J. (Joe) Larecki
Hall of Honour as a member of Outstanding Contribution
Joe Larecki’s lifelong contribution to football spans more than five decades as a player, coach, and administrator. Beginning at Polonia Adelaide in the late 1960s, he went on to represent South Australia at national championships, captaining the Under 16 side and finishing as top goal scorer. His playing career also took him to Whyalla, where he repeated his goal-scoring feats with both Wanderers and Croatia, before returning to Polonia and later Enfield Victoria.
Transitioning seamlessly into coaching, Joe guided state junior teams and numerous clubs, earning the Premier League “Coach of the Year” award in 1994. His dedication to school football is unmatched serving as coach, manager, and tour leader for Australian Secondary Schoolboys and Schoolgirls teams across the globe, including tours to South America, Europe, and Asia. He also played a central role in convening and directing multiple national championships, right through to 2024.
A life member of Polonia Adelaide, School Sport Australia, and School Sport SA, Joe was also inducted as a Football SA Life Member in 2025. His decades of service have influenced generations of players, coaches, and officials, ensuring that football has remained at the heart of school and community sport in this state.
