Sleeuwenhoek was part of the Aston Villa youth set-up that included another Pelsall Villa legend, Alan Deakin. he made his Villa debut in 1961, playing over 220 times, over 6 seasons, as a centre half. He was also capped by England at U23 level.

After leaving Aston Vila, Sleeuwenhoek went on to play for Birmingham City, Torquay Utd and Oldham before retiring through injury at 28.

He joined Pelsall Villa in 1975, a period which saw several ex-Internationals playing at The Bush.