Darwin Hearts FC founder and president announces departure

From playing on a council oval to spearheading one of the city’s fastest growing sports clubs, Darwin Hearts FC founder and president Hem Pun has decided it’s time to hang up the boots.

Departing club founder and president Hem Pun with his wife and children, Nigel and Eva, at the 2023 DHFC awards night. Picture: Darwin Hearts Football Club Facebook page.

After 15 years at the helm and with his dream achieved, Hem Pun has decided it is time to step down from his beloved football club.

From humble beginnings as a group of mates kicking around the ball on a council oval to heading one of the city’s fastest growing sports clubs, Pun couldn’t be more proud of what he and his peers have achieved.

“As I bid farewell to my role as the president of our cherished club since its inception in 2010, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible journey we have shared since its inception,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

“It has been an honour to serve alongside dedicated players, sponsors, coaches, officials, and community members who have been the heartbeat of our success.”

Citing his decision to relinquish the role due to his young family, Pun is very confident that the club and its members are in good hands, with long-time club secretary Firoj Rana taking over.

“As I step down, due to my individual reason that I am father of two young kids Nigel and Eva and wanting to cherish more memorable family time with proper care of them, I am filled with pride for what we have achieved together in the last 15 years,” he wrote.

“The memories we’ve created will forever hold a special place in my heart.

“I am confident that the Darwin Hearts will continue to thrive under the new leadership of club president Firoj Rana who has served this club since 2016 as a club secretary tirelessly.”

Longtime friend and clubmate, Rana has been along with Pun for the whole journey.

Likening the founder’s relationship with the club akin to that of a family, Rana said Pun means everything to Hearts.

“Hem is as important to Hearts as a father is important to a child,” he said.

“He has always been Hearts’ guardian.

“And the club has been a child to Hem.

“He raised/developed it accordingly; nurtured the club with love, passion, sweat and hard work.”

And the new president didn’t mince his words when explaining the legacy his good mate left behind.

“He provided opportunities to kids, women and men and encouraged them to engage in outdoor sporting activities rather than watching TV or playing video games on digital platforms,” Rana said.

“His rich legacies of faith, ethics, and kindness will leave a reputation for the club that’ll tremendously impact, encourage future generations.”

Now in charge of creating a new chapter and legacy for the club, Rana is confident that he and his peers will not let Pun down.

“I am confident we will keep growing and improving the club,” he said.

“We will certainly miss Hem, but we all knew at some point we’d have to step up and fill in his shoes.

“Our newly appointed team will be more focused than ever for the development of the quality football in the region.

“And we can assure competitive and quality football will remain, keeping up with Hem’s legacy.”