A quick glance at the “Nieuws” section on page 29 of the September 2013 matchday programme reveals the sheer density of talent that was brewing inside the Euroborg at the time. The page reads less like a local club update and more like a dispatch from FIFA headquarters, detailing a massive exodus of players representing their countries across Europe.
The programme proudly lists the international exploits of its squad during the recent break. Andraz Kirm was starting for Slovenia in World Cup qualifiers. Filip Kostic was securing wins for the Serbian U21 side. But the most exciting updates for the local fans were the milestones of their homegrown academy products. The text highlights that 16-year-old sensation Richairo Zivkovic had just made his official debut for the Netherlands U18 squad against Scotland, while young defender Keziah Veendorp was battling Germany and Italy with the Dutch U17s.
This concentration of international call-ups is the ultimate validation of a club’s scouting and youth development infrastructure. It proves to the fans reading the booklet that while they are supporting a regional club, they are watching players of a truly international caliber.
A Look into the Future
The names listed on this page would go on to have wildly different international careers. Filip Kostic would become a staple of the senior Serbian national team, playing in multiple World Cups. Richairo Zivkovic, despite the immense early hype documented here, would eventually switch his international allegiance to Curaçao after struggling to break into the senior Dutch setup. Meanwhile, Keziah Veendorp would carve out a solid professional career in the Eredivisie with FC Emmen. This single page captures them all at the exact moment their international journeys were taking flight.