special for me, and so is the Hero Super Cup, as I am getting to play some of the top Hero ISL sides,” said Anil. “In fact, we just played Mumbai City (1-2), and though we lost, we were right there with them till the very end. So I do not think there’s much difference, especially when a team like Mumbai does not include it’s foreign players.
“I feel that if I keep working hard I can get to a bigger stage in the future,” he said. “I know I need to keep working hard, and focusing on assisting as many goals for my teammates as possible.”
Also Read: Sreenidi Deccan prove two good for Kerala Blasters in Hero Super Cup
Also Read: Ambernath United Atlanta FC overcome first-half deficit to beat Dempo SC 3-1
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…