AZ will play the first match of the semi-final of the UEFA Conference League against West Ham United FC in London on Thursday. Three generations of fans look ahead to the match and talk about their passion for the Alkmaar club.
The game is for a place in the final of the UEFA Conference League, which will take place in Prague on June 7. If AZ reaches the final, this will be the second time in history for the club.
“I’m very annoying during the game, my grandsons think, but I’m just too fanatical”
Els Hageman from Akersloot (72 year): “AZ means a lot to me. It’s a great team, they play great football and the atmosphere in the stadium is fantastic. I love going there. I’ve been a big fan ever since I was little. I took over the AZ love from my fanatical father. In 1960 I was allowed to go with him to a match in the old stadium for the first time. My father always went with a friend, but if his friend couldn’t, I was allowed to go. coming up and I hear the music, my heart opens. During the game I always think of my father and I look up. I hope he can watch and I am proud of the place where I am. I have a season ticket and cycles every week with joy from Akersloot to the stadium in Alkmaar. Here I watch the match with my sons-in-law and grandsons. My husband does not have a season ticket, he watches from home. I am very annoying during the match, my grandsons think , but I’m just too fanatical, I make a lot of noise, so everyone looks. My grandsons then say: ‘Grandma act normal.’ Unfortunately I don’t have a ticket for next Thursday’s game. I will of course watch the game on TV. When I watch the game at home, I’m even more annoying. I just walk around the house and with a penalty I’m behind the bench. Whether AZ wins or loses, I don’t really care. I’ll always be a fan, that’s in my genes.”
“AZ is in your heart and that doesn’t just go out”
Koen Glorie from Castricum (50 years): “The day after tomorrow I will fly to London with 3000 other supporters, where it will happen. AZ has been an important part of my life since I was eight. The club means a lot to me. On days when AZ loses, I am grumpy all day and have I don’t feel like doing fun things. I am present at all home and many away games. AZ is in your heart and that doesn’t just go away. I will always remain a fan and support them, even if they are not doing well for a period I think it is unique that AZ is playing the semi-finals and I am very happy that I can be there. Thursday evening, as always, I will be singing all the songs in my AZ shirt with a full chest. “
Jens de Boer from Alkmaar (18 years old): “Early tomorrow morning I will fly to the big European city with friends. I come from Alkmaar and have a season ticket for the Ben-Side, a course especially for the hard core of the club. I am always here with my friends to enjoy the game. AZ means a lot to me, I have been going to the games with joy for ten years. I have been part of the Ben-Side for four years. My friends and I are very fanatical. When I still had a place in a normal subject, I kept being looked at when I stood up or shouted. In the Ben-Side this is possible. Of course I hope they will win on Thursday, but I can accept it if this does not happen. My friends and I will stay until Friday evening, so the whole trip itself is a great experience.”