Worked as a temporary trainer at FC Volendam in January 2024

Yesterday morning my world opened up as a football coach, I was invited by my buddy Regillio Simons, now the head coach of a warm club FC Volendam. Getting up on Wednesday morning, January 24, was different from the other mornings on Wednesday, I was able to experience something that was quite unique and then the coffee tasted a little better than normal. You live in a different energy level, crazy feeling. The journey to Volendam was intense from the first meter to the last meter with a WoW feeling. Actually, you don't believe it. The moment you drive into Volendam, adventure really awaits. What is a dream for many people came true for me. Shouldn't you be proud of that? I received a warm welcome at FC Volendam. Upon entering the office employees, the staff and players with a good atmosphere and tranquility. As a novice trainer, being directly involved in training preparation at Premier League level is crazy. 

What is the idea, objective of the training, what are we going to pay attention to and how are we going to achieve that. Everything is measured and discussed. I got and learned a lot from this. The basics in combination with details make the difference. We set up the entire training together and when the rondo is ready with the necessary panas, the training starts. Each trainer is empowered to focus on their specialized part of the training, taking all the details into account. Performance, Fun, Team Building and getting better are central to the technical staff. The boys from FC Volendam at work.

During the training I had a lot of interaction with Regillio & Michael. I could ask anything, but it was also the other way around, very dynamic. It was as if we (Regillio) had seen each other for the last time on Tuesday, really very special but so trusting. Regillio's coaching towards his team has personally given me food for thought. That's in a class of its own, what? Well, I'll keep that to myself. After training we had lunch with the entire selection and after lunch the 2nd training started and now in the Gym. That was a tough workout with a purpose. The training in the gym must match the intensity with which you as a trainer want to play the match.

Then I personally want to take a moment to think about Damon Mirani. I used to see him as a young boy playing in the youth team at Ajax and we got to know each other at Almere City FC and still keep in touch every now and then. Yesterday you suddenly found yourself working together on the preparation for Fortuna Sittard. Apart from his football qualities, he is a fantastic person with the right winning mentality and has the drive to help the new upcoming talents of FC Volendam. Damon, nice to see you at work, but table tennis is not really your thing .