Bill Vrolyks OAM

Born in Holland, Bill Vrolyks emigrated to Australia in 1945 with the Dutch Air Force.

Helping start up the Dutch-Sydney Austral club, Vrolyks transferred to Leichhardt Annandale for a total of 510 first grade matches, playing alongside legendary Australian footballer Joe Marston.

He helped implement the first coaching structure in NSW and traveled interstate to assist the formation of similar groups, leading to the Australian Coaches Federation.

Vrolyks began coaching camps and clinics at Parklea Academy, contributing his time and effort for 10 years without pay.

He was made a Life Member of the NSW Coaches Federation, has coached NSW and state youth teams and has spent 50 years in the sport.

He was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 1988, and inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame in 2001. 

In 2000 Bill was honoured not only for his football service but for his volunteer work associated with “Meal on Wheels”, with the Torch bearing duties around The Entrance as part of the Torch Relay for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. 

Bill sadly passed away in August 2021.