Thousands of fans of Almere City FC celebrate that their club has been promoted to the premier league. At the Esplanade event area in the center of Almere, supporters cheer on the staff and players on stage in the blazing sun. According to the municipality, it is estimated that about 4,500 people are inside the fences and another thousand are following the ceremony outside.
The supporters light torches and chant, among other things, ‘we are Almere’. The players are called to the stage one by one after the staff. Loud singing from the audience.
The youngest professional club in the Netherlands won in the final of the play-offs against FC Emmen on Sunday and was therefore promoted to the Eredivisie for the first time in its existence. This is celebrated with a tribute.
Free bottled water is available on site. There are also party tents where people can find some shade on the otherwise sun-drenched site and there is a first aid station.
Among the supporters is also member of the Senate and former mayor of Almere, Annemarie Jorritsma. She is a big fan of Almere City FC and thinks it is “completely great” that they have been promoted. Jorritsma was unable to attend the match in Emmen due to private obligations, but watched the match on Sunday evening at the stadium in Almere. “We saw it coming and thought before the game: they really won’t let this happen again.” She said to expect a big party beforehand. “They are going crazy here.”
Maarten Muijs and his daughter Raina (11) also attended the ceremony. They have a season ticket together and think it is “super” that their club is through to the premier league. Maarten has been following the club from the start. “Finally the time has come, we want to experience this historic event.” Daughter Raina finds it very exciting. “This has never happened before.”
Mayor Hein van der Loo and alderman for Economy and Sport Maaike Veeningen welcomed the players and staff. Singer René Schuurmans sings the song Let the sun in your heart, which is often sung by supporters of the Almeerders.
Mayor Van der Loo already said that he is “incredibly happy” with the performance of Almere City FC. “This celebration is a great initiative for our Almere club, organized by Almere entrepreneurs with a heart for the city. Everything is ready to make it a great party.”
Almere City FC, which was founded in 2001 and has been playing professional football since 2005, is the 55th club to play in the premier league.
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