For any football club, big or small, the General Assembly is more than just a meeting. It’s the heartbeat of the community, where hopes for the future meet the hard facts of the past. At Tondela, a club in the top-tier league, this week’s assembly proved just that. Members gathered to discuss the club’s path forward, marking both moments of promise and quiet remembrance.
The biggest news came straight from the top. Gilberto Coimbra, the club president, made a bold promise. He announced that by December, the new academy would see its first footballs kicked. “We’ll do everything to make it happen,” Coimbra stated. “By December, we will have one or two training fields ready, plus changing rooms and lights.” This is a crucial step for a club keen on nurturing its own talent.
Building an academy is no small feat, and Coimbra acknowledged the journey ahead. A year ago, he mentioned that an investor’s money would go straight to finishing the project. Walls for changing rooms and fields were still missing, along with a few million euros. Now, he admits the academy will be built in stages because the current funds might not cover everything. Yet, he sees a clear path: “If our main team stays in the First League and our youth teams compete in the top divisions, the money will come.” This focus on on-field success as a funding driver shows a clear-eyed strategy for growth. He aims for a “good youth academy,” a long-held desire. Coimbra’s current term as president ends in 2026.
During a short but focused address, Coimbra praised everyone involved, “from the board to all who come to the stadium.” He stressed that everyone’s effort, no matter how small, adds to the club’s success. He called on fans to show up in force. “The 2025/26 season is almost here,” he noted, “and I believe we are putting together a very reasonable team. So, all your support is vital.” This plea highlights the connection between the team and its supporters, a bond that fuels football at its core. He also celebrated last season’s wins, including the main team’s promotion to the First League and the youth teams (Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19) all reaching the highest level in their categories.
Around 50 members attended the assembly, a smaller number than usual. Carlos Amaral, the president of the General Assembly, suggested many were on vacation, which might explain the turnout. Still, the meeting was smooth. No one raised any questions from the floor, showing a quiet trust in the club’s direction.
The club’s financial health was also a key point. The 2024 accounts were approved without a single dissenting vote. They showed over 734,000 euros in income and just over 93,000 euros in expenses. This resulted in a healthy positive balance of 378,254.93 euros. The club’s total assets, its own capital, stood at an impressive 4,712,761.90 euros. These numbers paint a picture of careful management and stability.
The assembly also included two important moments of tribute. First, a unanimous vote of sorrow marked the passing of Rolando da Cruz on the 25th. He was described as a “figure” and a “symbol” of Tondela. Rolando served as the club’s equipment manager since 1982. His connection to the “gold and greens” began even earlier, in the 1970s, as a player and later a coach. He passed away at 76 after an illness, leaving behind a legacy woven into the fabric of the club.
The second unanimous decision was to make President Gilberto Coimbra an honorary member. This gesture recognized his “dedication throughout a good part of his life” and his work, “especially in sports.” The assembly board explained that under his leadership, the football team achieved multiple promotions, reaching the highest level of national football. His efforts also boosted the youth ranks, greatly helping the region’s development. It was a fitting way to honor a leader who continues to steer the club toward a bright future.