“The Keuken Kampioen Divisie is a good platform for talent development, as has been proven in recent seasons,” says Te Kloese. 'Our ideal remains to become active with Jong Feyenoord, but with FC Dordrecht we immediately have an enthusiastic and energetic partner in the first division, where we can create an excellent intermediate step for talents. In Pascal Bosschaart we have someone with Feyenoord DNA on site who can support that process.'

The partnership with FC Dordrecht is the next step in the development of a global football department that will be responsible for international partnerships and loaned players and the partnership in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie. Mark Ruijl, currently head of scouting, will lead the new department. “We will continue to expand the Feyenoord club internationally,” says Te Kloese. 'In the near future we will take many steps in the area of talent development, scouting and innovation to give the club an even broader and stronger foundation.'

Earlier this year, Feyenoord concluded a cooperation agreement with the American USL club Orange County FC. The existing activities and partner clubs of the current International Relations department, such as with Urawa Red Diamonds, will also be continued within the new department.