Soccer History

It all started when I was 3 years old in Gera, Germany for my birthday when my Father and Mother took me to visit family on my Mother's side during 1938.

My Mother's cousin gave me 13 balls of all sizes and showed me how to kick them.

It was the beginning of my love for soccer and long Playing and Coaching experiences all over Europe and the United States.

After many years of soccer in Holland and Internationally for the U.S., vs Holland (1), Turkey (3), Italy (3), Portugal (2), England (1) Germany (1), France (1), Coach Gene Kenney recruited me at Michigan State University and over 50 years of MSU soccer am still today the only player to have earned 3 time All-American status despite the fact I was only eligible to play for 3 yeas at that time due to then MSU Varsity Rules.

Coach Kenney was aware at the time of recruitment that I already had 3 years of International experience, but was not aware of the fact I already was an official U.S.A.F coach.

I earned my coaching certificate from English FA International Coach/Examiner Mr. George Ainsley at Fountainbleau, France during his 2 week clinic, passing all of the Theory/Practical/Referee tests in August 9, 1956.

When I wrote the book "Soccer Life of a Dutch Immigrant/Other Books, the Great Artist Palmer Martino made many cartoons, based on facts as I presented them to him.