Have you ever heard of the family day for the players and staff of the Dutch national team? After the training in Wolfsburg this year it was time to go onto the field with children and grandchildren. But what exactly does this day entail? We will tell you!
This is what the family day of the Oranje players entails
A major tournament like the European Championship is quite intense for the players. To get them out of their bubble and bring the home front to them, Louis van Gaal introduced the family days in 2014. Time to relax. National coach Ronald Koeman wanted to keep this tradition alive. The family day would happen no matter what. And this year it happened again! Although there is no hard training on this day, it is mainly a moment of laughing, kissing and cuddling. Oh yes, and occasionally football. This year too, there were all kinds of children and grandchildren on the football field. For example, the daughters of Virgil van Dijk, Wout Weghorst and his offspring, the son of Steven Bergwijn and the grandchildren of Ronald Koeman were there. What fun they had together that day.
Relaxation
Van Gaal saw a lot of tension and stress in the young group of players. It was time to relax. In 2014, the time had come, the first family day was approaching. Team manager Hans Jorritsma and press officer Kees Jansma were given the task of literally opening the doors of the players’ hotel. Families of the players were invited to the lobby and games room. Enjoy playing table tennis with the little ones and chat about the most lighthearted things. This relaxation does the players good. The Dutch team would win 5-1 against Spain that evening anyway.
To enjoy
The family days were a success again this year. The players were able to enjoy their families. They were able to recharge their batteries and prepare for the upcoming matches. There was no family day after the match against France, but it took place again after the match against Austria. It was mainly a day where the players’ children were able to steal the show. For example, the daughters of Wout Weghorst were able to play in a beautiful game with the match winner against Poland. The child of Brian Brobbey and Steven Bergwijn also had some nice moments. Just switch off your brain for a moment. You can assume that these family days will continue in the coming years. Really great, right?
