Previously in Amsterdam Part 2, I visited several historical sites that witnessed the Dutch Republic becoming a global super power in the 1600's. After gaining independence from the Spanish (after the Eighty Years War), and turning Protestant, the Dutch sailed the world, and rivalled the Portuguese and Spanish. Most notably, the Dutch took Melaka (Malacca) and modern Indonesia, thus stamping their name on global trade. Check it out at:
https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2020/11/amsterdam-part-2.html
~~~
Ajax Amsterdam is a famous football club in Europe. They are best known for producing football talents (who are unfortunately sold to big clubs). It is definitely not very desirable being a feeder club, but I suppose the balance sheet would always be super healthy. We read about the glory days and famous names such as Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, Frank Rijkaard passing through their ranks, and they have won a few European Cups.
Since I started watching football (in 2000), former Ajax players that I keenly watched were Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Kluivert, Ryan Babel, Nwankwo Kanu, Jari Litmanen, Wesley Sneijder, Edwin Van Der Sar, Clarence Seedorf, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Luiz Suarez, Christian Eriksen and the list goes on.
Any football fan can confirm that world football is a better place because of all these graduates from Ajax. Barcelona's playing style is still influenced by Johan Cruyff, their coach in the 70's.
The question is, how are you able to spot and nurture world class talents, consistently for a century?
To learn more, on my 3rd full day in Amsterdam, I got up the city train to Bijmer Amsterdam Arena.
55,0000-person capacity stadium (you could see the weather wasn't great)
I paid 16 euros for the stadium tour at noon.
We were firstly introduced the away team dressing room, which was uninspiring and dull.
Interestingly, there are only 10 shower rooms, which means one of the away players would need to share the same shower.... or wait for his turn. Not very hospitable, and definitely not my cup of tea.
Meanwhile, the home team dressing room was sparkling and modern. It has 12 shower rooms!
Home team dressing room was definitely refreshing
Meanwhile, away fans visiting the Amsterdam Arena will not find themselves in a comfortable situation either. The away section of the stadium looked like a cage...
Apparently, it is for safety, so you can be airlifted if needed
To be honest, the tours for Nou Camp, Allianz Arena and Anfield seem better.
Anyway, I wanted to learn about how Ajax nurture and train talents. I had always believe in developing future talents. There may be a teacher in me. But, I am still searching the best way to implement it. I have been really fortunate to have met mentors and seniors who willingly guided and coached me. So I am looking forward to pay the good deed forward.
Head of youth development, Jan Olde Riekerink, explains: “They have to be coachable and want to learn.”
“The most important thing we can teach them is self-responsibility. The moment they walk out of the complex, they can choose to go home or to McDonald’s. They’re only children, so I’m not going to shout at them, but they have to realise that part of being a professional is making the right decision.”
Also key is a reluctance to prioritise youth-team success. “It’s not a crime to lose,” insists David Endt, sports journalist associated with Ajax for more than three decades. “Nor is it about being champions in your age group, but being in the first team, winning trophies there. To be a star you must overcome disappointment.”
So there’s no screaming coaches, pushy parents or berating of officials. It’s almost as if Ajax’s coaching staff encourage adversity to create a stronger product years down the line.
“Between the ages of seven and 12, I’m not looking to improve football skills,” explains first-team strength and conditioning coach Rene Wormhoudt, who also oversees Athletic Skills. “I want to develop all aspects of co-ordination like running, jumping, throwing and catching. I believe in a firm base for an athlete, no matter what sport.”
Indeed, until they’re 13 years old, 40 per cent of an academy player’s workload is non-football specific. Judo and gymnastics feature heavily in those early years. “Those sports have the basic motor skills I’m interested in,” says Wormhoudt, an imposing slab of a man who says his classes are unique to the club. “Judo is not only physical, it’s also mental training. You learn discipline; how to lose and win and work together.”
Beyond 15, specialised strength training and yoga take the place of judo and gymnastics, in the pursuit of creating all-round athletes, not just footballers.
Johan Cruyff played baseball while Marco van Basten was a national table tennis player. Ajax also put their kids through psychology and memory tests, and actually study their parents!
~~~
After taking a stroll in the nearby Nelson Mandela Park and visiting the nearby shopping mall for lunch, I took the train back to Central around 4pm, visiting the beautiful Medieval courtyard - Begijnhof.
This place remained almost the same since the 16th century
A Roman Catholic enclave in a predominantly Protestant Amsterdam - I take this as some form of acceptance, tolerance and respect, key ingredients to be a successful nation
The underground church - The Chapel
The courtyard was actually really serene and cozy. Besides being a tourist attraction, the Begijnhof also reflects the different dimensions of Dutch society, where being a famous port and center of commerce during the Dutch Golden Age (1581 - 1672), serving the Dutch East India Company (VOC).
I think any single women will feel safe here
In many societies, religious tensions normally grow uncontrollable, especially when mixed with politics. I find Amsterdam an extremely modern, liberal and forward-looking society. Dutch history, art and architecture is distinct, with a slight Latin influence.
I felt really comfortable and relax staying in the city for 4 days. Mevlana Hotel in the city center was really good. The Dutch has a reputation of being practical and pragmatic, who wouldn't shy from telling you the truth right in the face. I realize that to be a developed country, you need to be open to ideas and critiques. The Begijnhof is a fine example of acceptance and respect. The Dutch is a fine example of a modern and successful society.
Forcing others to follow your way of life, beliefs and mindset, kills innovation and creativity. Amsterdam received refugees from around Europe such as Jews and Christians.
Street performance at Dam Square, in the city center
It was a fantastic stay in Amsterdam.
Next up, I travelled to The Hague, via Rotterdam...
To be continued...
No comments:
Post a Comment