Paul Vander Haar was born in the Netherlands on 7 March 1958 and was one of five children born to Dutch migrants, Bernardus Josef (Ben) and Judith. His surname was originally spelled: van der Haar. On the field he is often referred to as ‘Vander’. Paul Vander Haar’s legacy in Read more…
Michaël “Sjel” (Mike) de Bruyckere, born in Kaatsheuvel, the Netherlands, on 6 February 1928, was a remarkable Dutch and Australian footballer whose legacy extended beyond the pitch. Early Years and Dutch Success. De Bruyckere commenced his football journey as a junior player in his local club before catching the eye Read more…
Morwell in the Latrobe Valley saw a large influx of Dutch emigrants in the 1950s. In 1954 12% of the population was Dutch this increased to 15% by 1961. Dutch Clubs followed soon as it is no wonder that many of the Dutchies became involved in football. Fortuna ’60 Soccer Read more…
Founded in August 1962, the club was known as “Sports Club Holland” until 1982-83, when a name change led to the modern Gambier Centrals being born. In 2003 the club finally put down roots on Bishop Road, moving from its second home on Penola Road alongside activ8. See also: Clogball Read more…
Adrian (Aad) Harmsen was born in Leiden in 1925. From a young school age he played football and became a key player in the local football club. During WWII he became involved resistance work and in 1945 he was employed as a translator at the Royal Dutch Aiforce. Worried about Read more…
The Windmills Soccer Club, founded in 1950 by Dutch immigrants led by Hank Beumer, has a rich history in Western Australian soccer. Originally established as a recreational outlet for the local Dutch community, the club navigated its early years and gained entry into the Third Division of the Western Australian Read more…
Wens de Jong was born in 1938 in Oude Wetering (Zuid Holland). At the age of 18, he embarked on a journey to Melbourne in 1956 alongside his parents John and Regina, along with their six siblings. His father, who worked as a baker in their village, had a passion Read more…
In the 1950s, a wave of Dutch migration reached Wagga Wagga, leaving its mark on the Riverina town’s sporting landscape with the formation of the Clogs (Klompen) football club. This article draws upon rich archival records to illuminate the Clogs’ story, revealing the unique spirit and challenges they faced. Founded Read more…
Cees van der Zalm was a Dutch footballer born on September 30, 1901, in Loosduinen, The Hague. He had a notable career with the Netherlands National Football team (Oranje), playing three matches between 1927 and 1929.He played for VUC in The Hague and captained the club until his retirement of Read more…
Theo Paap’s journey from Amsterdam to Perth in 1956 marked the beginning of a remarkable career in Australian football. Born in Amsterdam in 1943, Paap quickly immersed himself in the local Dutch football scene, joining the Windmills Football Club (now Morley Windmills). He immediately made an impact, rising through the Read more…