SOUL OF SPORT: In the shadows of Europe’s largest Gurdwara, Guru Nanak FC produced a day that epitomised grassroots football – with KEVIN QUIGLEY on the ground to capture the action
- Founded in 1965, Guru Nanak FC left an indelible mark on grassroots football in England
- The club, based in Gravesend, Kent, plays their matches against the backdrop of Europe’s largest Gurdwara
- Will the adrenaline get Liverpool through the quadruple pressure or will they fall off a cliff? It’s all Kicking Off podcast
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Welcome back to the Soul of Sport. For the latest episode of the series, KEVIN QUIGLEY traveled to Kent to see Guru Nanak FC in action.
Founded in 1965, Guru Nanak FC is one of the biggest stories in grassroots football, having become one of the first clubs to start organizing Asian tournaments in the mid-1970s.
After recruiting non-Asian players in the mid-1970s, the club has since become fully inclusive, welcoming all players, regardless of ethnicity, to the teams and on the pitch in Gravesend, under Europe’s largest Gurdwara.
On this occasion, their experienced side held a fiery encounter that encompassed all the trappings of grassroots football.
Our cameraman was on site to capture the most beautiful moments on a day you will never forget…
With the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in the background, players from both sides compete for the ball during the match
Two men, well prepared with their boots, put in the hard work and roll a goal towards the rightful position on the muddy looking field
One opponent takes the opportunity to relieve himself next to the field, while the ball is dangerously close
During a short break in play, a camera behind the goal provides an alternative perspective of the stunning backdrop of the pitch
With his boots off and his socks rolled down, a Guru Nanak player leans against his car and enjoys a smoke break
A look inside the home dressing rooms and in particular the Guru Nanak FC badge on the kit
When a high ball enters the penalty area, the opposing goalkeeper jumps up, trying to get the ball to safety and get out of the way of lurking attackers
Now that there is an ‘out’ sign hanging on the trap, one supporter is taking advantage of the facilities on offer in Gravesend
Laughter is heard all around as Guru Nanak FC players gather on the sidelines to watch the day’s action
Some young people are taking the opportunity to continue their training while the action continues in the background in Gravesend
Just like in the professional game, this player has chosen to cut holes in his socks for the occasion a la Jude Bellingham
Players and coaching staff gather in the home locker room for some pre-match preparations
The future number 1 of England? The youngster produced a stunning fingertip save to keep the ball off goal
Preparations for erection continued, with the net being firmly taped to the crossbar before work started
After the match, the Guru Nanak players return to their cars and give a short debriefing after an exciting battle on the field.
Right next to the fields there is a public gymnasium, which some bystanders take the opportunity to use as a viewing stand
One player heads for the exit, which happens to be next to a large public container next to the field
Some actions during the match show an opposing attacker trying to reach the goal, but on this occasion without success
The opponents take a moment to process and reflect on the match, in the shadow of the Gurdwara