They play for the Netherlands, train at an elite level and want to reach the very top.
But many of these guys still have to combine it with a job or their studies.
I got a tour at the KNVB with the Dutch U19 futsal team, and that contrast really stayed with me.
The Netherlands is currently around 26th in the world, while our team is largely made up of amateurs. In many other countries, futsal is organised much more professionally, allowing players to focus entirely on their sport.
And yet, these guys keep pushing.
Training, improving, playing matches, recovering, studying or working, and then doing it all over again.
You can see the ambition in them.
I was at the KNVB for a recording of PODCAST FRANNEMAR with Annemieke Hebenaar, Frank Karsten and Marja Olff, where we had a great conversation about AI, adoption, technology and, above all, people.
And maybe that is exactly why seeing this afterwards felt so meaningful.
Because progress is not just about technology, money or facilities. It is also about people who are willing to go all in on something, even when the circumstances are far from perfect.
The Dutch women’s team is doing incredibly well too, and it was great to get a glimpse into their world as well.
A lot of respect for these young men and women who are giving everything they have to become better. 🇳🇱⚽
Stay tuned for the podcast!
