In Memoriam, Charles Vela Sr.

Charles “Chuck” Vela, Sr. passed away on April 12, 2020 in Riverside, California. While Chuck was originally from California, he became a fixture in Washington college soccer as both a NISOA National Assessor, NISOA National Clinician and a NISOA member for thirty six years. A professional firefighter by trade, Chuck was an important part of the soccer referee development programs in Washington, helping develop many of Washington’s soccer referees. A true gentleman, Chuck was held in the highest regard by the entire regional soccer community and remembered fondly by the NISOA family.

“Integrity is not easily acquired unless it is implicit to one’s makeup! Chuck was authentic! ” – C. Cliff McCrath, NISOA Hall of Famer member and former executive director.

Special thanks to NISOA National Clinician, Linda Velie (WA) for assisting in this tribute. Rest in Peace, Chuck.