As the weather finally began to warm up in April 2014, the FC Groningen Junior Club shifted into high gear. Page 30 of the matchday programme outlines a “Maand vol activiteiten!” (Month full of activities) designed to keep the club’s youngest supporters thoroughly entertained during the spring.
The page advertises a “Paasactiviteit” (Easter activity) where kids could hunt for eggs at the stadium and earn an Easter Bunny diploma. It also promotes the annual “Junior Club Dag” at the Kardinge sports complex, promising bumper football, a mega obstacle course, and a “PlayStation wall.” But the true magic of the Junior Club is always found in the printed lists at the bottom of the page—the permanent record of the children who were treated like absolute VIPs on matchday.
For the crucial clash against NAC Breda, 14 children were given the unforgettable honor of walking out of the tunnel hand-in-hand with the players and officials. The official line-up consisted of: Thijn Slagter, Djordi Arne Hester, Jay de Vries, Thom Boels, Chris Ridderstap, Ruben Buikema, Yordi Huisman, Robin Kroeze, Gijs Wensink, Daan Janssen, Ronald Nobbe, Joost Kombrink, Willem Poppes, and Pax Huizinga. During the halftime break, the tension of the match was briefly paused as Ingo Jongsma, Sander van Dijken, Ids Hannema, and Gert-Jan de Vries took to the pitch for the Gasunie Shoot-Out penalty competition.
A Look into the Future
The meticulous listing of these names is not just administrative filler; it is the building of a legacy. By 2026, the children who hunted for Easter eggs and walked onto the Euroborg pitch in 2014 are young adults. The club’s investment in their childhood memories paid off, converting them from casual fans into dedicated, lifelong supporters. Every name printed on this page represents a seed planted by the club, ensuring the terraces of the stadium will remain full and vocal for the next generation.