Esti Lestari named as United City FC chairwoman

United City FC named Esti Puji Lestari as its new chairwoman, as the club seeks to return to its previous glory.

Born in Sukabumi, Indonesia, Esti is armed with the experience and expertise that the club needs as it makes its comeback to Philippine football after a short hiatus, having previous stints as Persijap Jepara president and QD Red Lions China CEO. In both positions, she played instrumental roles in driving organizational growth and success.

As the only female owner of Persijap Jepara in its long history, she led strategic initiatives to enhance the club's brand visibility, optimize revenue streams, and foster community engagement, solidifying its position as a sustainable football club in Indonesia that continues to exist. Additionally, she has been a prominent advocate for women's football, championing initiatives to support and develop women's football at all levels.

With the Red Lions, she brought her dynamic leadership and strategic acumen to oversee the club's administration and development. Her visionary approach and dedication contributed to the growth and success of QD Red Lions during her tenure

In her initial statement as the new chair, Esti states,

"Reviving United City FC is my mission. It is an honor and privilege to be a part of a club with such a great tradition and long history, and my aim is to match the outstanding achievements of the past with similar ones in the future. 

I feel I have unfinished business in football, and as an esports owner, I intend to add value to the club off the field as well as on it. 

I am grateful for this opportunity and know that the Philippines football landscape is very supportive of not only the men’s game but also the women’s with their participation in the recent World Cup. 

In the spirit of ASEAN cooperation, I would also like this to be a pathway for both men and women from Indonesia as well as Philippines to gain valuable experience and benefit from the synergy between two nations."

From the perspective of UCFC, club president Eric Gottschalk shares, "We are privileged and proud to have such an esteemed investor and seasoned football expert join our Club to catapult the development of UCFC forward. Esti has been a long-time personal friend, and I am pleased to work alongside her as I know what she will bring to the Club. Our project and mission of UCFC have never changed, even when we took a break from football in 2023, but now we are back, and with Esti’s support, we will continue the legacy of the club and raise the bar once again for the gold standard of Philippines football."

Alongside the announcement of Esti's role, UCFC also reaffirmed its commitment to the sport with five specific bullet points:

• Achieving Sporting Success: United City FC aims to compete at the highest level of Philippine football, striving for championships and representing the country internationally.
• Community Engagement: United City FC is dedicated to fostering strong connections with its fans and the local community, organizing outreach programs and initiatives to promote the growth of football at the grassroots level.
• Youth Development: United City FC recognizes the importance of nurturing young talent and providing opportunities for aspiring footballers to develop their skills within a professional environment.
• Commercial Growth: United City FC seeks to maximize commercial opportunities, leveraging Esti's expertise to enhance revenue streams, attract sponsors, and expand the club's global brand presence.
• Women's Team Establishment: United City FC is committed to promoting women's football by establishing a dedicated team, providing opportunities for female athletes to compete at the highest level, and inspiring the next generation of women footballers.

The appointment signals an exciting new era for UCFC, as it looks forward to leveraging her expertise and vision to achieve new heights of success both on and off the field.