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Foundation & Early years
EN Paralimniou traces its origins to the "Heraklis Athletic Club," founded on February 20, 1936, in Paralimni. Heraklis was active in sports and culture, alongside another local organization, "The People's Love." Despite ideological differences, these groups united on April 2, 1944, to strengthen Paralimni, with Heraklis absorbing The People's Love. The founding year of 1936 was retained as the official establishment date, requiring extensive evidence and testimony for inclusion in the club's emblem.
At the first general meeting, the name "Enosis Neon Paralimniou" (ENP) was chosen by a majority vote. ENP organized cultural, artistic events, and competitions, with billiards being particularly popular. On February 18, 1945, the club formed football and athletics teams, offering football uniforms as an incentive. ENP soon acquired a bamboo-fenced football field. The first recorded football match in the club’s history occurred in 1945 against German prisoners of war, just before the end of World War II.
Growth & National Struggles
In the 1950s, football continued to grow in popularity in Paralimni, and ENP’s involvement in the sport deepened. The club appointed a coach and organized more matches, leading to an increasing number of spectators. During this time, ENP also played an important role in Cyprus’ National Liberation Struggle against British rule (1955-1959).
A large majority of the club’s members were active in the EOKA organization, fighting for Cyprus’ independence. The area near ENP’s football field became known for the numerous EOKA ambushes that took place nearby. Because of this activity, the British forces demolished the football field. However, after some time, the British authorities contributed £950 toward the reconstruction of the stadium.
Challenges & Promotion
In the 1960s, ENP sought to formalize its football participation. In 1961, the club applied to join the Second Division of the Cyprus Football Association (KOP), but their application was rejected. The official reason given was that only city teams were eligible for participation in the KOP. However, it was widely believed that the rejection was due to the influence of another team that saw ENP as a threat to its interests.
In response, ENP became a driving force in the creation of the "Hellenic Agricultural Football Federation" (EAPO) in 1962, a league for teams from towns and villages. ENP remained active in EAPO until 1965, when it was finally accepted into the KOP and the Second Division. This was achieved after KOP's rules were amended to allow both city and town teams to participate. ENP stayed in the Second Division until the 1968–69 season when they won the championship, earning promotion to the First Division for the 1969–70 season.
Bobby Moore's Gift
Originally, our team colors were blue and white, representing the traditional hues of Greece. However, in 1971, a significant change occurred. The Parnerou brothers, ardent supporters of West Ham United and acquaintances of the legendary player Bobby Moore, introduced claret and blue to our palette. Growing up in East London, the Parnerou brothers were inspired by the colors of West Ham United.
In a gesture of camaraderie and support, Bobby Moore donated West Ham United kits to our team two years after our promotion to the Cypriot First Division in 1971. This generous act not only provided us with new kits but also established claret and blue as an integral part of our club's identity.
Today, these colors symbolize our rich history, the bonds of friendship, and the legacy of those who have supported and shaped our journey. We wear them with pride, honoring both our Greek roots and the enduring connection to our friends in East London.
Prominence & European Ventures
The 1970s saw ENP gaining prominence in Cypriot football. In 1974, the club made its first appearance in a cup final, and later that year, participated as a finalist in the European Cup Winners' Cup. Over the following years, ENP expanded its activities, forming volleyball and basketball teams in addition to its football squad. In 1975, despite the turmoil following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the football team managed to reach the cup final once again and finished second in the league.
This success earned ENP another opportunity to participate in the UEFA Cup. In 1980, ENP’s management used funds earned from the sale of two key football players, Dimitris Oikonomou (Koudas) and Dimitris Kyzas, to Panathinaikos, to construct a new clubhouse. The new facilities housed the club and continue to do so to this day. The early 1980s were a period of mixed success for the club, highlighted by its memorable 1-0 victory over Vasas Budapest in the Cup Winners' Cup on September 16, 1981, which remains ENP’s only international win. Despite reaching two more cup finals in 1980-81 and 1982-83, ENP failed to secure a title during this period.
Diamonds In The Rough
In the 1990s and 2000s, ENP experienced limited success on the football pitch. The club reached the semifinals of the Cypriot Cup in 1995 and again in 2002. However, ENP continued to produce talented players who went on to have successful careers.
One of the most notable was Michalis Konstantinou, who became the top scorer in the Cypriot First Division in 1996-97 with 17 goals. He later transferred to Heraklis and then to Greek football giants Panathinaikos and Olympiacos.
Another standout player was Yasemis Yiasemakis, who transferred to APOEL and later joined PAOK. Despite the individual successes of its players, ENP struggled to maintain consistent team achievements, and the club has not won any major titles in recent decades.
Nevertheless, the legacy and contributions of ENP to Cypriot football remain significant, and the club continues to play an active role in the sport.