Van Bronckhorst and Krol give clinic in Sweden

Last Tuesday, October 11 Dutch ex-football internationals Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Ruud Krol gave a football clinic for 24 children in Stockholm. The clinic was organized prior to the EURO 2012 qualifying match of the Dutch national team against Sweden and was dedicated to the KNVB WorldCoaches program. The program educates football coaches (WorldCoaches) all over the world, who in turn train children in underdeveloped areas in football- and life-skills.

Making a difference

The 24 children of amateur football club IF Huddinge, located in one of the underdeveloped districts of Stockholm, were able to meet the Dutch ex-football internationals. Ruud Krol has been involved for many years in the WorldCoaches program. Krol: "With the WorldCoaches program we are able to make a difference for many children worldwide. Not only on the football field but also in daily life. I have experienced this personally during the last World Cup in South Africa." Van Bronckhorst is also active with his own foundation, the Giovanni van Bronckhorst Foundation. Van Bronckhorst: "My mission is to create an environment in which children can develop. I want to create this in as many places as possible, anywhere where children need it." The clinic in Stockholm was a big success, judging by the enthusiasm of the participants.

Role model

Since 1997, the KNVB has trained WorldCoaches around the world, with a special focus on developing countries. The KNVB, through WorldCoaches, puts the power of football into local communities in developing countries. A WorldCoach teaches children in a fun and professional way to play (better) football and at the same time informs them on important issues such as the prevention of HIV and AIDS, and how to reduce crime in the area. In short, a WorldCoach is a role model: both on and off the field. The KNVB is currently active in 11 countries (from Brazil to Indonesia and from India to Kenya).

In the footsteps of the Dutch national team

Football actively involves millions of people in our society. For most this is normal, but not for everyone. Marc Boele, manager marketing and sponsoring of the KNVB: "In the footsteps of the Dutch national team, we use the WorldCoaches program to involve everyone, also the underprivileged. Today we have seen this in Stockholm, but also the opening of the Orange Cruyff Court in Johannesburg during the last World Cup in South Africa was an example of this."