With New Zealand Football’s recently announced changes to the National League system, this weekends home game for Hawkes Bay United (HBU) against Eastern Suburbs marks the end of the road for the club. Formed in 2004 and playing under the banner of Napier City Soccer in the inaugural 2004/05 season, the club became Hawkes Bay United in 2008 with the local clubs all becoming members of the entity.

Seventeen seasons on, the new three Regional League format that will start in March 2021 has resulted in the likes of HBU no longer having a place at the top domestic level with the new leagues being club based a culminating in a Champions League type format at the end of the regular season.

It is well documented that Central Football have been strong supporters of the club since inception and Central Football CEO, Darren Mason, paid tribute to the contribution the club had made.

“We (Central Football) acknowledge and congratulate Hawkes Bay United (HBU) for the contribution they have made to the game in our region over the past 17 or so years. We have seen many players developed through our local clubs and the Federation’s Talent Centre “graduating” to play for HBU which has provided a great sense of satisfaction and pride in both a personal perspective and in my capacity as the Federation CEO.

The club has been the breeding ground for many players to push ahead with their football careers with at least four players gaining professional contracts in the game as a result of opportunities at HBU and a number of others representing their country at age group level, directly on the back of performances for the club “

“The club have certainly made in indelible contribution to the game in the region over the past decade and a half and whilst one door closes, another opens, and the new National League/Regional League format will provide opportunities to all clubs to aspire to play at the top domestic level in the country. In taking time to reflect on what will be the last game for the club, I would like to thank everyone who has played a part of HBU over the past seventeen years, and whilst I feel a sense of sadness and disappointment that this is the end of the road for the club, am excited about what lies ahead for the game and the opportunities that will be presented”

HBU play their final game at Bluewater Stadium against Eastern Suburbs on Sunday, kick off at 4pm.

Stephanie Gunther

The Thirsty Whale Hawke's Bay United FC

#ISPSHandaPrem #HBvES #yourteam #HBU

Article added: Friday 26 February 2021