In Memoriam Roland Vermeire

Roland Vermeire coached the Deaf Devils, the national football team for the Deaf in Belgium, from 1986 through the 1991 European Championship. Roland was also affiliated with the St. Gregorius school for the deaf, where he was a physical education teacher. As a result, he also knew some sign language to communicate with the players.

He made his coaching debut in 1986, winning 2-1 against France in Nancy.

He coached the following international matches (1986 through 1991):

06-09-1986 in Bremen: Germany vs. Belgium = 2-2
04-10-1986 in Zoetermeer: Netherlands vs. Belgium = 0-2 (friendly)
28-30/05/1987 Four Nations Tournament in Waterloo with France, West Germany, and the Netherlands.
June 20, 1987 in Kassel: Germany vs. Belgium = 1-0 and April 30, 1988 in Dessel: Belgium vs. Germany = 2-2
(These matches were of a high standard: they were both important qualifying matches for participation in the 1989 Christchurch Silent Games).
October 24, 1987 in Kortrijk: Great Britain vs. Belgium = 1-1
May 12-14, 1988 in Paris: Four Nations Tournament with France, West Germany, and the Netherlands.
June 2-7, 1989 in Moscow: Four Nations Tournament with the Soviet Union, Germany, and France. Belgium won this tournament.
October 14, 1989 in Drogenbos: Belgium vs. the Netherlands = 1-0
September 15, 1990 in Manchester: England vs. Belgium = 5-2
April 13, 1991 in Lille: France vs. Belgium = 0-4
May 31-June 10, 1991 in Ghent: European Championship in Ghent: Vice European Champion after a 2-3 defeat after prolongations in the final against the Soviet Union.

The former players have fond memories of this coach, who was strict but fair to all his players! We will miss him and wish his wife, daughter, family, and friends strength during this difficult time.

The funeral service will be held at St. Eligius Church in Gentbrugge on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM.
Condolences will be offered at 10:40 AM in the church.