As the Universities of Würzburg (Germany) and Bordeaux (France) won the European University Football Championship in Albania, the Dutch students of the Wageningen University & Research (WUR) lived their own adventure. A story about pitches that are too small, a collision with a goat shepherd and a thirty hour drive with minivans.
By Ramon Everts
“Our driver suddenly argued with some goat shepherd on the road.” Rijk Dersjant, captain of the men’s team at the University of Wageningen, can not hold back his smile when he talks about what the incident on the way to Albania. “I was looking at it and thought: what the hell is going on here?”
The students’ adventure already started with the trip itself. Because they represent a sustainable university, they did not get on a plane. “It just didn’t feel right to fly.” Three small vans reduced approximately 13 tons of CO2 emissions. And so they all stepped into the minivans three days before the start of the tournament. “We have seen all those countries along the coast. That was absolutely beautiful.”
Sweaty pigs
Judith Alkema, captain of the women’s team, also enjoyed the trip. “It was a great experience to get to know each other better in a short time. And Central Europe is very beautiful!” Wageningen turned out to be the only university that has not flown to Albania. “We ended up arriving as sweaty pigs, we were all cooked. But it is unique.”
The Wageningen men’s team became champion last summer at their national student championship and qualified for the European Championship, which finished July 2nd in Tirana – the capital of Albania. “I always wanted to play there” says Dersjant, who already knew the tournament. “But there was a lot of organization involved. Especially since we are with two teams as the women qualified as well.”
“We help them with the registration for the tournament ” says Kevin van Loon, from Federation Studentensport Nederland. “But they have to finance it all by themselves.” A big challenge, but thanks to a contribution from the university, in-kind sponsorships and a fundraiser, the students managed to cut costs considerably.
Paid teams
The difference with other universities was huge sometimes. Alkema: “There was a team fully suited up, from Finland. And apparently they have a university competition in France all year round. It is much more prestigious over there. Some players even at professional level in the French or Spanish competition.” Dersjant adds: “Some boys get paid from their university to go here.”
Some squads may seem to be very professional, the organization sometimes leaves much to be desired. For example, Wageningen was the only university not classified for a training on the day of the opening ceremony. “There were also boys who had to play football on a pitch that was too small for eleven against eleven. Unbelievable.” Still, it doesn’t detract from the feeling the tournament gives the players. “It is a unique experience to play at such a tournament. You have the feeling of being a superstar”, Alkema explains. “Lined up on the field before the match, team photos being made… Like we’re really playing in the Champions League. ”
The women’s team finished last in Tirana. “It is annoying to lose everything, but at least we were labeled as the best team by the organization. In terms of fun, we do great!” The men did get through the group phase. In the quarterfinals, the University of Würzburg turned out to be too strong: 3-0. After the grueling tournament, the selection of the men on the last day of play had exactly eight players. Even on too small a field, that is not enough for 11 vs 11, so that game was finished on paper at seventh place. Still, the students get back on the bus with a good feeling for a thirty-hour ride, with Alkema behind the wheel. “I’m looking forward to it actually!” Hopefully no goat shepherd is blocking the way.
