Journey to Professional Football:
Gurman Sangha
Former Player for Charlotte FC 2, Memphis Tigers, and Portland Pilots
Gurman Sangha’s rise from humble beginnings in Burnaby, British Columbia, to playing professional soccer as a punjabi, is a story of perseverance, determination, and triumph. From overcoming numerous setbacks to captaining teams and earning accolades at various stages of his career, Gurman’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and belief in one’s abilities.
Bank of America North Carolina . 2023
Early Life and Beginnings
Gurman was born and raised in Burnaby, British Columbia, into an immigrant family from Punjab, India. His parents, who came to Canada with nothing but hope for a better future, instilled in him a strong work ethic from an early age. Gurman’s football journey began at Wesburn FC at the age of 9, where he quickly became a standout player. By U-10, he was already winning tournaments and proving that he had a special talent. But Gurman’s path to success was far from smooth.
At the age of 10, his family moved to Coquitlam, BC, and Gurman transitioned to the Coquitlam Metro-Ford program after being cut from Burnaby Selects. It was his first taste of adversity, but it wouldn’t be his last. A year later, Burnaby Selects recognized his potential and called him back. Gurman didn’t just return—he thrived, but even after a great season, he faced further challenges when he was cut again, this time from both Coquitlam SPL and Mountain FC SPL at U-14.
Despite these setbacks, Gurman’s talent couldn’t be denied. He returned to Burnaby Selects, had another fantastic season, and was eventually picked up by Mountain FC midway through the year. There, he averaged a goal per game, earning a call-up to the provincial BC team.
Mountain FC and Provincial Team Successes
On the BC provincial team u14, Gurman faced one of the most difficult moments in his young career. During a trip to Portland, despite scoring and assisting in multiple games, he was ranked last among the 22 players and cut from the team. “I remember sitting on the bus, crying while everyone talked about me,” Gurman recalls. For many, such a crushing experience would have been the end of their dream, but not for Gurman.
Instead of letting the setback define him, Gurman returned to Mountain FC and continued his stellar form, scoring consistently. His persistence paid off when he was called back into the BC team and captained matches against Whitecaps FC. His outstanding performances earned him a call-up to the Canadian National U-15 team camp and a trial with Vancouver Whitecaps.
2014 Canadian national team camp / Filip Rakic bottom left and Gurman Sangha right
Though the trials were short-lived and ended in rejection, Gurman was undeterred. He went on to average two goals per game for Mountain FC’s U-15 team and captained them to a Provincial Championship, scoring twice in the final. His incredible season earned him the title of Best Player in Mountain United FC SPL (Burnaby FC), cementing his status as one of the top talents in the region.
2015
Vancouver Whitecaps Journey
Gurman’s persistence was rewarded when he was offered an academy contract by the Vancouver Whitecaps at the U-16/17 level. He did not just make the team he went on to start in all 28 games that season, scoring 11 goals and providing 14 assists, helping his team to the Final Four in the USSDA in Los Angeles in 2016. The Vancouver Whitecaps Academy team was now considered one of the best in North America, and Gurman was a one of the reasons for their success
2016/2017 Whitecaps Academy
Despite his remarkable performance, Gurman faced another difficult decision at the end of the season. With several full-ride NCAA offers on the table, he chose to leave the Whitecaps and sign with the University of Memphis to continue his education while pursuing his soccer career. As always, Gurman wasn’t afraid to take risks to chase his dreams.
NCAA Career: University of Memphis and Portland Pilots
At Memphis, Gurman made an immediate impact, starting all 17 games in his freshman season AAC in 2018 . His performances earned him a spot on the All-AAC Freshman Team and the AAC Tournament Team.
However, it was during his sophomore year that he truly began to shine.
One of his most memorable games came against an undefeated SMU team ranked 3rd in the nation. In a thrilling 4-3 victory, Gurman scored one goal and assisted two more, securing a victory for Memphis. His standout performances, including 7 goal contributions that season in 15 starts, earned him AAC Second Team honors and a place on the AAC Preseason First Team
Memphis Tennessee Newspaper 2019
However, just as everything seemed to be falling into place, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Gurman’s junior year was cut short, with his team managing only one win in a tough season. Refusing to let the pandemic halt his progress, Gurman made the difficult decision to leave Memphis and enter the NCAA transfer portal, knowing that he needed a fresh start.
