On July 27th, the Glenora Bears held their annual charity match, featuring the Under 16 Keli Bears in specially designed jerseys against the Mt Albert Lions, with proceeds supporting the club's junior development and educational programs, while celebrating 'Women in League' and fostering community spirit through local sponsorships and the involvement of the Hamlin-Uele brothers.
July 27th, the Glenora Bears held their annual charity match, showcasing their commitment to junior development. This year's event saw the Under 16 Keli Bears team donning specially designed jerseys in their semi-final clash against the Mt Albert Lions, marking a significant moment for these up-and-coming players.

The Charity Match has been a Glenora tradition for over a decade. Initially, the club supported various external charities, such as cancer and mental health organizations. However, a few years ago, facing funding challenges, the club redirected the proceeds to support its own junior development and educational programs for coaches and managers.

The Hamlin-Uele brothers, Braden and Caleb, have been instrumental in this initiative. Both successful Glenora Juniors, Braden now plays for the Cronulla Sharks in the NRL, while Caleb competes for Wakefield Trinity in the UK Super League. Their father, Ross Uele, a long-time Glenora coach, shared that the jersey design and production are their way of giving back to the club that played a crucial role in their careers.

This year's jersey design featured a floral Pasifika motif with pink highlights, celebrating the 'Women in League' in New Zealand and honouring the mothers, sisters, partners, and grandmothers who support the game every weekend. Traditionally worn by the top team, this year's honour was given to the Under 16 Keli Bears, underscoring the club's support for its junior players.

Local businesses and the community participated by sponsoring individual jerseys for $200 each. The funds raised from the match will go towards various needs to enhance the junior program, from purchasing tackle bags, balls, and other equipment to upskilling coaches. Ross Uele emphasised the importance of providing quality coaching for junior teams, stating, "In the past, a lot of Junior grades teams don’t get that educated coach. They have a father or mother that comes in and helps out. But as a club, we want to be seen to be taking them to the next level by paying for their tutoring and becoming managers and coaches and upskilling them every year to coincide with the levels of football age groups.”

Rob Nathan, in his first year as club chairman, highlighted the focus on sustaining growth in the junior program to develop future senior players. “It’s important that we focus on sustained growth coming through, for the future of the club. This auction and any other charity events are very important for the club and the community.  [The Under 16s] are our up-and-coming players coming through that will be our seniors in the future.”

Both Nathan and Uele acknowledged that Glenora is in a rebuilding phase but emphasised their proactive approach to future planning and building a winning culture. 

We are passionate about doing stuff to make sure that we have the right tools to move forward, Uele added.
The match was a resounding success, with packed clubrooms, delicious snacks provided by club sponsor 'Flour Flower' catering, and competitive bidding for the special jerseys. Ross Uele affirmed that his sons are committed to supporting this initiative in the coming years, ensuring that Glenora Juniors continue to receive the same opportunities that benefited them.

Overall, the Glenora Bears' annual charity match once again proved to be a pivotal event, fostering community spirit and reinforcing the club's dedication to junior development.