Tate Papworth
The word ‘legend’ is thrown around loosely these days, but if you ask anyone at the Keilor Park Soccer Club, it’s a more than fitting term for Charlie Cassar.
Charlie joined the club in 1974 when his children started playing.
Over the next 47 years he was a permanent fixture at the club, taking up multiple positions to help out.
Charlie recently passed away and to help his family, the club set up a GoFundMe page to help make the Keilor Cemetery his final resting place.
The club set the lofty goal of raising $5000. Within days it had raised more than $9000.
Keilor Park Soccer Club president Paul Portelli said it showed just how loved Charlie was.
“He was a lifetime member… here through the good times and the bad times,” Mr Portelli said.
“He never said a bad word about anybody, dedicated many hours, and made sacrifices all for club.
“He was a true legend.”
During his time with the club, Charlie coached two junior teams and was able to win two championships at the helm.
He also picked up bags, marked the grounds on Saturdays and even went on to become the physio for both senior teams.
In later years he assisted with cleaning and also helped in the bar.
He was forced to stop helping in 2019 at the age of 83 due to ill health.
While reintroduced COVID-19 restrictions make it difficult to celebrate Charlie’s life, Mr Portelli said there’s no way he won’t be honoured.
“We’re thinking of naming our junior tournament, which is very big, after him,” he said.
“We’ll also have a minute silence at our first game back and hold a function for him later in the year.
“He’ll be honoured and celebrated as a true gentlemen, a million dollar man.
“It’s a sad loss but he’ll always remembered at the club.”
