Every week, acquaintances with red-yellow roots share their vision of Go Ahead Eagles and more. For this season these are Erdal Ascipinar, Robert Heukels, Edwin Lugt and Martijn Jongbloed. Today it is Martijn Jongbloed’s turn again.
The invisible heroes behind Go Ahead Eagles
There they are. Every training, rain or shine, but never in the spotlight. Fifteen assistant trainers, volunteers without a salary, but with a heart that beats for Go Ahead Eagles. They carry balls, give instructions and catch the young talents. No grand gestures or
applause. And yet, without them? Then the academy would come to a standstill.
These assistant coaches are there every day, driven by something greater than applause or a contract. They come to help build the next generation. Behind the scenes they coach each player with attention, whether it is that one quick dribble or learning to play as a team. No frills, no grand gestures – just real work, with heart and soul put into it
game.
Here at Go Ahead Eagles we build more than just players. Our head coaches, once assistants themselves, know the path their assistants now take. They know that development starts with the basics: the training fields, the small moments, the patience and the…
discipline. They guide the assistants, but also give them the freedom to chart their own course, just like our players learn. An open mind, a clear task, and a place where everyone can increase their knowledge. And sometimes, if things work out, magic happens between them
lines.
Although they now work without compensation, we dream of a future where their dedication is rewarded. Additional training, knowledge sharing, perhaps even a small compensation – we realize that this investment is not only a token of appreciation for them, but also takes the entire academy to a higher level. Every time a player breaks through, you can feel the hand of an assistant coach in his development. Without them? No youth teams, no Adelaarshorst stars, no future between the light poles.
And maybe now you’re thinking: why do they do it? Why stay on that field day in and day out, without getting anything in return? Well, that’s where the magic lies. Ask them, and you won’t get a long story. Maybe a smile, a shrug. Because for them it is simple. They are there to realize a dream – to get the boys ready for that big game, on that big field, where they will carry the future of Go Ahead Eagles.
