Garhwal FC

Foundation

Garhwal Heroes FC was initially set up by Kesar Singh Negi as a platform for young players of the Garhwali community to compete locally in Delhi. As the club gained popularity, it was formally registered with the Football Delhi (formerly Delhi Soccer Association) in 1953. Since then, GHFC has regularly featured in the league championship organized by the Football Delhi (FD). One of the most memorable moments came in 1986, when GHFC were crowned the champions of the FD Senior Division. Unfortunately, the one and a half decades following the historic triumph saw GHFC beset by financial problems which resulted in the club being relegated to the A Division and then the B Division of the Delhi League. The club got a fresh lease of life when it was taken over by B. S. Negi and M. S. Patwal in 2001 following which the club gradually started its ascent once more. From the nadir of the B Division, the club gained promotion to A Division and then to the Senior Division in 2005. Since then, GHFC, backed by strong community support, has consistently delivered strong results in the Senior Division which culminated in reclaiming the lost glory by winning the FD Senior Division League once more in 2012–13.

In order to keep raising the bar, GHFC now has ambitions to play the I-League 2nd Division from 2013–2014 onwards. Always a community and youth-oriented club, GHFC entered into a historic partnership in 2013 with Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools – the largest and most reputed football youth development setup in India and Delhi-NCR.^[]

Garhwal FC era (2013–present)

In 2013, GHFC also won the Delhi leg of the Manchester United Premier Cup, which is a nationwide U-16 club competition. As GHFC tries to attain sustainability of its operations, the partnership will strengthen the club's youth development and scouting network.

In 2013, GHFC was rechristened as Garhwal Football Club (GFC) in order to fulfill the AFC Club Licensing Criteria laid down by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) – a step that would enable GFC to compete in the I-League – the highest level of professional football in the country. GFC brought about a major restructuring drive that would make it a complete club ready for the next generation. In addition to becoming an independent commercial entity as mandated by AIFF, GFC also set up a highly organized youth development system and a professional management team. They provide a pathway for player development to Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools. BBFS players will be able to further their football development by playing professionally. GFC finished runners up in All India Football Tournament in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.

In July 2021, Garhwal FC participated in the Delhi 2nd Division Qualifiers and moved through knockout stages from group A. In August 2023, the club earned an I-League 3 spot to compete in the inaugural edition.