Tom Restell was one of the greatest builders in the Greater Victoria sports community for more than a quarter of a century. He was a star goalkeeper of the storied Victoria West soccer side and from 1934 to 1948, Restell guarded the nets and also served as club manager for many of those years. As well, he was a star first baseman for senior baseball clubs in the 1930's before becoming secretary and treasurer for the Victoria Baseball Association. Restell devoted countless hours as manager of Vic West, Victoria United and Victoria City football teams and his baseball clubs of the 1930's. A Times Colonist aritcle on July 30, 1988 noted that "He (Tommy) served as president of Victoria West and is given credit for twice "rescuing" the soccer team from fading into oblivion. As a result, Victoria West today is recognized as the Canadian soccer team with the longest record of contnuous service."

He was also an exceptional referee and umpire. Indeed, Jim Tang, the late Colonist sports writer noted in a 1950 article that by that time Restell was "often called the dean of umpires and referees."

His organizing touch was found on baseball/softball diamonds and soccer fields all over the city. He was the manager of Victoria AII-Star teams that played against English First Division sides such as Fulham and superstars like Sir Stanley Matthews. Seeing the need to improve the game from the grassroots, Restell was instrumental in establishing the Colonist Soccer School and he began the Little Soccer League for young players aged 12 and under.