United franchise welcomes enthusiastic trio to board of trustees
Hawke’s Bay United football franchise has appointed three new members to its board. They are Jono Henning, Carl Hunt and former All Whites striker Marty Akers.
Henning, the director of Trafik Ltd and a digital marketing and online specialist, has played for South African second division side FC Fortune. He played for Western Rangers in Hastings before joining Havelock North FC where he made a a few appearances at Federation level two years ago. He also coached Waiheke United to two lower league titles.
“I live and breathe football and really felt I would be able to give something back to the beautiful game that has provided me with many treasured memories and special moments in my life,” he said.
Hunt is the sales manager at Bay Mazda Napier. He played for Napier Marist FC, going on to represent agegroup provincial sides, the Bay premiership and the Ultra Football Central League.
He wants to “help grow and be involved with the future development of Football in the Hawke’s Bay”.
Akers needs little introduction. He captained Thirsty Whale Napier City Rovers to a then national league and Chatham Cup double before playing for the Wollongong Wolves in the Australian National League.
A junior and senior coach, Akers acted as chairman of Taradale Junior Football for eight years.
“As a parent and footballer, I am looking to give back to the wider footballing community, seeing that local youth grow and reach their potential,” says the bloke who works for an IT company, The Instillery, and whose son Jorge is in the Bay United squad.
It excites board chairwoman Paula Walker that the Brett Angell- coached Bay United aim to build a successful culture with a positive brand of play as the ISPS Handa Premiership kick off looms next month.
“Off the park, our board continues to work hard and focus on making match days a fantastic and memorable experience. Keep an eye out for our refreshed approach to our social media presence,” says Walker.
The skills and experiences of the new board members are already adding value and “their enthusiasm to get involved is infectious”.
They join deputy chairman Andrew Huxford and Jamie Hall on the board. Craig Ireson and Teri Doran have resigned.