Despite the challenges, top NCAA Division 1 programs took notice of his talent, and in 2021, he signed with the Portland Pilots, a top-25 program with the potential to become one of the nation’s best teams.
2021
Overcoming Setbacks and Triumph at Portland
The summer before his first season at Portland, Gurman faced yet another major setback: he suffered Achilles tendinitis and a hip injury, forcing him to miss nearly three months, including half of the preseason. When the season began, Gurman found himself sidelined and at the fringes of the squad. “I wasn’t even allowed to train with the team some days,” he recalls. “At one point, I genuinely thought my dream was over.”
On the brink of quitting, a phone call with his parents gave him the encouragement he needed to keep going. He fought his way back into the squad, and with eight games left in the season, Gurman finally made the 20-man roster. In his first game back, the Pilots faced #15 LMU, and in a dramatic overtime, Gurman got his opportunity in the 88th min when was subbed in and scored in overtime a golden goal, securing a pivotal victory for Portland.
From that moment, everything changed. Gurman became a regular starter, and the Pilots went on an incredible seven-game winning streak, earning a spot in the NCAA tournament. Gurman finished the season with 2 goals in 8 starts. Yet another disappointing season , but with valuable lessons which would set him up for his final season.
Final NCAA Season
Gurman’s senior year was a defining chapter in his college career. Balancing five senior-level classes, a 120-hour internship, and the demands of an elite NCAA season, he still managed to make his mark. After being benched at the start of the season, Gurman got his first start 3 games in against a top-20 ranked Indiana team . He delivered an outstanding performance, providing 3 assists and being named Nationwide Player of the Week.
Merlo Field Portland Oregon. 2022
That game was the spark that ignited Portland’s historic 2022 season. The team went undefeated at home and reached the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. Gurman finished the season with 12 goal contributions and scored a crucial goal in the first round of the NCAA tournament. It was the best season Portland had seen in 30 years, breaking multiple records and making history.
Transition to Professional Football
In spring 2023, Gurman graduated with a degree in Sports Exercise Science, becoming the first in his family to earn a university degree.
Shortly after, he signed a two-year contract with Charlotte FC 2 in the MLS Next Pro league, becoming one of the first-ever signings for the new Crown Legacy. As well as being the first Punjabi Indian professional soccer player to play in the MLS Next Pro.
Crown legacy announcement ,North Carolina 2023
His rookie season saw the team finish first in the Eastern Division. Gurman made 10 appearances off the bench and 3 starts, where he was named Man of the Match in two of them. Despite limited opportunities, Gurman gained valuable experience playing under coach Josue Tavares, a former Porto coach, who imparted invaluable insights into European football styles and tactics.
Bank of America, North Carolina 2023
Gurman then had a brief stint in Melbourne, Australia, where he made two appearances, scoring 2 goals, before returning home due to unforeseen circumstances.
Coaching Influence and Mentors
Gurman attributes much of his success to the guidance of key coaches throughout his career. Among them, Zico, a legendary coach in BC’s Lower Mainland, played a critical role in developing Gurman’s mentality, character, and work ethic. “Zico pushed me to my limits and helped sharpen my attacking instincts,” Gurman recalls. “Without him, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
At Mountain United FC, Gurman credits Wayne Shaw and Brendan Shaw who instilled confidence and leadership qualities in Gurman which helped him through his journey.
At the University of Memphis, Coach Richard Mulrooney, a three-time MLS Cup winner Ex USA player , allowed Gurman to develop rapidly his first two seasons in NCAA., Through many opportunities to where he was allowed make mistakes , this helped him grow on and of the field.
Lastly, Josue Tavares ex Porto FC coach at Charlotte FC 2 provided valuable insight into the European style of football, forever changing Gurman’s perspective on the game.
Gurman Sangha’s journey, from being cut multiple times at all levels , to captaining teams and playing professionally, showcases the resilience, dedication, and belief that have defined his life. No matter the obstacle, Gurman mentality has helped always find a way to rise. As he looks forward, his story is far from over. The future is bright as looks Forward to coaching and developing the Next generation of talent and players.