Tommy Restell (1998)

Tom Restell was one of the greatest builders in the Greater Victoria sports community for more than a quarter of a century. He was a star goalkeeper of the storied Victoria West soccer side and from 1934 to 1948, Restell guarded the nets and also served as club manager for many of those years. As well, he was a star first baseman for senior baseball clubs in the 1930's before becoming secretary and treasurer for the Victoria Baseball Association. Restell devoted countless hours as manager of Vic West, Victoria United and Victoria City football teams and his baseball clubs of the 1930's. He was also a noted referee and umpire. His organizing touch was found on baseball/softball diamonds and soccer fields all over the city. He was the manager of Victoria AII-Star teams that played against English First Division sides such as Fulham and superstars like Sir Stanley Matthews. Seeing the need to improve the game from the grassroots, Restell was instrumental in establishing the Colonist Soccer School and he began the Little Soccer League for young players aged 12 and under.