What an extraordinary year it has been for Snipers FC! From obscurity to national acclaim- in our poignant conversation, Mr. Biju Nair, Head of Operations (South) at Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS), and co-owner of Snipers FC,  joyfully reflects on the incredible journey of the team. Theirs is a story that deserves to be celebrated and shared over and over again. 

The Genesis of Snipers FC

Formed with the vision of nurturing local talent and providing them with a platform to showcase their skill, Snipers FC began their journey in 2021 with the registration of a C-Division team under the Karnataka State Football Association. Based in Bengaluru, this platform caters to individuals aged 18 and above and primarily comprises players and coaches from Bhaichung Bhutia Football schools.

AIFF Accreditation and the Elite Academy

In addition to their on-field success, Snipers FC also focused on establishing a robust training infrastructure. The club registered an academy and sought accreditation from the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The hard work paid off when Snipers FC’s academy received a three-star accreditation, making it one of the top academies in the country. This enabled the academy to compete in the AIFF Youth Leagues, which is a significant milestone for any football academy in India.

Competing in the AIFF Youth Leagues

The AIFF Youth Leagues presented an opportunity for Snipers FC to compete against some of the best youth teams in the country. The club’s Under-17 team faced tough competition, including matches against renowned ISL teams like Kerala Blasters and Gokulam Kerala FC. Despite the initial challenges, Snipers FC managed to secure crucial victories, including a memorable win against Gokulam Kerala FC in Calicut.

Unexpected Qualification for the National Round

The journey took an unexpected turn when the team learned that one of the top teams in their group had been disqualified due to age fraud. This development meant that Snipers FC, who had finished third in their group, was now eligible to compete in the national round of the AIFF Youth Leagues. 

This milestone made Snipers FC one of the 16 academies in the country to qualify for this prestigious tournament.

However, this news came with its own set of challenges. Many players had taken a break or joined other clubs, and the team had to scramble to assemble a squad in a short time. Despite the lack of preparation and training, the team displayed exceptional resilience and skill. In their first match against the I-League squad of Shillong Lajong FC, Snipers FC stunned everyone by leading 4-0 at halftime and eventually winning the match 4-2. “Despite the lack of preparation due to the short period, the team displayed exceptional resilience and skill. I was shocked!”, Biju recounts.

Naturally, after winning their first match, the team’s mindset shifted dramatically. “Their mood set shifted. They were motivated and ready!’”

Triumph Over Champions

Their next challenge was against the formidable Mumbai City FC, the reigning ISL champions. Despite the odds, the Snipers FC youth team emerged victorious with a decisive 3-1 win. “But again, our boys did something really, I mean, next level. We won against the ISL champions !” the coach proudly recounts. This victory not only boosted their morale but also cemented their reputation as a formidable team.

Facing New Challenges

As the team advanced, they faced logistical and physical challenges. They had initially planned for a brief stay in Goa but ended up needing to stay longer due to their continued success. This unexpected extension strained their resources and required the players to balance their commitments. “We were not financially planned for that. And the boys had their exams. It wasn’t easy”, the coach explains, highlighting the sacrifices made by the team.

The Role of Mental Resilience

One of the key factors in the team’s success was their mental resilience. Mr Nair emphasized a stress-free approach, which allowed the players to enjoy the game. “It’s their mentality, basically. They were calm, not pressured to win. And then, they won!” the coach notes. This relaxed mindset helped the players perform at their best without the pressure typically associated with high-stakes matches.

Strategic Adaptability

The coaches also adapted their strategies to suit the circumstances. Traditionally, the team played a style that involved holding the ball and making numerous short passes. However, knowing that this approach required a lot of energy and considering their limited squad size, the coaches shifted to a more direct style of play.

Notable Players and Performances

Several players stood out during the tournament. Emanbha Marbniang, a striker from Shillong, affectionately known as Mbappe, overcame a challenging start to become a key player in the team’s success. “He scored ten goals in this league!” the coach shares. Another player, Advaith Jay demonstrated remarkable dedication by cutting short his vacation to rejoin the team in Goa when they needed him the most.

The Final Stretch

Sniper FC clinched a vital victory against BFC in their inaugural national stage clash, securing a tense 3-2 win with a decisive late goal. Despite their impressive run, the team lost closely contested matches against Football 4 Change and Zing FC, which ultimately ended their campaign. However, their journey to the top 12 teams made history, being the first ones to do this. 

• 

After competing in the C-Division for two years, Snipers FC emerged as champions in 2023 and earned promotion to the B-Division! But wait-they weren’t done! From the B Division, the team achieved promotion to the A Division after finishing the season as runners-up. This achievement marks one of the fastest rises from the lower division to the A Division! The future looks real bright for these young footballers who have shown that with hard work and passion, anything is possible!

Read more about BBFS Residential Academy

Take a look at our last few additions:

#94: Mental Health Matters: How BBFS is Changing the Game for Young Footballers

#93: Carlos Pao’s Journey to The Big Leagues

#92: Dressed For Success: Decoding the Influence of Colours in Sports

#91: Unlocking Potential: The BBFS Residential Experience