“We Care Deeply About the Gilleby Spirit”
February 17, 2015 – Just over six years ago, Gilleby IF was competing in Division 6. At that time, a new chapter began, one that has since been marked by exceptional success. Lars Hansson took charge of the club’s senior team and the journey from that moment has been nothing short of remarkable. The team has come close to promotion to Division 4 and seen several players progress to top-tier clubs in Divisions 1 and 2.
To better understand the secret behind Gilleby’s meteoric rise, we spoke with two key figures who have practically attended every match over the years: brothers Sven-Gunnar and Jan-Olof Göransson, who both serve on the club’s board.
“We don’t recruit players from outside; we focus on developing talent from within our own community,” says Jan-Olof with pride.
From Humble Beginnings to Promising Talent
In 2010, Gilleby scored an impressive 70 goals in Division 6 of southern Bohuslän, starting what has been an incredible journey for the club. For brothers Sven-Gunnar and Jan-Olof, these years of success bring nothing but smiles and pride as they reflect on their club’s journey. While Ulf Persson was part of the team during that period and contributed with his own goals, the club’s main focus has always been to nurture and develop local talent.
Since Lars Hansson became head coach, the team’s ethos has revolved around home-grown players. His approach has significantly impacted the development of players, transforming them into prominent figures in Division 5.
“He’s been nothing short of fantastic for the club,” says Jan-Olof. “Thanks to him, players who were once part of the B-team have stepped up to become A-team regulars. He’s truly dedicated to their growth and, whenever a player has faced difficulties, Lars has always been there to support them and help them fight for their spot in the squad.”
On the Brink of Division 4
Gilleby had its best season in 2012, finishing strong in Division 5 and coming close to securing a spot in Division 4 for the following year. With Eric Kallberg in exceptional form, scoring 13 goals that season, the team was just a few steps away from promotion. Unfortunately, a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Lysekil in the final stretch of the season cost them that promotion.
“If someone had told us five years ago that we’d be disappointed with a narrow defeat to Lysekil in the final rounds, we would’ve laughed,” says Sven-Gunnar, reflecting on how far the team has come since those early years.
The Talent Pipeline Grows
After that near-promotion, bigger clubs started to take notice of Gilleby’s emerging talents. In the years since, several players have moved to more competitive leagues. Eric Kallberg went on to play for Oddevold in Division 1, while Robert Josefsson, Rasmus Kindemo, and Simon Johansson are now key players for Stenungsunds IF in Division 2.
It’s clear that Gilleby IF has become more than just a local team – it’s a breeding ground for talented players ready to make their mark on the broader Swedish football scene.
Maintaining the Gilleby Spirit
The club’s ethos has remained constant: a strong focus on developing local talent while nurturing a family-like atmosphere among players, staff, and supporters. The “Gilleby spirit” is a phrase that’s often heard around the club, representing the unity and passion that fuel the team’s success.
“There’s an incredible bond among the players,” says Jan-Olof. “We believe in the power of teamwork and the community spirit. It’s what sets us apart from many other teams. We don’t look to bring in star players from outside – our stars come from right here.”
Rivalry with Morlanda – A Key Fixture
One of the standout fixtures for Gilleby IF each season is the match against their local rivals, Morlanda. As the two teams meet once again in Division 5, there’s always a palpable sense of rivalry.
“Honestly, I think the rivalry matters more to Morlanda than it does to us,” Sven-Gunnar laughs. “They get much more worked up about it. But sure, it always feels good to win against them.”
No matter the outcome, however, it’s clear that Gilleby’s unwavering focus on local talent and community spirit continues to fuel their success. The future looks bright for Gilleby IF, and with the Gilleby spirit alive and well, there’s every reason to believe that this talented club will continue to thrive for years to come.
Looking Ahead
Gilleby IF’s rise from Division 6 to the edge of Division 4 – and beyond – highlights the importance of investing in home-grown talent and developing a strong, supportive club culture. While other clubs may focus on recruitment from outside their regions, Gilleby has proved that nurturing local talent can lead to incredible success.
As Gilleby IF continues to grow, we can expect even more young talents to emerge, and perhaps even more players moving on to higher divisions. Their success story is not just a football tale; it’s a testament to the power of community, teamwork, and a steadfast commitment to home-grown talent.
The “Gilleby spirit” remains the heart of the club and will undoubtedly continue to inspire players, staff, and supporters for many seasons to come.
