On Tuesday 30 June, community football club Omonia Youth FC, sponsored by PIA Financial Group, held their Annual General Meeting. Given the current circumstances, the meeting was held online. The well-attended meeting heard from 2019/20 Chairman Michael Pieri give a review of the season but before he gave his speech, the group had a minute of reflection to remember those in the community and those connected to the football club who have sadly passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In his speech Mr Pieri underlined notable highlights from the past season, in particular proudly receiving the ‘Respect Award – We Only Do Positive’ award from Middlesex FA at the Grassroots Football Awards, the growing number of girls playing football with the club and the introduction of disability football sessions.
Mr Pieri thanked the Management Committee for their efforts during the season and commended the club’s community ethos but with an expectation that through football, the club can help individuals overcome the difficulties that will arise because of events these past few months. He said:
“As a community hub, a place where young people come and make friends for life and learn to play the game they love, Omonia Youth FC has a vital role to play. This will never be more important than in the current climate, where mental pressures and anxieties can be eased through a collective love for our beautiful game. We all have a role to better the wellbeing of all connected with the club – children and adults. And we must do our best to be the best we can be for everyone.”
Treasurer Demi Shiamishis was then asked to give a financial synopsis that showed the club in a very healthy financial position.
The committee was then asked to stand down in order for the process of the new Management Committee to be elected.
Unopposed, Michael Pieri was again elected as Chairman for the 2020/21 season for the fifth year. Evagoras Mandrides (Secretary) and Demi Shiamishis (Treasurer) also continued their post. During his acceptance speech Mr. Pieri informed all in attendance that the 2019/20 committee had agreed in advance to put themselves forward to form the 2020/21 committee apart from a notable exception as Kyri Georgiou had decided to call time on his long and distinguished association with the club. With more than a decade of service with the club where he has been Manager, Welfare Officer and Vice-Chairman, in the year his Under 18 side played their final youth football match it is a fitting moment to step down. Michael thanked Kyri for his dedication, energy and unstinting support of the club, acknowledgement that drew universal applause.
For the record, the Omonia Youth Football Club’s Management Committee for the 2020/21 season is as follows:
Michael Pieri (Chairman) photo above, Evagoras Mandrides, Mike Koumi, Xenia Acar (Secretary Team), Myri Demetriou (Vice Chairmen Lead Welfare Officer), Kyri Eleftheriou (Vice Chairmen), Demi Shiamishis (Treasurer), Adam Demetri (Equipment and Venues), David Poncia (Coach Development Officer), Harry Theodorou (Fixtures), Alex Christofi, George Constantinou and George Sammoutis.
Chair of Trustees Andy Charalambous also gave a heart-warming speech, commending the virtues of the club and paying tribute to the endeavour and effort that is required to keep the club at the forefront of youth football in the community.
Should you feel enthused and want to know more about Omonia Youth FC, you can contact the club at omoniayouthfootballclub@hotmail.com, via the contact page on the club’s website www.omoniayouthfc.com as well as following the club on twitter @OmoniaYouthFC and Instagram @omoniayouthfc1994.