The earlier Dutch migrants that arrived in the late 1940’s had made several attempts to establish Dutch clubs in WA, such as the Dirck Hartogh Society and the Australian Dutch League, but these all folded after a short while. But during the early 1950’s the Dutch migrants arrived in larger numbers and although many got on with starting a new life here, they all still hunkered for the Dutch culture and social life.
Early 1970’s – Dutch Choir conducted by Captain Colin Harper – 5th Military District Band.
Early Dutch clubs
In order to enjoy some of the Dutch experiences, many clubs were formed. Some of these were the Neerlandia Soccer Club, several Klaverjas Clubs, two Ladies Choirs, Male Voice Choir, Repertory Club Elckerlijc, Hollandia Biljard Club, Dam Club King Damas, The King Street Dance Club, several Church Organisations and even a Credit Union. But these were all individual clubs and despite several discussions that were held to work or combine together, this never eventuated.
Even as late as 1965 some of the individual clubs once again held meetings and discussions in an attempt to pull most of the existing clubs together, but true to the strong-willed nature of the Dutch character, this once again led nowhere.
Neerlandia Soccer Team – a proud but short-lived chapter of Dutch football in Perth
The Neerlandia Soccer Team was an amateur club formed as part of the Neerlandia Dutch Club in Perth. It provided an outlet for Dutch migrants and their families who wanted to enjoy football in a social but competitive setting. The team had its heyday between 1972 and 1974, proudly playing in the famous red and white colours of Ajax, a nod to one of the Netherlands’ most iconic clubs.
Neerlandia attracted a mix of enthusiastic players from the Dutch community, including members of the well-known Dutch footballing family Witschge. Ralph and Tony Witschge both played for the team during its best years. Their involvement strengthened the club’s connection to the wider Dutch-Australian football tradition in Western Australia.
Although Neerlandia folded in the early 1980s, its spirit lived on through its continued ties with Morley-Windmills. Many former Neerlandia players and supporters remained part of the Windmills community, helping to sustain Dutch football traditions in Perth.
