History
2002/03: Foundation
2004: Second Division Premiers
2005: First Division Premiers and Summer Cup Champions
2006: Premier League Relegation
2007: Junior Development
2008: First Division Premiers and Women team launch
2009: women Development
Hobart United FC emerged from the Tasmanian African community. It was
late in 2002 when Jacky Kuel, Patrick Ochaya, Fawaz Ateem, and Awak
Mario-Ring formed the first team. At this time a healthy debate emerged
over the name and direction of the club. Patrick, the club's first President,
felt that the new club should embrace multiculturalism to strengthen
the ties between Africa and Australia. He proposed naming the club Hobart
United. Patrick become the club's first president. The club gained several
sponsors including the Migrant Resource Centre.
The appointment of Atef Abdaltam as head coach in early 2004 marked
a significant turning point for the club. Forged by a uniting spirit,
the team blended individual flair, discipline, and physical presence
to produce undeniably the best football of the competition. Romilton
was the team's inspiration playing in true Brazilian fashion with skill
and artistic flair. From back heels, bicycle kicks, fluid counter attacks
to quick short passing - United stormed through the 2nd division in
a 21 match unbeaten run to seal its first premiership title.
With Mohand Rahni at the helm, Hobart United FC accepted promotion
to the First Division. A strong vocal crowd of supporters with their
drums and chants proclaimed Hobart United the Summer Cup's new champion.
United proved that it deserved to be promoted with style. Hobart United
demolished team after team and accumulated 50 points, claiming the Division
One Championship title and gained promotion to the Premier League in
2006.
Promotion to the Premier League was a huge step for Hobart United. The
club struggled to keep up with the level of competition in Tasmania's top
League and failed to win a single game. The club was relegated to the first
division after losing both matches in a two legged play off against Taroona.
Adrian Pickin was elected club president in 2007.
Despite Tassal-Pure Tasmania becoming the club's Major Sponsor, the club struggled on the pitch as the club was rebuilding from 2006, after losing many players to premier league clubs. That year a new committee was formed and newly appointed president Adrian Pickin was elected to take charge and rebuild the club. Whilst no stella performance was achieved on the pitch with a disappointing 6 placing; many off the field gains were achieved, all part of a 3-5 year plan.
The introduction of qualified volunteer staff; from board members, coaches, sports therapists and advisors. The 2007 season saw the introduction of the Tassal African Perpetual Cup, hosted by Hobart United at our home ground Pontville, Brighton.
Junior workshops were introduced with several taking place over the summer period under the guidance of up and coming coach Pedro Ramirez.
HUFC almost pulled off the double. It was the women's team (aka Mermaids) inaugural year finishing an excellent second place. The senior men team took out the Division One Championship in style, under the coaching eyes and Tony Tarros and input from Mark Broadbent.
The club turned its attention to sustaining the women team from the
previous years, this attention resulted in a very seccussful year for both of the women
teams. The men side could not maintain their wining ways from the previous years
ending the year in fifth place.