The lamps in the ‘old’ stadium of Helmond Sport are finally off. The last league match was played on Monday evening, against FC Emmen (1-2 defeat). From Friday, March 7, the Helmonders will play a stone’s throw in the brand new GS Staalwerken Stadium. It takes a while for club icon Hans Meeuwsen. “Every change is difficult, especially when you are a little older.”
It is one of the most famous club songs in the Netherlands. ‘Vur Welleke Club gang Gai’ This Monday evening was last sounded from the speakers of the current Stadium De Braak, as it is popularly called. The stadium, which was opened in 1967, goes flat and several artificial grass pitches are replaced. Helmond Sport will play football in the new stadium in two weeks that was built a little further.
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Last Friday evening, Helmond Sport and the supporters worked out a lot because of the last home game on Friday, but officially the catch -up match against FC Emmen on Monday evening is the last. In a sporting point of view, it was not a great evening for the Helmonders, because the guests were too strong with 1-2.
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Hans Meeuwsen (63) played football in the first of Helmond Sport for many years and is still faithful in the stands at home games. “When I came to play football here in 1982, it was in the Eredivisie. This stadium was low -rise buildings and had corrugated sheets. At that time they already shouted that there had to be a new stadium. I have seen the fallow grow to what it is now. New construction was always postponed, only now is the day. “
“Stadium was regularly packed.”
As a player and supporter, the club icon experienced many memorable moments. “There was nothing better than playing football yourself. The stadium was regularly packed in the Eredivisie. As a spectator, the years that we were running well. I also experienced seasons that I was wondering what I was looking at. I hope those beautiful moments will come again. How nice it would be to receive the big PSV instead of the promises. “
“Especially important that I see growth on the field.”
In two weeks he will exchange his permanent spot in the stands for a place in the new stadium. “The new building was not necessary. I love the old trusted, the atmosphere that hangs here is nice. But yes, you have to keep up with the times. It can certainly also benefit the club. I think it is especially important that I see growth on the field. “
“You can’t compare our club with anything.”
Erik van Kilsdonk, chairman of the supporters’ association, woke up on Monday morning with a separate feeling. “I have been coming to Helmond Sport for 32 years and this is the last evening in the current stadium. I enjoyed so much pleasure here.”
“For example, we fought the club several times for promotion, that always stays with me. Just like the supporters who have lost us. We will never forget them, you are and will remain Helmond Sport supporter. What a typical Helmond athlete is is difficult to describe. That mentality is in our DNA. You can’t compare our club with anything. “
According to Erik, the move to the new GS Staalwerken Stadium is understandable. “The club is ambitious and we have no right to complain. Sporty things are going in the right direction and we want to participate in the play-offs. Promotion can take a while, but in the new stadium we certainly have a chance. ”