The KNVB Visits Feyenoord Academy with a Coach delegation from the USA

“We look back on a wonderful collaboration with the team at Feyenoord Global Football, which resulted in a fantastic, tailor-made program. Our American guests were given a unique behind-the-scenes look at the Academy and experienced the incredible atmosphere of De Klassieker up close. An inspiring experience that we look forward to building on.” said Michael van der Star, Head of International programs at the KNVB.

‘’I had the privilege of visiting Feyenoord alongside a group of 50 US Soccer coaches, and from start to finish, it was an incredible experience. We kicked things off with an insightful presentation from Zeb Jacobs, Head of the Feyenoord Academy, who walked us through the Feyenoord vision - clear, purposeful, and deeply rooted in player development”, started Loek van Zijl, President at Premier International Tours

“From there, we got a close-up look at the club in action. Watching youth games and spending time at the Varkenoord training center gave us a real sense of how that vision comes to life on the pitch. The attention to detail, the structure, and the passion for developing players were evident everywhere we looked. And then came the perfect finale: the Dutch Klassieker. Feyenoord vs Ajax. The atmosphere was electric. The energy in the stadium, the intensity of the match, and the connection between the fans and the team made it something truly special. Feyenoord excels not just in football, but in hospitality and knowledge-sharing as well. They opened their doors to us in a way that made the entire experience both educational and unforgettable.’’

The program began on 21 March with a presentation by Zeb Jacobs, the Head of Academy at Feyenoord. During this session, the foundational principles and strategic vision underpinning Feyenoord’s Youth Academy were thoroughly outlined. The delegation attended several matches involving Feyenoord’s Youth Academy teams. This allowed them to observe firsthand how the club’s philosophy is translated into practice on the pitch, offering valuable learning experiences and practical context.

On March 22, the participants experienced one of the highlights of Dutch football: ‘’De Klassieker’’between Feyenoord and Ajax. The visiting coaches witnessed the arrival of the Ajax team bus and were immersed in the matchday atmosphere at De Kuip, gaining a true sense of the passion and intensity that define this historic rivalry.