For the past thirty years, the football club of Velsen-Noord has been called FC Velsenoord, but the association has at least five club names behind. An anniversary book has now been made of that history that enthusiasts can pick up today, among other things. Koen Roemeling, while leafing through the club history: “It turned out to be quite a nice, concise book.”
The centennium was actually three years ago, but at the worst possible time: just after the Netherlands first closed due to corona. Koen Roemeling: “April 4, 2020, just think. Everything was arranged, the party location, DJs, you name it. And then the corona misery came and everything fell apart”, Koen is still a bit disappointed.
Last September it happened with the centenary celebrations ‘and then we also cobbled together this book’, says Koen.
Other associations came up with big pills for their centenary, but that’s not how they are put together in Velsen-Noord. Koen: “People don’t read that anyway. This is just beautiful, the history and some beautiful photos of the centenary.”
Jubilee book FC Velsenoord
Jubilee book FC Velsenoord
Jubilee book FC Velsenoord
Jubilee book FC Velsenoord
Jubilee book FC Velsenoord
He made the book with a group of volunteers who together form the jubilee committee ‘100 FC Velsenoord’, but many of whom are also members of other local committees, boards and volunteer positions.
But the most important alliance is and remains football: with about sixteen men in their forties, fifties and sixties they still play football every Saturday. Not in a competition. Koen: “That was always a hassle, with opponents, referees, you name it.” No, just together, like you do when you’re a child: with two small goals and then don’t think too much and just go.
“We went back to basics about 16 years ago. It’s still very popular, we play 8 against 8, or 5 against 5, depending on how many people show up.”
There are some extra rules to keep it a bit friendly: making slidings, for example, is out of the question. And, as the jubilee book says: afterwards there is a ‘third half’ with beer in the canteen.
‘Passion for football’
The introduction to the short, powerful jubilee book contains another clue to other clubs from other places that do not want to merge because of their history or beliefs: “This book shows how associations can develop and come together: from a passion for football,” writes chairman Ed Beilen. It doesn’t have to be more difficult.
Later today, NH News will visit the football club when Velsen-Noorders come to pick up their booklets at the 100 plus 3-year association and the men start playing football.