For the youngest supporters of FC Groningen, a matchday at the Euroborg is often about much more than just the ninety minutes of football. It is a fully immersive experience, and the Junior Club has historically played a crucial role in bringing kids closer to their heroes. During the spring break of 2015, the club went all out to ensure their youngest members had an unforgettable holiday.
The week leading up to the match was packed with activities. Over 300 members and their friends took part in exclusive stadium tours, exploring the hidden corners of the Euroborg. But the highlight for a select group was a special Meet & Greet with first-team players Yoëll van Nieff and Sergio Padt. This exclusive access was a reward for their participation in the “Strooigoed” charity campaign, which had successfully raised over 2,300 euros for Make-A-Wish Nederland earlier that winter.
However, the ultimate thrill arrived on matchday itself, when several lucky Junior Club members were selected to play official roles on the pitch, stepping out in front of thousands of roaring fans. For the historical record of the museum, we honor the young supporters who made the pre-match ceremonies possible that day:
The Line-up (Walking out with the players):
- Jan Spakman
- Jamil Ismael Ahmed
- Marlies Bos
- Luuk Visser
- Thijs Kremer
- Wesley Roossien
- Colin Woldendorp
- Danny Venema
- Rik Wessels
- Quinlan Trevor Margarita
The Referee Escort:
- Daan Schipper
- Dylan Schrijver
The Halftime Shoot-out Participants:
- Esmee Voogd
- Thijs ten Napel
- Frank Kremer
- Patrick Kremer
- Tycho Ploeg
A Look into the Future
Looking back from 2026, the kids who proudly walked onto the pitch that day are now young adults in their early twenties. Some may still be season ticket holders, standing and singing in the Z-Side, while others might have pursued their own footballing dreams in local amateur leagues across the northern provinces. The Junior Club itself remains a vital institution for FC Groningen, continually adapting to engage new generations, though the sheer thrill of holding a player’s hand in the tunnel remains as timeless and magical today as it was in 2015.