Apex Football Academy heads to Rotterdam for International Team Trip

After two successful Feyenoord camps in Vancouver, it was time for Apex Football Academy to visit Rotterdam and experience the family-like atmosphere that their Founder & Technical Director Siamak Hashemi already experienced in the past. ‘We just wrapped up our first trip to Feyenoord, and what an unforgettable experience it turned out to be for our players and parents alike. “The trip of a lifetime” has been the general feedback by everyone', starts Hashemi. 'Elite level training at Feyenoord’s world-class Varkenoord facility led by very talented Feyenoord coaches. It really doesn’t get better than that! I can’t thank Feyenoord enough for their incredible hospitality and for welcoming us into the Feyenoord family with open arms. We’re delighted that our players got to see firsthand what it takes to live and love football the Feyenoord way. Thank you, Super Feyenoord, for truly making us happy. We eagerly look forward to seeing you again very soon.'

The training sessions were led by Feyenoord Academy coaches, with exercises that fully align with Feyenoord’s renowned youth development philosophy. With the use of video analysis, the players gained an in-depth knowledge of their play and tactical knowledge, which they could at once apply on the pitch. They had the occasion to play friendly matches against the Feyenoord Academy, Feyenoord Academy partner V.V. Spirit and even travel to Belgium to experience European football firsthand. These matches gave them the chance to measure themselves with and against top-level European competition. In addition to their training sessions and friendly matches, the group attended several professional games to experience Dutch football in action, while also enjoying free time to rest or discover the many sights of Rotterdam.

‘This experience has been nothing short of incredible for our players and families. Training at Varkenoord and competing against top European talent has shown our players the intensity, professionalism, and resilience it takes to reach the highest level', said Raj Khatar, Managing Director at Apex Football Academy. 'Our partnership with Feyenoord reflects shared values of excellence and development, and it sets a new standard for Canadian youth football. This is more than a trip; it’s the start of a pathway that inspires the next generation to dream big and work even harder.'

This trip was part of the ongoing partnership between Feyenoord and Apex Football Academy, launched in September 2024. Since then, the two organizations have worked together to set up two Feyenoord Camps in Vancouver and one Team Trip to Rotterdam. ‘Apex are making a lot of waves in Vancouver, Feyenoord waves to be exact! Their dedication to quality is amazing’, said Gido Vader, Manager of Global Football Affairs at Feyenoord. ‘It was wonderful to host such a big group of them in Rotterdam, and we are looking forward to organizing more together soon.’