Bellevue Athletic veteran, Nii Engmann, will dawn the number nine kit in the capital of Belize
Bellevue Athletic veteran, Nii Engmann, will dawn the number nine kit in the capital of Belize following a successful trial at professional side – Belmopan FC
A 6-3 victory made headlines over the weekend where former Bellevue Athletic striker, Nii Engmann, netted two goals and an assist in his debut with Belmopan FC of the Belize Premier League. Engmann joined Belmopan FC at the end of January after honing in his talent in the Pacific Northwest through the early-mid ’20s. Nii’s tidy finishing, quick, poignant eye for goal, pairs exceptionally with his brilliant knowledge of football. “Each environment has offered different coaching perspectives, a wide variety of teammates, unique tactical expression, and never the same philosophy around the game,” Engmann shared following his Belmopan debut. “For me, this has meant that I have had the opportunity to learn and grown in so many different ways.”
Bellevue Athletic has been Engmann’s home base in the Northwest. During the UPSL 2025 Fall campaign his goalscoring and contributions, most notably against Seagam FC and Seatown FC in the Washington Premier playoffs, helped Bellevue Athletic advance to the national stage. Joining Bellevue Athletic in 2024, Engmann has been a crucial piece to our puzzle through the Spring and Winter seasons of the UPSL.
We asked Engmann why BAFC continues to be such a draw. “[They have] consistently provided… a high caliber of competition and a high standard of play; most significantly from my teammates.” “[E]very week I have had the opportunity to show up and compete against and alongside high level players; competitors that allowed me not only to stay sharp and fit but consistently gave me the opportunity to raise my individual level of play.”
And raise his level of play he has done. Not only making his strides with Bellevue Athletic, but offering his scoring prowess with other notable clubs along the way. During November 2025 he lined up with current and former professionals in the 2026 Open Cup qualifying gauntlet for Ballard FC. A well deserved role after leading the charge with The Bridges in their 2025 USL2 season. Engmann reached this in part to an equally successful 2024 season fellow USL2 club, Midlakes United, in their inaugural season the same year.
The road to professional has been anything but straight forward; however, Engmann’s advice rings true for himself and athletes across the country. “Never forget that life and football are more about journies than destinations. Enjoy the journey. Fall in love with the process. Never forget why you started playing, and your initial love for the game,” Engmann beams. Bellevue Athletic are grateful to be apart of his incredible journey and hope for his continued success; no matter where his journey leads. Good luck, Nii!
Article by Bruce Corrie