Vale: Bob Bovelander – leading light in the development of northern football

posted in: News, Obituary

Football stalwart Bob Bovelander made a significant contribution to the development of the sport in Auckland and the wider northern region, both at club and regional level.

Bovelander, who died in early 2020 from cancer, was a Life Member of NZ Football, Northern Football Federation and the Auckland Football Federation.

In a tribute to Bovelander (90), Northern Football said he was highly respected in football and in his Netherlands and church communities.

He served East Coast Bays AFC, including a stint as secretary.

He served Northern Football in the early Federation years as President where his keenness to see change for the good, his strong set of values, and a remarkable willingness to embrace and utilise technology in the delivery of sport and communication, helped shaped much of what the organisation is today.

He also managed many Auckland and Northern representative teams.

Bob Bovelander (1930-2020)