Vale: Arthur 'Archie' Kazas

Australasian Leisure Management is saddened to learn of the death of sporting administrator, personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach, Arthur ‘Archie’ Kazas at the age of 58.

Deeply committed to football, futsal, athlete development and physical fitness, Archie had, according to a statement from Sydney Olympic FC, been “battling some major health concerns” prior to his death. These are understood to relate to COVID-19.

In a statement, Football NSW advised “Archie was truly a phenomenal human being with such care and kindness and had many strong touch points with the entire Football and Futsal NSW community where he made lifelong friends who became family.

“Clubs such as the Inner West Magic Futsal Club, Sydney Futsal Club, Gladesville Ryde Magic, St George FC, Sydney Olympic, Kogarah Waratah SFC, Padstow Hornets FC, Panania RSL, Parramatta City FC and Bankstown Berries to name a few all had the pleasure of witnessing Archie’s magic as a strength and conditioning coach and mentor.

“He had such a tenacity, love, and passion for Physical Education especially in Football and Futsal which is what drove Archie’s drive and determination to do his part in assisting our sport.

“Futsal was a personal love of Archie’s as he first got involved with sport in the late 80s where he was an administrator for several NSW elite clubs which included the Inner West Magic Futsal Club where he was a co-founder, as well as aiding and assisting competitions at grassroots level.

“His desire to push players, develop, grow, and nurture the game caught the attention of the National Futsalroos where he also shared his knowledge and insights, such was his passion for the sport.

“Known to many as a valuable member of the Football NSW Futsal community for well over twenty-years, his positive approach and mindset to the sport was there to be seen by all that crossed paths or had the pleasure of meeting Archie.

“A loveable character that was super energetic, enthusiastic and above all a good man, you were always guaranteed a cheeky laugh with his wit, stories and jokes he shared.

“A mentor for many who kept players honest in the football and futsal scene, the game has truly lost one of the biggest characters and hearts.”

John Boulous, Chief Executive of Sydney Olympic FC, for whom Archie had been First Grade Strength and Conditioning Coach, told The Greek Herald “on behalf of everyone at Sydney Olympic, we are thinking of his family and friends at this time. We thank him for his contribution and we will miss seeing his friendly face around the grounds.”

Archie’s vocation did not only apply to football with him running his Sydney-based Fitness by Art personal training and athlete development business from 1988 until his death.

Images of Archie Kazas courtesy of Football NSW.