John Vlietstra is one of the most respected figures in the Dutch-Australian community of the Illawarra region, NSW. A tireless football administrator, community leader, and cultural advocate, his life story reflects the resilience of postwar Dutch migrants and their deep-rooted contributions to local Australian life — particularly through sport and community-building.
From Amsterdam to Port Kembla
In 1952, the Vlietstra family migrated from Amsterdam to Australia, seeking opportunity and a new life in the Illawarra. They arrived with a large canvas tent — one they had used during summer holidays in Ameland — and lived in it for several months while searching for stable housing. John’s father found employment at Port Kembla Steelworks, and, over the next few years, the family built their own house, completing it in stages as funds became available.
These formative experiences of postwar migration left a lasting impression on John and shaped his values of hard work, community, and perseverance — all of which would later inform his football and community service.
A quiet leader in football
John Vlietstra became deeply involved in local football from a young age — not just as a player, but as a dedicated organiser. He served as secretary of Wollongong City Wolves for a decade, working alongside key local football figures including Laurie Kelly, Jack Zanier, and John Fleming. During his tenure, he helped consolidate the club’s development during a crucial period in its growth.
In addition to the Wolves, John contributed to grassroots football through his work with Figtree and Balgownie, helping to improve junior development pathways and facilities. He also served on the committee of the Illawarra Junior Soccer Association, extending his impact across the region.
In his younger years, John also participated in friendly matches played by ad hoc Dutch teams — made up of players from various Sydney-based clubs — which competed against visiting Dutch ships’ crews. While a formal Dutch football club was never established in Wollongong, these matches were an expression of cultural connection and camaraderie.
Cultural stewardship
John’s passion for Dutch culture is equally strong. He is the long-time President of the Dutch Australian Society Illawarra, a role in which he has helped preserve Dutch heritage in the region. Under his leadership, the Dutch Club continues to organise cultural events, language lessons, and gatherings that keep the spirit of the Dutch community alive for new generations.
He also authored a historical overview of the Dutch community in the Illawarra, covering the founding of the Dutch Australian Society in 1952 and its evolution as a cultural hub for postwar migrants and their families. This history serves as a vital record of Dutch-Australian life outside the main metropolitan centres.
A family of footballers
The Vlietstra legacy in football is a multigenerational one. John’s sons Ray and Daniel Vlietstra both followed in his footsteps:
- Ray Vlietstra, born in 1964, played as a defender and earned three caps for the Australian U20 national team. He represented Wollongong City in the National Soccer League during the 1980s. In the picture to the left he is 2nd from the left, back row.
- Daniel Vlietstra later contributed to the game through coaching, working as an assistant coach in junior girls’ development at the Illawarra Stingrays SAP program.
Their involvement reflects both a sporting legacy and a lasting family commitment to football in the region.
A lasting contribution
John Vlietstra’s legacy is one of service, leadership, and quiet strength. Through decades of dedication to football and the Dutch-Australian community, he has helped shape the cultural and sporting identity of the Illawarra.
His story is a reminder that the impact of migration is not only measured in numbers, but in relationships, community institutions, and the lives of those who continue to contribute — on and off the field.
See also: Clogball
