Non-League and Academy football writer

Immanuel Soetan is a player for FC Baresi, of the Thurlow Nunn League First Division South (step 6). A clinical, experienced and skilfull forward, Immanuel joined FC Baresi from Burnham Ramblers during the latter stages of the 2025/26 season, scoring seven goals and providing three assists for them. I recently interviewed Immanuel ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Could you talk me through a bit about your background in football, prior to joining FC Baresi?

Immanuel: I played football a bit during my time at school. After moving to Milton Keynes, I played a bit of Sunday League football, which was when I got scouted for MK Dons. I was with MK Dons for a couple of years, and then after getting released by them, I went to Luton Town, who I was with until I was 18. I later went into non-League football, playing for teams such as Eastleigh. I went to university in Southampton, and so during my time there I played for teams such as AFC Totton and Bashley. I also won the Wessex League, and I played step one, two and three football.

After my time at university, I went abroad. I went to Australia first, and then Portugal, where I played in the second and third leagues. I also had short stints playing football in Lithuania, Ukraine and Cyprus. After coming back to England I played for St Albans, and after getting to the age of 28/29, I sort of just retired from playing. Here and there I’ve come back to non-League football, and in that time I’ve changed from being a left-back to a winger, to a centre-mid, to what I am now as a player, which is as a sort of target man centre-forward, who likes to score goals and also play people in.

What, so far, would be your standout moment in football?

Immanuel: I won the Wessex League, which was really good. But, I’ve also played in some really good stadiums, such as Loftus Road, St Mary’s, and The Valley, which are standouts. I also played step one football when I was younger, and although I didn’t get a lot of game time at that level, it was still a good experience. But, overall I’d just say that some of the stadiums that I’ve played at, and some of the goals that I’ve scored, are real highlights from my time as a player.

How have you found your time at FC Baresi so far?

Immanuel: I really love being at the club. I came here quite late on last season, and when we do play our football, it really suits me. I love the characters at the club, and I really feel like I’ve found a home here. It’s a club that is trying to go places, and so I’m just really happy to be here.

What are some of your hopes for this season, with FC Baresi?

Immanuel: Hopefully we can really push for promotion, and that’s the ideal objective. We don’t want to be in a relegation battle, and I think that we’ve got enough talent at the club to really go and push for promotion. I know that overall it’s a young squad that needs guiding, but we definitely have enough talent to go on a promotion push this season.