Dutch Football Clubs Unite Communities, Celebrate Achievements
In the Netherlands, football clubs are more than just sports teams; they’re vital community hubs offering integration opportunities and celebrating local achievements. From welcoming refugees to honoring long-standing members, these clubs showcase the unifying power of the sport.
FC United Welcomes Asylum Seekers, Promoting Integration Through Football
FC United, utilizing the facilities of FC Oegstgeest, has opened its doors to asylum seekers. Recognizing that employment and social roles may be initially limited for newcomers,the club offers a welcoming environment where individuals can enjoy playing football,momentarily escape their worries,and integrate into the community. The club emphasizes that sports can accelerate language acquisition, and it actively encourages women to participate, addressing the gender imbalance in football.
Community Engagement and Environmental Action
ROAC is partnering with Stichting Groen Licht and de Blauwe Zone to organize a community cleanup on March 22 in Rijpwetering and Oud Ade. Volunteers will gather at the ROAC canteen at 10:00 a.m. for coffee and supplies before cleaning up the streets and ditches until 12:00 p.m. The event will conclude with soup provided by Vergulde Vos.
ROAC also lauded its volunteers,highlighting the success of its volunteer policy in attracting new faces and fostering a positive environment.
Club News and highlights
Football Factory
The women’s team celebrated both a 2-1 victory and International Women’s Day.
Valken ’68
Henk van der Nagel, a club veteran with over 300 appearances for the first team and 150 for the second, will become the head coach of the second team next season.
Warmunda
Richard Groen in ‘t woud and Marco van Kempen emerged victorious in a klaverjassen (Dutch card game) tournament held on February 23, with 21 pairs competing. The club is now looking forward to the upcoming paaskoppelklaverjassen event on april 13.
Voorschoten ’97
Matthijs van de Nouwenland is returning to Voorschoten ’97 after a year with RKAVV. Bilal Kaddouri, Jiggy van Engelen, Kauzi Nomen, Amin Elghalbzouri, and Nassim el khiraoui have also committed to stay with the team.
Foreholte
Thijs, Gidion, and Bjön have successfully completed their referee course and are now certified referees for the club.
SV Aarlanderveen
SV Aarlanderveen is hosting a “super Saturday” with both the first and second teams playing at home, accompanied by music from Party DJ Wessel.
Dutch Amateur Football Scene Sees Club Updates, Talent Development, and Infrastructure Improvements
Several Dutch amateur football clubs are making headlines with youth talent advancements, facility upgrades, and community engagement initiatives. From player transfers to infrastructure enhancements and international tournament participation,the clubs are actively shaping their futures and contributing to the local football landscape.
Youth player Enes Han Pala Moves to ADO Den Haag Academy
In a notable development for local talent, Enes Han Pala, a youth player from RCL’s JO17-1 team, will join the youth academy of ADO Den Haag next season. This move highlights the club’s prosperous youth development program and provides Pala with a platform to further his football career.
RCL Receives Club Sign. (Image: leidenamateurvoetbal.nl)
EMM ’21 Celebrates New Field Completion and International Women’s day
EMM ’21 has announced the official completion of its Field 2,a welcome addition set to enhance the playing experience in De Veen. The club also marked International Women’s Day with a message supporting equality and inspiring young female players: “GO EMM GIRLS!”
EMM ’21 celebrates International Women’s Day. (Image: leidenamateurvoetbal.nl)
Meerburg MO17-1 to Participate in Belgium Cup
The MO17-1 team of Meerburg is gearing up to compete in the Belgium cup in Hasselt, Belgium, starting April 19. The club’s women’s football section is supporting the team with financial contributions, demonstrating a commitment to fostering youth development and providing opportunities for international competition.
Road Closure affecting Access to RKVV Teylingen
RKVV Teylingen anticipates potential access issues for visitors due to scheduled maintenance. The Oosthoutlaan-Rijksstraatweg roundabout near the ESSO station will be closed from 8 p.m. on March 14 to midnight on March 15. Visitors should plan their routes accordingly.
kagia Welcomes New KNVB Referees
Kagia is proud to announce that Edwin den Butter, Bart-Jan Buchner, and Rob van Geene have earned their KNVB-recognized referee diplomas. The club encourages anyone interested in refereeing to contact the referee committee.
Kagia Recruits New Referees. (Image: leidenamateurvoetbal.nl)
Olaf Bakker Transfers to NSV ’46 for the 2025-2026 season
Striker Olaf Bakker has made the switch to NSV ’46 for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. Despite strong ties to vv koudekerk, where he has played his entire life, Bakker is looking forward to a promising season with his new club.
Olaf Bakker transfers to NSV ’46. (image: leidenamateurvoetbal.nl)
ASC Expresses Gratitude After Barcelona Training Camp
ASC’s squad, during their winter training camp in Barcelona, took a moment to thank those who made the trip possible, highlighting the importance of support and teamwork within the club.
ASC thanks supporters after Barcelona training camp.(Image: leidenamateurvoetbal.nl)
FC Rijnvogels Signs Jaimy Bunte for Next Season
FC Rijnvogels has secured the services of Jaimy Bunte for the upcoming season. Bunte, a midfielder with experience in Sparta Rotterdam’s first team and youth divisions, and also stints in Sweden and Greece, joins FC Rijnvogels after playing for Scheveningen.
Jaimy Bunte joins FC rijnvogels. (Image: leidenamateurvoetbal.nl)
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**Local Football Clubs buzzing with News and Initiatives**
ZWAMMERDAM, Netherlands – Several amateur football clubs in the region are making headlines with a mix of on-field developments, community initiatives, and exciting player news.
**Zwammerdam:** While focusing on providing training support, the team hopes for a successful Saturday match for Aarlanderveen 2 and Zwammerdam 3.
