5 days ago
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South Australia’s Greek assemblage and shot fraternity are mourning the nonaccomplishment of Terry Kalaitsidis, a beloved fig known arsenic 1 of the “good guys” of section football. The Pontian Eagles president and lifelong shot devotee passed distant connected Sunday, October 5, 2025, astatine the property of 61, leaving down a bequest of passion, leadership, and assemblage spirit.
Kalaitsidis, a arrogant subordinate of the Greek-Australian community, dedicated decades to football, from grassroots to grandstands. As president of the Pontian Eagles, helium led the nine to singular success, guiding them from the amateur SAASL leagues to federation football. Last season, the Eagles clinched their archetypal State League 2 premiership nether his leadership, earning promotion to State League 1.
“His ambitious imaginativeness to instrumentality the Pontians to the adjacent level was realised nether his presidentship,” West Adelaide Soccer Club said successful a heartfelt tribute. “Terry wasn’t conscionable a large feline – helium was a great, loving, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and a large person to a multitude of people.”
Beyond the Pontian Eagles, Kalaitsidis’ power reached crossed South Australian football. He spent astir a decennary volunteering astatine West Adelaide Hellas, coaching and managing inferior teams portion supporting his lad Jeremy’s travel done the club’s ranks. He was besides a acquainted look astatine the Glendi festival, wherever helium manned stalls with his trademark enthusiasm.
The Pontian Brotherhood of SA described him arsenic “the arrogant driving force” down the Eagles, noting his “fierce spirit, unmatched loyalty, and unforgettable presence.” Adelaide Olympic besides paid tribute, remembering him arsenic “kind, genuine, and ever a pleasance to beryllium around.”
Kalaitsidis’ mantra, “Respect all, fearfulness none,” became the heartbeat of the Pontian Eagles and a reflection of his enduring passionateness for the crippled and his community.
Just past year, Kalaitsidis celebrated his 60th day surrounded by family, friends, and teammates who cherished his contributions to shot and the Greek-Australian community. His passing has near a void felt profoundly by each who knew him.
A ceremonial work to honour Terry Kalaitsidis volition beryllium held astatine St Dimitrios Greek Orthodox Church successful Salisbury Plain connected Wednesday, October 15, 2025, astatine 10:30 am.
As 1 protagonist wrote, “A bully man, devoted to his family, friends, and the Pontian Eagles — May you remainder successful peace, mate, and whitethorn your representation beryllium eternal.”
This nonfiction is adapted from contented primitively published by Adelaide Now.
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