ARC Heitinga Tournament 1st May 2008
For the third year running, amateur club ARC from my home town of Alphen aan den Rijn are organising the prestigious ARC Heitinga Youth Tournament
I learned my football skills at ARC before leaving in 1991 for Ajax but I’ve never forgotten my roots. I’ve been going back to my old club on a regular basis over the years, and so when the chance came to lend my support and my name to the club’s annual tournament, I didn’t have to think twice.
The tournament kicks off on 1 May 2008 with the oldest age group – the 10-12 year-olds - taking to the field. Many of them will be representing the youth teams of professional clubs including Ajax. On the 2 May it’s the turn of the 8-10 year olds to show off their skills, with top Eredivisie referee, Kevin Blom officiating at the final. On Saturday 3 May, more than 20 teams in the youngest category (the 6-8 year olds) will be in action, while at midday, staff from the Dutch Football association ( KNVB) will be giving a football clinic for ARC’s disabled players.
The professional organisation and relaxed atmosphere makes this tournament a very special event indeed. The wonderful hospitality provided by ARC and the personal and professional guidance for all of the participants mean that everyone involved is guaranteed to have a smashing time. As well as lunch for all of the players, a full range of professional catering will be available for the supporters.
The event, which always attracts a lot of media coverage, would be impossible to finance without the support of our many loyal and generous sponsors.
Over the course of the three days, the tournament will attract around 1500 players, their families and supporters, and will feature no less than 400 matches played. And no matter what the results, one thing is certain: every single youngster taking part will be a winner, and will go home with a prize.
I learned my football skills at ARC before leaving in 1991 for Ajax but I’ve never forgotten my roots. I’ve been going back to my old club on a regular basis over the years, and so when the chance came to lend my support and my name to the club’s annual tournament, I didn’t have to think twice.
The tournament kicks off on 1 May 2008 with the oldest age group – the 10-12 year-olds - taking to the field. Many of them will be representing the youth teams of professional clubs including Ajax. On the 2 May it’s the turn of the 8-10 year olds to show off their skills, with top Eredivisie referee, Kevin Blom officiating at the final. On Saturday 3 May, more than 20 teams in the youngest category (the 6-8 year olds) will be in action, while at midday, staff from the Dutch Football association ( KNVB) will be giving a football clinic for ARC’s disabled players.
The professional organisation and relaxed atmosphere makes this tournament a very special event indeed. The wonderful hospitality provided by ARC and the personal and professional guidance for all of the participants mean that everyone involved is guaranteed to have a smashing time. As well as lunch for all of the players, a full range of professional catering will be available for the supporters.
The event, which always attracts a lot of media coverage, would be impossible to finance without the support of our many loyal and generous sponsors.
Over the course of the three days, the tournament will attract around 1500 players, their families and supporters, and will feature no less than 400 matches played. And no matter what the results, one thing is certain: every single youngster taking part will be a winner, and will go home with a prize.
