Local soccer pioneers Tom Partalas and Cam Vassallo were recently recognized by the Ontario Soccer Association (OSA) with Centre Circle Awards, which represent the highest level of recognition and are presented annually to men, women and organizations nominated on the basis of their outstanding contributions to the development of soccer in Ontario and Canada.
Tom Partalas
Known to many in the London soccer community as ‘Mr. Soccer,’ Tom has been involved in all facets of organized soccer in the London-area since he emigrated from Greece in 1967. As a player, he was an all-star for the Western University Mustangs and later played professionally for the London City Soccer Club. In the 70s, Tom transitioned to coaching, which he did for many years. In 1994, Tom tried his hand at refereeing, something he still does to this day. As an administrator, he held several prominent positions. Tom is currently the President and CEO of the London Optimist Sports Centre, a non-profit that owns and operates the BMO Centre in London.
Cam Vassallo
Cam has a long career in soccer administration in the London-area. He has sat on the Board for the London and District Youth Soccer League, and was a founding member of the Greater London Soccer Club. Currently, Cam is the Vice President for the Elgin Middlesex Soccer Association and the Commissioner for the Western Ontario Soccer League. Cam has also recently co-founded the London Youth Soccer Club, and established a partnership with that Club and the Vancouver Whitecaps. Vassallo was nominated for the Meritorious Service Award by the Elgin Middlesex Soccer Association.
Contributions by the Ontario Soccer Association
