Football News: Danilo Orsi’s Journey from Non-League to the EFL Play-Off Final
Danilo Orsi, the Crawley striker, never imagined he would become a professional footballer. The 24-year-old grew up in north London and played in non-league with Cockfosters while completing his A-Levels. He was preparing to start an IT job in the City when one phone call changed everything.
Orsi’s journey took him to the United States, where he studied and played football at Eastern Florida State College and spent time with Chivas USA’s U19 and Fort Lauderdale Strikers’ U23s. There, he encountered former Brazil international Kleberson, which he described as a “real eye-opener.”
Upon returning to the UK in 2018, Orsi rejoined the non-league scene with several clubs, including East Thurrock United, Hungerford Town, Hampton & Richmond, and Maidenhead United. His impressive performances in the National League caught the attention of Harrogate Town, who signed him in the summer of 2021, a move he describes as his “proudest moment.”
Orsi has drawn inspiration from Jamie Vardy’s famous rise from non-league to the Premier League, and he is determined to replicate that success. After a stint at Grimsby, where he played a key role in their historic FA Cup run, he joined Crawley Town in the summer of 2022.
Under the guidance of manager Scott Lindsey, Orsi has flourished, contributing 24 goals and four assists in all competitions this season. His performances have earned him the PFA Community Champion award for 2023/24, and he has been praised for his work with the Crawley Town Community Foundation.
“As Crawley prepares to face Crewe in the Sky Bet League Two play-off final at Wembley, which is live on Sky Sports Football, Orsi and his family are eagerly anticipating the next chapter of his remarkable story. The striker’s dedication, hard work, and unwavering belief have brought him to this point, and he is determined to make the most of the opportunity.”
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