Gurman Sangha
Founder | Head Coach
Filip Rakic
Founder | Head Coach
Our Story
Elevating Soccer Training in British Columbia: Filip and Gurman’s Journey
British Columbia has always been home to aspiring soccer players, and Filip and Gurman are working together to improve soccer training in the province. Both from immigrant families in Burnaby, BC, they share a passion for soccer and a commitment to using their experiences to support the development of young players in the region.
Early Paths in Soccer
Filip moved to Canada from Serbia at the age of two. His interest in soccer began at a young age, when he saw a poster for a youth soccer league in a local Serbian grocery store. With the support of his coaches at South Burnaby Metro Club and Tigers FC Academy, Filip developed his skills and earned recognition through awards and team victories.
Gurman, the son of Punjabi immigrants, started playing soccer at age nine with Wesburn FC. Despite early challenges, such as being turned down by several teams, Gurman’s hard work led him back to Mountain FC, where he became a top scorer and earned a place on the BC Provincial team and the Canadian National U-15 team camp.
Building on Different Strengths
Filip and Gurman’s experiences in soccer are diverse but complementary. Filip’s early exposure to competitive soccer through academies like Accelerated Soccer Academy and European Football School, along with international experiences, helped shape his approach to training and development. Gurman focused on building his leadership and attacking skills under coaches like Zico Najm and Wayne Shaw, excelling in local competitions and moving forward in his career through Whitecaps Academy.
Both faced setbacks—Filip experienced uncertainty about his soccer future, and Gurman dealt with injuries and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. These experiences helped them both grow as players and prepared them for the next steps in their careers.
Shared Vision for Soccer Training
Filip and Gurman have now combined their skills and experiences to improve soccer training in British Columbia. Filip’s time in professional settings like Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 has given him insights into the demands of high-level soccer training. Gurman’s background, including his time with Charlotte FC 2 and his education in Sports Exercise Science, provides a well-rounded approach to player development.
Together, they focus on creating programs that help players improve their technical, tactical, and mental skills, while also providing guidance on leadership and personal development. Their goal is to provide personalized training that meets the unique needs of each player.
Supporting the Local Soccer Community
Filip and Gurman are committed to supporting soccer development in British Columbia through training camps, academies, and mentorship programs. They aim to help young players reach their full potential by providing access to the knowledge and resources they’ve gained throughout their careers.
Their efforts also offer valuable lessons for young players facing challenges, showing that hard work and persistence can lead to success.
A Practical Approach to Soccer Development
Filip and Gurman’s collaboration is focused on practical solutions for soccer training in British Columbia. By blending their experiences and adapting proven methods from both European and North American soccer systems, they aim to support local talent in a meaningful way. Their work is centered on helping players improve while also building a strong foundation for the future of soccer in the province.