**FC Oegstgeest Champions Women in Football Campaign**
FC Oegstgeest is taking a proactive step to encourage more women to take on coaching and technical roles. They are launching a campaign, kicking off on April 7th, featuring former Dutch national team player Natalie Geeris as a guest speaker. The event aims to inspire women to get involved in various functions within the club. Furthermore, FC Oegstgeest is facilitating community engagement by hosting a trading picture event on March 26, between 3:30 PM and 6PM. For those wishing to refill their water bottles, the club now has a water filling station for guests.
**DoCoS:** DoCoS fans will be pleased to know that the club’s new field now sports a freshly painted center line as the season progresses.
**Roodenburg Encourages Active Lifestyle and recalls Training Innovation**
Roodenburg continues its long-standing tradition of “walking football” for seniors aged 55 and over. The sessions take place on Thursday evenings from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, emphasizing fun and social interaction. The club also shared an engaging historical anecdote about a training initiative from the 1990-1991 season, when a “Training Trophy” was awarded to players with the best attendance record.This was intended to spark a competition and improve training turnout. Absences even incurred penalty points using this system.
**TAVV Welcomes Homegrown Talent**
TAVV is bolstering its squad with the addition of brothers Yassinne and zine-Edinne El Mariani, reuniting them on the same team next season. Yassinne returns after two seasons away, and they will be joined by their cousin, Charaf Kharbachi, currently playing for Alphense Boys JO23-1.
**stompwijk’92 Launches Recreational Football Initiative**
Stompwijk’92 is offering a recreational football program for individuals with ties to the Stompwijk community. The program is open to players aged 30-65 with some football experience, focusing on a relaxed and non-competitive environment. Those interested can contact the club with their name and phone number.
**Lugdunum**
Lugdunum is looking for eager trainers to support and execute training sessions with the team’s players. Those with experience and ambition may want to connect.
These clubs highlight the vibrant amateur football scene in the region, showcasing a commitment to both sporting development and community engagement.
Community football Clubs honor Lost Members, Prepare for Exciting Events
Local football clubs are experiencing a mix of somber farewells and eagerly anticipated events as they navigate the current season. From memorial services to fundraising initiatives, the clubs are demonstrating resilience and community spirit.
Lugdunum Mourns the Loss of Ton de Rooij Sr.
The Lugdunum football club recently announced the passing of Ton de Rooij Sr., affectionately known as “Ome Ton.” De Rooij was a dedicated supporter of the club, remembered for his unwavering commitment and passion. His contributions are considered invaluable, leaving a lasting impact on Lugdunum.
Hazerswoudse Boys Enhance Grounds with New Picnic Tables
Thanks to the efforts of dedicated volunteers, Hazerswoudse Boys is now equipped with new picnic tables in the club’s colors. The addition aims to enhance the outdoor experience for members and visitors, just in time for warmer weather.
Kickers ‘69 to Host “Super saturday” Fundraiser
Kickers ‘69 is gearing up for “Super Saturday,” a day featuring home games for multiple teams, including Kickers 1, 2, 3, VR1, and JO19. The day will culminate in a fundraising auction and ”Wheel of Fortune” event. Proceeds will support the club’s new kitchen,international youth tournament,and youth events committee. Prizes include skybox tickets for ADO, AJAX tickets, wine packages, and signed FIFA player cards.
SJZ Community Bids farewell to René de Haas and Looks to the Future
Following a memorial match between the youth teams of Voorschoten and SJZ in remembrance of their friend Raphael, SJZ also mourned the loss of René de Haas. A large gathering attended his farewell on March 5th at Sportpark Haasbroek. Looking ahead, the club is focusing on upcoming matches and community events. Olympic silver medalist rower Gert-Jan van Doorn, a Zoeterwoude-dorp native, will start a sponsor run on April 9th and will bring his medal for the youth of SJZ to see and photograph.
**Q: Beyond on-field victories, what are some of the key community engagement initiatives undertaken by these football clubs?**
Community Football Clubs Celebrate Achievements and Community Engagement
The local amateur football scene is buzzing with activity, from celebrating victories and honoring long-standing members to organizing community events. Clubs across the region are demonstrating the unifying power of sport, with a focus on both on-field success and fostering strong community ties.
FC Oegstgeest Champions Women in Football Campaign
FC Oegstgeest is actively encouraging increased female participation in football, both on and off the field. They are launching a campaign that will kick off on April 7th,featuring former Dutch national team player Natalie Geeris as a guest speaker. The event is designed to inspire women to take on coaching and technical roles within the club. Additionally, FC Oegstgeest is facilitating community engagement with a trading picture event on March 26th, between 3:30 PM and 6:00 PM. They have also installed a water filling station.
DoCoS: New Field Enhancements
DoCoS club’s new field now features a freshly painted center line,enhancing the playing experience.
Roodenburg Encourages Active Lifestyle and Recalls Training Innovation
Roodenburg continues its triumphant “walking football” program for seniors (55+), every Thursday from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Fun and socializing are emphasized. Historically, they also used a “Training trophy” system in the 1990-1991 season to encourage better attendance.
TAVV welcomes homegrown talent
TAVV is welcoming brothers Yassinne and Zine-Edinne El Mariani, and also their cousin, charaf Kharbachi, to its squad.
stompwijk’92 Launches Recreational Football
Stompwijk’92 is starting a recreational football program for local community members (ages 30-65) with previous football experience. Those interested can contact the club.
Lugdunum
Lugdunum is looking for trainers to help the players with training sessions. Experienced persons should connect with the club.
Q&A: Deep Dive into Local Football
These clubs are not only providing opportunities for athletic competition but also enriching community life. Their efforts highlight the critical role local football plays in the Netherlands.
