Arthur Avanesi

 Arthur Avanesi loved soccer.

 As a boy, he played soccer on a dirt field with a homemade ball in Tehran Iran. The Armenian Championship in Tehran was won when Arthur was on the team at the age of 14.  His many years of coaching in Canada will never be forgotten beginning with coaching both sons Alan and Alex at the age of 4 with the North York Hearts Soccer Club.  He always wanted to instil the love of the game in all the young players that he coached over the years with his excellent drills and fun scrimmages after the practices.  Later, in 2004, his coaching achievements were recognized by the team winning the Ontario Cup Championship for the U16 boys for The Weston Soccer Club.  Not only was Arthur a great mentor to many young boys but also an excellent father figure. He devoted endless volunteer hours coaching, driving players to and from games and helping with their family problems.  Arthur continued to volunteer with the Armenian Homenetmen Soccer Club.  He also managed the men’s recreational team at The Hangar for years and his own team called Arthur's Eleven. Arthur's inspiration in promoting soccer will live on.  He will be greatly missed by many.