A football club is the most visible social institution in any city, and how it shares its spotlight speaks volumes about its values. On page 30 of the August 2013 programme, nestled below a cheerful Junior Club holiday photo contest, is a small but deeply impactful announcement titled “NOVO in de line-up”.

The text explains that for this specific match against FC Utrecht, the traditional player escort line-up (usually reserved for children from local amateur clubs) would be entirely different. Instead, the players would walk onto the pitch hand-in-hand with clients from NOVO, a regional organization dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. The programme takes the time to immortalize every single participant in print, listing the proud individuals who took on this honorary role: Erik vd Bijl, Bertus Wolthuis, Frederik van Eisden, Jan Greven, Marcel van der Werff, Wilbert Bos, Riko van de Landen, Patrick Kuiper, Johan Kuipers, Rene van Belkum, Thon van Uiyen, Richard van Uiyen, Diana Eelsing, and Aldert Schaaphok.

For these individuals, stepping out onto the grass of a roaring Euroborg was undoubtedly the experience of a lifetime. For the fans in the stands, it was a powerful reminder that the club belongs to everyone in the community, regardless of their physical or mental capabilities.

A Look into the Future

This 2013 initiative was a precursor to a much broader, institutionalized approach to social responsibility. In the years that followed, FC Groningen massively expanded its community outreach through its dedicated foundation. By 2026, inclusive initiatives are no longer just one-off matchday events; they are a core pillar of the club’s daily operations. Looking back at this page, the names printed here represent the pioneers of a more inclusive footballing culture in the north.