What a year this has been! A year full of joy and sorrow, wins and losses. 2024 was an important year for the Amsterdam Panthers. We started the year with only a senior flag football team, but we have now grown to two senior teams, a youth flag football team, and a Panthers Academy tackle U21 team. From the beginning, we wanted to expand, and that was also the main goal of the association. And with pride, we can say that we have succeeded. These are steps that you need to pause and look back on. The saying “Hard work pays off” fits here. And it did indeed.
We would like to highlight certain people who made this possible. Our chairman Kyei Ross, the face of the Panthers, with his leadership and passion, ensures that our association continues to grow and flourish. Our secretary Donna Cornelissen, Donna is the backbone of our association, always organized and ready to help. Our treasurer Javier Sanchez, with his expertise and dedication, ensures that our finances are in order and that we have the resources to achieve our goals. And finally, our new member, PR manager David Dankwah, who has brought the Panthers' social media and connections back to life. It is a young team with their own interests and lives, yet they have taken the time to invest in the Amsterdam Panthers. Something we are incredibly grateful and proud of as an association! Thank you all.
This year, the Amsterdam Panthers have been to various places: Germany, Croatia, England. All different destinations, but with one goal: to grow the sport and put our name on the map! Whether it's through flag football, tackle football, or even a group going to the bowling alley to throw a strike together. Moments of fun, enjoying each other's company, and being there for one another, both on and off the field.
Of course, we cannot forget the coaches who joined us this year: Coach Demy, Coach Kwame, and Coach Elew. Each coach leads a team in a different category and shares their knowledge and experience with others. Without them, we wouldn't be where we are now. Thank you.
We also want to thank everyone who supported us in the loss of a player, a friend, or rather a family member, Godwin Akaba. A person who left a different impression on everyone, but the same legacy for all. A loving, genuine person, who is there for everyone in need. A person who wanted to get the best out of you and kept pushing you because he believed in you more than you believed in yourself. I think I speak for all of us when I say: “Thank you for who you are and what you meant to us. The joy and laughter you brought. Rest in peace.”
Now we are in the new year. The year in which we strive for even more progress per team, to visit even more countries, to achieve more victories, to increase our brand awareness, and to further grow the association. But most importantly: to remain a family, because we are not just a club but a family as well!
Starting January 15th, the winter break will be over, and we will determine when the trainings will start again based on the weather. This will be communicated via our website and our Instagram: Amsterdam Panthers Instagram. Thank you all and a Happy New Year!
Speed Thrills, Aggression Kills