William Newsham was born 5 March 1900 at Wairongamai near Te Aroha. He became interested in sport and played hockey for his primary school. Residents in his parents boarding house were active in various codes and particularly in hockey representing the town and he became their team mascot travelling with them to various game venues. He attended Hamilton High School and traveled from Te Aroha by train each day. He represented the school at rugby, cricket, hockey and swimming and after he left, became a member of a cycling club participating in track and racing events. He moved to Auckland in 1920 where his love of hockey saw him join the Somerville Club's senior team and represented his province in 1921 then a leg injury ended his playing career. Bill maintained his interest in the game by turning to team selection, first for his club, and then in 1925 became sole Senior selector for the Auckland Hockey Association - a position he held for 30 years. In 1935 he was appointed one of the N Z selectors becoming the convenor of the panel in 1937. He held this position until 1955. He worked as an accountant and married Ivy Lillian Clarke in Apr 1936 at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Hamilton. She was born at Birkenhead, Auckland - Father: Robert Clarke and Mother: Ellen Louisa (Nellie) Mitchell.

The war years arrived along with their son John and Bill served in the Home Guard. His organising ability was recognised when he  served on the Organising Finance Committee in preparation for the successful Empire Games held in February 1950 at Auckland.