Born April 18, 1916 in Zuidhorn, Gröningen, Netherlands. Klaas as a young man played soccer with his friends for G.V. Groen Geel until the start of WW II and thereafter. However he went back to the fields again in the early 1950’s to play for his company team. In 1957 Klaas and his family moved to the United States and settled in the Salt Lake valley. Once in Salt Lake City he became very involved in the beginning of the youth soccer movement during the latter part of the 50’s and into the 60’s. Since he worked for the State of Utah he was able to lobby the need for kids to be off the streets and having them involved in youth soccer programs. As president of Hollandia S.C. he organized youth tournaments at Riverside Park and with live bands. At the same time Hollandia S.C. men’s team were able to win the State Championship twice (1960 & 1965). During this same time frame he was in charge of organizing a charter flight to the Netherlands, taking the Hollandia S.C. team, where they played several games against tough Dutch competition. As there were many Dutch people who immigrated during the 50’s & 60’s, Klaas and Hollandia S.C. made a tradition of monthly parties at a local recreational center where not only the Dutch but also many other nationalities attended these events, particularly those who were involved with other soccer clubs. This gave the club an opportunity to raise funds for their teams. During a time when soccer was not as known to many people, Klaas stood out as a creative leader looking out for the welfare of not only his club, but also the development of the game here in Utah.
Klaas Elting 2009 Hall Of FameBorn April 18, 1916 in Zuidhorn, Gröningen, Netherlands. Klaas as a young man played soccer with his friends for G.V. Groen Geel until the start of WW II and thereafter. However he went back to the fields again in the early 1950’s to play for his company team. In 1957 Klaas and his family moved to the United States and settled in the Salt Lake valley. Once in Salt Lake City he became very involved in the beginning of the youth soccer movement during the latter part of the 50’s and into the 60’s. Since he worked for the State of Utah he was able to lobby the need for kids to be off the streets and having them involved in youth soccer programs. As president of Hollandia S.C. he organized youth tournaments at Riverside Park and with live bands. At the same time Hollandia S.C. men’s team were able to win the State Championship twice (1960 & 1965). During this same time frame he was in charge of organizing a charter flight to the Netherlands, taking the Hollandia S.C. team, where they played several games against tough Dutch competition. As there were many Dutch people who immigrated during the 50’s & 60’s, Klaas and Hollandia S.C. made a tradition of monthly parties at a local recreational center where not only the Dutch but also many other nationalities attended these events, particularly those who were involved with other soccer clubs. This gave the club an opportunity to raise funds for their teams. During a time when soccer was not as known to many people, Klaas stood out as a creative leader looking out for the welfare of not only his club, but also the development of the game here in Utah.
2009 Hall Of FameKlaas Elting