Northern NSW Football is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Northern NSW Soccer Federation President, Football Australia Hall of Fame Inductee and Weston Bears FC legend Stefan Kamasz.
Kamasz migrated from England to Newcastle in 1969 where he joined the Weston Bears at the age of 19. He achieved great success during his time with the Bears, falling short in the 1969 grand final before winning three major and minor premierships in 1971,1972 and 1973.
After hanging up his boots, Kamasz moved into football administration, where his influence in football across northern NSW and Australia was unmatched. He served as the Treasurer and later President of the Northern NSW Soccer Federation between 1978 and 1982, where he oversaw the creation of the Northern State League.
During this time, Kamasz extended his leadership nationally as a Director of the Australian Soccer Federation and the Team Manager for the Socceroos during their victorious Merlion Cup campaign in Singapore in 1982.
Kamasz then served as the General Manager of the National Soccer League (NSL) from 1982 to 1988 and then again from 1996 to 2004. During his tenure in this role, he played a key role in professionalising the league and key accolades including the Joe Marston Medal for the Grand Final’s best player and the Johnny Warren Medal for the league’s most outstanding player.
In addition to his work in the NSL, Kamasz served as acting CEO of Soccer Australia and CEO of A-League club Sydney FC. He was also General Manager of Sydney Olympic FC from 1990 to 1993, Head of Competitions for Football NSW from 2005 to 2006, and CEO of the Johnny Warren Football Foundation. When the NSL was restructured in 2004, Kamasz played a key role in the development of the A-League as a member of the implementation panel responsible for the landmark Kemeny Report.
His lifetime achievements were recognised when he was inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame in 2014.
Kamasz’s dedication extended to governance, serving on the Board of Football Australia from 2020 to 2022. He was an active member of the Football Australia Referees Committee and the Football Development Committee, contributing his wealth of knowledge and strategic insight.
NNSWF Chairman Mike Parsons said Kamasz’s loss would be felt across the entire football community.
“Stefan’s leadership extended beyond administrative and operational aspects of the game,” Parsons said.
“He was a strong advocate for the growth of football in Australia, working hard to increase its popularity and support among the community. He championed initiatives to promote the sport at a grassroots level, believing that a strong foundation was essential for the long-term success of the game in the country.
“Kamasz’s journey from player to administrator is a remarkable story of dedication and achievement. His profound influence locally during his tenure at Northern NSW Soccer Federation President, the Australian Soccer Federation and the National Soccer League has left an indelible mark on the sport.
“Stefan’s legacy is one of excellence and passion for the game and his contributions to our game will continue to shape the future of football for years to come. We pass on our deepest sympathy and heartfelt gratitude for his dedication and commitment.”
Weston Bears Life Member Collin Forster fondly remembered his former teammate.
“To play in the same era as Stefan, to train and be in the same dressing sheds as him was unbelievable,” Forster said.
“He brought the whole family out, with his brothers also playing first grade for Weston. Stefan played up front for a little bit before the coach moved him to be a central defender. He had a lovely left foot and was a very good player.
“Even last year he would come up and watch. You would see him on the sidelines.”
Northern NSW Football extends its deepest condolences to Kamasz’s family and friends.
