On field
Played Senior Team football at Huntly Thistle AFC Inc from 1954 to 1963 after emigrating from Holland to Wellington in 1952 and working initially for NZ Railways and then shifting to the coalmines of Huntly

Off field
Joined Pt Chevalier AFC Inc in mid 1970,s as a Junior parent and supporter
Senior Committee member for WSAFC Inc after the amalgamation
Building Committee member
Management Committee member for WSAFC Inc
“ Jack of all trades ” member of the Club who took the interest of the club to heart both on and off the playing field
In 1966 John returned to Holland and met his future wife Mien and subsequently they were married in Auckland in 1967
WSAFC Verkley Trophy is named in honour of John

Family Connections
Son Anthony played Midgets late 1970,s to Juniors for Pt Chevalier AFC Inc
Son Stephen played Midgets to Juniors for Pt Chevalier AFC Inc
Stephen played in Senior Team for WSAFC Inc and currently plays Over 30,s for WSAFC Inc