It is with deep regret that we learnt of the passing of Eric Van Waveren on Saturday August 15, 2015.
Almost everyone associated with the club over the past 30+ years will know of Eric as a player, coach and/or management committee member.
Eric played over 150 first team games for the club in both the Northern League and Waikato leagues. In the Northern League he played 136 games and scored 26 goals, including the club’s first ever Northern League goal (on April 9, 1983 in a 2-1 defeat at home against Cambridge).
In consecutive seasons’ – 1987 and 1988 – he also spent time as player/coach of the first team.
More recently, Eric coached the Swifts reserves, even playing when required. He was also a member of the club’s management committee, with involvement in a variety of things including sponsorship, grounds and coaching matters.
Eric’s funeral will take place at the Matamata Memorial Centre on Friday August 21 at 11am. The club has been asked by the Van Waveren family to provide a guard of honour.
The club’s management committee has also made the decision to retire the number 14 from the Matamata Swifts first team. Eric wore that number with distinction and pride over many seasons. This decision is effective immediately. A suitable permanent tribute will be made in due course.