A tour to the home of
'Total Football'
Despite their home being a remote mining community in the Northwest Territories of Canada, ‘Spartan Soccer’ did not arrive in stereotypical Eskimo coats and were not easy to miss when they landed in Holland. On this tour, football was the only thing on the menu and was all that had been planned. Yellowknife FC arrived at AJAX academy, in the grounds of the AJAX Arena, to begin a training session alongside the 1st team who had returned for pre-season. From the palatial changing facilities to the manicured surfaces the team could not have had a better environment to flourish in. They were put through their paces by club and youth coaches that inspired the team with 1st team training drills and top quality coaching. A stadium tour of the AJAX Arena then added to their affection for the club and they instantly dismissed the opportunity to visit their fierce rivals Feyenoord stadium.
A walking tour of Amsterdam provided a fantastic way to learn about the City, its history and ‘tolerant’ existence. The short transfer back to Rotterdam was more like a professional football team with lads playing cards, listening to music and getting last minutes rest in before their evening fixture. RSCV Zestinhoven were the hosts and opponents for the night. Faultless facilities, for both supporters and players, allowed for a great game of football to take place. News of the Canadians in town must have spread and a healthy crowd had congregated. A close fought 1st half was eclipsed by a second half lapse in defence and Dutch magic, with the hosts sealing the victory.
The lads returned to AJAX with renewed vigour and determination. The second session was again, dynamic, challenging and encouraged the lads to play the Ajax way. The football program in Holland was capped off with The AJAX Experience. A final chance for the lads to learn about the clubs unique ethos, unbelievable success and inspire them in their development.
