John Pillemer awarded Charles Valentine Medal
Hakoah Sydney City East’s loyal serving and influential administrator Jon Pillemer was awarded one of the biggest honours at this year’s Football NSW’s Gala Dinner held at The Star Event Centre on Thursday with the coveted Charles Valentine Award.
Pillemer epitomises everything that the Charles Valentine Medal stands for.
The 55-year-old was a professional footballer and served on the Hakoah Board for twenty-plus years.
He was involved as a player and administrator in NSW for the last 37 years such has been his commitment to the sport.
In his earlier years, Jon played football often at the highest level (NSL) from the age of 18 until he turned 46 where he was still playing with his beloved Hakoah outfit.
As a player, Jon was always respected by all in the football community for his love of the sport, respect, and relationships he has shared with clubs and administrators alike.
He was the club Chairman up until 2021 for eight years, a huge achievement as Hakoah’s constitution does not allow a chairman to serve for more than 8 consecutive years. He continues to be an advisor to the Board and to this day is always assisting his beloved club.
The saying within the club is that no person is more passionate and cares more for Hakoah and football than Jon Pillemer. He embodies the true spirit and culture of the club and community.
Over the last twenty-years, he has played a major role in assisting in the development of football in the Eastern Suburbs community.
He spends countless voluntary hours helping the club from the Skill Acquisition Program (SAP) right up to Seniors, as well as the football community in general.
Over the years, Jon Pillemer has been instrumental in creating and building a positive working relationship with all the representative clubs and with Football NSW.
“Jon prides himself on not only the success and development of Hakoah but the growth and progression of football in Australia and in particular NSW,” said Hakoah Sydney City East Chairman Paul Heilig.
“He is an advocate of Football in NSW and is always looking to assist particularly in challenging times during covid.
“If you want to find Jon on weekends, he is nervously walking up and down the sidelines, be it a an Under 9’s or a First-Grade game.
“He spends a lot of his time mentoring young players and more importantly assisting them when they are going through challenging times in life.
“The Hakoah Board truly believe that Jon Pillemer deserves recognition for everything he has contributed to our club, to Football NSW and to football in Australia.”
Football NSW would like to congratulate John Pillemer on receiving such an accolade.
