FC Goa’s commitment to nurturing young talent reached a historic milestone on.Tuesday as Prachit Gaonkar made his much-awaited Indian
Super League (ISL) debut for the senior team.
In doing so, the 18-year-old etched his name in the Club’s history as the first player to rise through every level of the youth system – from the U-13s all the way to the first team.
A homegrown talent through and through, Prachit began his journey with the Gaurs in 2018 at the U-13 level, steadily making his way through the U-15, U-17, U-19, and Development squads before earning a senior team promotion earlier this season.
His dedication and hard work culminated in a landmark moment on Tuesday when he stepped onto the pitch in the 80th minute against Mohammedan SC.
The youngster wasted no time in making an impact, capping off his debut with a flawless 100% pass accuracy – an encouraging glimpse of what’s to come. The midfielder has also donned the colours of the Indian national team at the U-17 level. His performances in the Goa Professional League, Reliance Foundation Development League, and other domestic competitions showcased his immense potential, paving the way for this breakthrough moment.
Prachit’s rise is not just a proud chapter for FC Goa but also an inspiration for aspiring footballers across the state. The youngster’s journey embodies the Club’s vision of developing homegrown talent and is a testament to the effectiveness of its youth
development system.
Reflecting on his ISL debut, Prachit Gaonkar said, “This is a dream come true for me. I’ve grown up playing in FC Goa’s colours, and to finally step onto the pitch for the first team in the ISL, also at our home ground in Fatorda in front of all my friends and family, is a moment I’ll cherish forever.
“I’m grateful to all my coaches, teammates, and everyone at the Club who has supported me throughout this journey. This only inspires me to keep working hard and contribute more to the team.”
