Donside U14s will, all being well, take their place proudly as the first ever Scottish team to compete in the VFC Vlaardingen International Youth Football Tournament next May.

 

Run over the weekend of May 14/15 2016 this annual event will involve teams from across Europe. Traditionally the tournament has seen teams from Germany, Belgium, Poland, Czech Republic, England (usually AFC Stoneham from the Southampton area)....and of course Holland.

 

Three age groups are represented with our boys being in the eldest age bracket. If all goes well then there is no reason why Donside as a club cannot, in the future, take at least one team per year...or 3 if possible !. 

 

When Kenny & current club chairman Duncan Harper both recently suggested the possibility of an ''overseas trip'' for one Donside team each year both Kenny & I felt that VFC Vlaardingen was the best place to start enquiries because of my family connections with this particular club. 

 

My nephew, Bryn, now 25, has played for VFC since the age of 6. Progessing right through the VFC system he now plays for their senior first team and has also coached the U18 team. 

 

It's no secret to anyone who follows football how good the Dutch youth development system is and from what I have seen VFC is no different. With fantastic facilities and a superb new club house I'm sure our boys will really enjoy the experience.

 

There are also the logistics of such an adventure to consider but with Schipol Airport, Amsterdam only being a one hour flight from Aberdeen and then a direct 45 minute train journey from Schipol to Vlaardingen Central I would suggest that competing in VFC's tournament certainly lends itself to Donside.

 

A recent family visit to Holland meant that I could meet with the VFC chairman personally to discuss our participation next year.... and I have to say ''Jaap'' was fantastic, very welcoming and helpful. So it's game on as they say !

 

There's still a lot of work to do....but all being well the ''blue and black stripes'' will be proudly representing Scotland at VFC next May ! (by the way....I hope all the boys know the words to ''Flower of Scotland'' as each National Anthem is played at the tournament :-) )

 

There are some photo's opposite and below from my recent trip.

 

We will keep you all updated as much as possible in the coming weeks.

 

Keith.