The youth pages of the matchday programme are usually filled with traditional Dutch names, both on the pitch and in the dugout. However, page 64 of the May 2013 edition introduces a wonderful splash of South American flair to the northern polders. The RVO FC Groningen/Cambuur D1 squad (the Under-13s) was managed by none other than Hugo Alves Velame.
A former Brazilian midfielder who played for FC Groningen in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Velame became a cult hero for his technical skills and infectious smile. Instead of returning to Brazil after his playing career, he stayed in the northern Netherlands, dedicating himself to the club’s youth academy. The text on this page details a character-building end to the season for his 12- and 13-year-old pupils. After suffering three consecutive defeats, the young squad managed to secure a “keurige zege” (neat victory) against Vitesse/AGOVV on the final matchday. This crucial 3-1 win ensured they finished in a highly respectable second place in the “Eerste Divisie C,” just behind their regional rivals SC Heerenveen.
Having a Brazilian ex-professional guide the youngest talents in the academy is a beautiful cultural exchange. Velame was tasked with blending the strict, tactical discipline of the Dutch football school with the joy and technical freedom of Brazilian street football.
A Look into the Future
By 2026, the boys in this D1 squad are in their mid-twenties. While their individual footballing journeys varied wildly, the foundational lessons learned from a coach like Hugo Alves Velame extend far beyond the pitch. Velame’s enduring presence in the northern football scene—often organizing local football camps and continuing his coaching career—cements his legacy not just as a former player, but as an adopted son of the city who gave back to the next generation of Groningen talent.