Arjan and Niels Versteijnen from Berkel-Enschot (23) were infected with the handball virus at the age of 5. The ‘culprit’ was a babysitter from the same street who made their sister, three years older, enthusiastic about playing handball. The twins followed and now they are both international. Next week they will play with the Dutch team at the European Handball Championships in Germany.
For years, goalkeeper Arjan and striker Niels played together in a team, until the brothers went their separate ways in 2018. Niels was 18 and left for Germany. He has been living and playing handball there for 5.5 years now.
“Handball in Germany cannot be compared to the Netherlands.”
“It was only in Germany that it dawned on me that I could become a professional. In the beginning it took some getting used to, because I didn’t speak the language well. German was spoken at the academy with more foreign players, so I had to learn it quickly,” says the player from TBV Lemgo Lippe, which plays in the Bundesliga. “Germany is great when it comes to handball, cannot be compared to the Netherlands. During matches the stands are completely full of fanatical fans.”
Arjan played two seasons in Belgium. Also a foreign adventure, although it feels slightly different for him. “I didn’t play much there and so I was happy that Limburg’s Bevo Hc wanted me as their first goalkeeper. That also brought me back into the picture with the Dutch team.”
“I also have to work on it, because it’s not a big deal. .”
The difference in level between the competitions in Germany and the Netherlands is enormous. Yet there are indeed similarities. Arjan: “We train with Bevo six to seven times a week, which is comparable to Germany, for example. Financially there is a big difference. Niels is a full professional. I also have to work on it, because it’s not a big deal. My ambition is to take a step abroad, although that is certainly not easy. The upcoming European Championships are a great opportunity for me to show myself at a high level.”
The Netherlands is not a title candidate. The brothers do hope to provide a surprise. “It is my third European Championship and it remains special to be able to represent your country. Surviving the group stage should be possible. Then we want to do stunts,” says Niels. “Dutch men’s handball is on the rise. There are now many more boys playing abroad than two years ago. You will immediately notice this from the level. What also helps is that handball is being taken more and more seriously in our own country.”
In any case, the brothers will play together again in the coming weeks. “But it is not the case that we only work together during the national selection. It’s a nice group with great guests.”