18th December 2023

Dear Uni-Mount Bohemian AFC Members,

I trust this message finds you in good spirits. As we approach the end of 2023, it brings me great joy to reflect on the remarkable journey we've undertaken together as a club. Serving as your Chairman since May 2023 has been an honor and a privilege. The collaboration, passion, and shared commitment of our dedicated committee and members have truly defined this chapter in the Uni-Mount Bohemian AFC story.

I extend heartfelt gratitude to our club members, players, and supportive parents. Your collective enthusiasm forms the heartbeat of our club. A special acknowledgment goes to our former Chairman, Andrew Titter, for his lasting contributions. Best wishes to him in his future endeavours.

Senior Football - First and Reserve Teams: The 2023 season posed both challenges and opportunities for our Senior Football Teams. While our First Team faced some hurdles, it has been a profound learning curve for players, coaches, and our Director of Football, Altan Ramadan. Looking ahead to 2024, our commitment remains resolute – to secure the league title and earn a well-deserved promotion. Altan Ramadan is actively scouting emerging talents for the upcoming season. Your involvement is crucial; if you know potential players, please don't hesitate to contact Altan directly.

Senior Football - Women’s First Team: Uni-Mount Bohemian AFC's Women's First Team capped off a remarkable season, marking a triumphant return since the pre-Covid era. Competing in the NRF Women's Division 1, the team showcased their prowess by securing a commendable 3rd place in the league and advancing to the knockout cup semi-finals. This achievement not only reflects the team's resilience but also signals a promising future for women's football within the club. As the season concludes, Uni-Mount Bohemian looks ahead with optimism, recognizing the vast potential for growth in the women's and girls' football space. The club is eager to build on this success, setting ambitious goals for the upcoming season. For those passionate about joining this thriving community, inquiries can be directed to Director of Football, Altan Ramadan, at Altan@unimountbohs.org.nz. The Uni-Mount Bohemian AFC Women’s First Team has not only left a mark on the current season but is poised for even greater achievements in the seasons to come.

Youth/Junior Grade: Our Youth teams have had an exciting 2023, utilizing the iconic Bill McKinlay Park as our home for year-round play and training. I encourage you to invite other families to experience the unique offerings of our club, especially our "Football for All" ethos and the Back to Football program. We aim to develop young athletes to their fullest potential, and the growth in the numbers of primary school kids playing with the club is a testament to our success.

Youth, U17, and U19 Teams: Our U19 team showcased their talents at the Lotto National Youth Championships in October. Guided by Coach Lewis Parke, these rising stars will make their debut in the First Team for the 2024 season. The U17 team marked their inaugural appearance in the U17 National Tournament, displaying remarkable resilience and determination. The journey has just begun for our U17 team, and we anticipate even greater performances in the upcoming year.

New Zealand Fijian Football Inc Tournaments: Our collaboration with New Zealand Fijian Football Inc reached new heights with the successful hosting of the Pacific Cup. With the support of the Uni-Mount executive team and committee member Gyanendra Singh (GV), the tournament drew thousands of football enthusiasts to our home ground, generating significant revenues for the club. This event not only showcased our commitment but also provided a platform to connect with the President of the Fiji Football Association, Mr. Rajesh Patel. Together, we've committed to developing strong relationships with local and overseas Fijian football players, and exciting opportunities lie ahead. Stay tuned for more news.

Christmas and New Year Wishes: As we bid farewell to 2023, I extend warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your loved ones. May the festive season be filled with joy, laughter, and memorable moments. Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate your continued presence on and off the field in 2024.

Registrations for the upcoming season will open on January 15th, and we encourage all members to join us for another exciting chapter in the Uni-Mount Bohemian AFC journey.

Thank you for your unwavering support, and here's to a fantastic 2024!

Stay passionate, stay united.

Engin Yenidogan

Chairman

Article added: Tuesday 19 December 2023