The Eleftheria Pancyprian Soccer Club and the entire New York soccer community are heartbroken over the sudden passing of Paul Kontonis on November 26, 2025. A lifelong pillar of Cypriot-American soccer, Paul dedicated more than four decades to growing the game he loved, shaping generations of players, coaches, and families along the way.
Paul served as a director, head coach, and mentor for the historic Eleftheria Pancyprian club, one of the most successful amateur teams in U.S. history. Under his guidance, the Pancyprians won multiple national championships, Cosmopolitan Soccer League titles and earned respect across the country for their skill and sportsmanship.
Countless players who came through the club’s youth program credit Paul with teaching them life lessons that went far beyond the field. He had a rare gift for seeing potential in every kid, offering encouragement when they needed it most and holding them accountable when it mattered.
Beyond Eleftheria Pancyprian, Paul was a respected voice in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association and the Cosmopolitan Soccer League, always advocating for fair play, youth development, and keeping soccer accessible to all. His famous saying, “We play for the name on the front of the jersey, not the back,” summed up his philosophy perfectly.
Family was Paul’s greatest joy. He leaves behind his wife, children, grandchildren, and an enormous extended soccer family who gathered around him at every match. The sidelines will never feel the same without his familiar figure in the Pancyprian tracksuit, clipboard in hand, cheering on the next generation.
The Eleftheria Pancyprian Soccer Club will honor Paul with a moment of silence before every match this season and has established the Paul Kontonis Memorial Scholarship for young players in need. New York soccer has lost one of its finest ambassadors.
Paul Kontonis did not just coach soccer; he built community, character, and lifelong memories. His legacy will live on every time a young feet chase a ball under the Astoria lights. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family. Rest in peace, Coach.