Changing of the Guard Among the Female Announcers

15 June 2025

From announcing upcoming matches, kindly asking people to stay behind the fences, introducing the famous shopping cart shoot-out, sharing housekeeping messages, reminding everyone to stay hydrated in the warm weather, and much more — they are incredibly modest, but the announcer is absolutely indispensable!

This year marks the final year in which Ellen Simmelink serves as announcer, and as befits a professional organization, her successor has already been selected. Sandy Schuurmans is currently training this year to fully take over the role next year.

Ellen has been active as an announcer for an impressive 20 years, with the first 17 of those also spent as a board member of the tournament. After all those years, her announcing career is now coming to an end.
“I don’t yet know if I’ll be doing anything for the Marveld Tournament next year,” says Ellen. “Maybe I’ll write a little piece for the program booklet — we’ll see. What I’ll miss most is definitely the camaraderie at the tournament office and the overall atmosphere of the event.”

Sandy is already being groomed this year to take over the role fully next year.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” says Sandy. “Starting next year, I’ll also be the speaker for Grol 1’s home matches. When Tonnie Zieverink approached me about becoming a speaker for the Marveld Tournament as well, I of course said yes. My son Boet has played in the Marveld Tournament a few times himself, and I really enjoyed those moments — now I get to give something back. And I’m loving it so far: the great atmosphere, the fun, the beautiful football — it’s truly a joy.”