Dutch Football Club Austral was a soccer club that was founded in Sydney by a group of Dutch immigrants, under the name Hollandia at the Black Tulip Restaurant in George Street in 1949. Its restaurateur David Bos became the first president and also was its main sponsor. The first game was played in 1950, they played well and were invited to join the Southern League in 1952, however, they and other migrant football clubs had to change their ‘foreign’ names. Consequently they took on the name Austral.
Dutch Football Club Austral played in the New South Wales State League, which was the top level of soccer in New South Wales at the time. The club enjoyed some success in the 1960s, winning the State League championship in 1962 and 1965, and the Waratah Cup, which is the oldest soccer competition in New South Wales, in 1965.
However, the club faced financial difficulties in the late 1960s and was eventually forced to fold in 1969. Many of the former players and supporters of Dutch Football Club Austral went on to join other soccer clubs in Sydney, including Western Suburbs Soccer Club.
Western Suburbs Soccer Club was founded in 1967 and played in the New South Wales State League. The club had a strong Dutch influence, with many former players and supporters of Dutch Football Club Austral joining the club after its closure. Western Suburbs Soccer Club enjoyed significant success in the 1970s, winning the State League championship in 1972, 1974, and 1975, and the National Soccer League championship in 1979.
Today, the Western Suburbs Football Club is based in the western suburbs of Sydney and continues to be an important part of the local soccer community. The club has a senior team that plays in the National Premier Leagues NSW and a junior program that provides opportunities for young players to develop their skills and love for the game.
See also: Clogball Remembered
