Building Bridges Through Sport: ABHCC Visits Balmoral FC Derzelez

Football, Community and the Bonds That Unite Us

By Haris Jackman, Chair, Australian Bosnian and Herzegovinian Chamber of Commerce

During a recent visit to Melbourne, I had the privilege of connecting with members of our Australian-Bosnian and Herzegovinian community and witnessing first-hand the remarkable work being done by one of Australia's most successful Bosnian-founded football clubs, Balmoral FC Derzelez.

What began as a brief visit quickly became a reminder of the important role that sport plays in bringing communities together. Thanks to the warm hospitality of Enver Malkic, Enes Kesic and Dino Beslagic, I was welcomed into the Balmoral FC Derzelez family and had the opportunity to watch the club deliver an emphatic 7–0 victory, continuing what has been a spectacular season during the club's milestone 30th anniversary year. I was also lucky enough to enjoy some of - read, a dozen - of the best Bosnian ćevapi I've had.

Standing on the sidelines among families, volunteers, players and supporters, it was impossible not to appreciate what clubs like Balmoral represent. While many of these institutions were founded by migrants from Bosnia and Herzegovina, they have evolved into something much bigger. They are proudly Australian clubs, bringing together people from every background through a shared love of football, friendship and community.

The recent success of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team on the world stage serves as another reminder of the unifying power of sport. Football continues to connect people across continents, generations and cultures. The same spirit can be seen throughout Australia, where Bosnian-founded clubs have become important contributors to the social and sporting fabric of our communities.

These clubs are home to players, coaches, volunteers and supporters from many different backgrounds. Their diversity is their strength. They demonstrate that celebrating Bosnian heritage and embracing Australian identity are not competing ideas but complementary ones. Together, they form part of the rich multicultural story that makes Australia one of the world's most successful and inclusive societies.

Looking Ahead: Australian-Bosnian Football Tournament 2026

Football will once again bring our community together when clubs from around Australia descend on Melbourne for the 2026 Australian-Bosnian Football Tournament, to be held from 2–4 October 2026 at Green Gully Reserve, Keilor Downs.

Following the success of the 2025 tournament hosted by FC Bossy Liverpool in Sydney, this year's event will be hosted by Balmoral FC Derzelez and promises to be a fantastic weekend of football, friendship, culture, ćevapi and celebration.

Clubs expected to participate include:

• Balmoral FC Derzelez (Melbourne) – https://balmoralfc.com.au/

• Heatherton United Soccer Club (Melbourne) – https://heathertonunited.com/

• Springvale City Soccer Club (Melbourne) – https://www.springvalecitysc.com.au/

• FK Mladost – Facebook Page

• FC Old Bridge Salisbury (Adelaide) – https://oldbridgefc.com.au/

• South Brisbane FC – Facebook Page

• FC Bossy Liverpool (Sydney) – Facebook Page

• BiH United FC (South Australia) – Facebook Page

The tournament has grown into one of the most anticipated events on the Australian-Bosnian calendar. It is much more than a sporting competition. It is a reunion of families, friends, businesses and communities from across the country, providing an opportunity to celebrate our shared heritage while building new connections.

Why This Matters to the ABHCC

At first glance, football and international commerce may appear unrelated. In reality, they are deeply connected.

The mission of the Australian Bosnian and Herzegovinian Chamber of Commerce (ABHCC) is to strengthen bilateral relationships between Australia and Bosnia and Herzegovina through trade, investment, business engagement and people-to-people connections.

Strong business relationships are built on strong human relationships.

Community institutions such as our football clubs create the networks, trust and social capital that underpin successful commercial partnerships. They bring together entrepreneurs, professionals, tradespeople, students, community leaders and families who contribute to both Australia's prosperity and Bosnia and Herzegovina's global diaspora.

Every conversation on the sidelines, every volunteer effort, every sponsorship and every community event helps strengthen the bonds between our two nations. These connections create opportunities for collaboration, tourism, cultural exchange, investment and trade.

That is why the ABHCC proudly celebrates and supports the organisations that bring our communities together.

Get Behind Our Clubs

Whether through volunteering, sponsorship, attending matches, supporting community events or simply cheering from the sidelines, we encourage everyone in the Australian-Bosnian and Herzegovinian community to get behind these remarkable institutions.

Their success is our success.

Congratulations again to Balmoral FC Derzelez on their outstanding season and thank you to Enver Malkic, Enes Kesic and Dino Beslagic for their generosity and hospitality during my visit.

We look forward to seeing the Australian-Bosnian community from across the country unite once again in Melbourne this October.

Vidimo se u Melbourne-u!