Barcelona wins the 34th Marveld Tournament

9 June 2024

“The level of football is unprecedented”

By: Henri Walterbos

GROENLO – “We now ask for your attention for the anthems of FC Barcelona and Palmeiras.” It is Sunday afternoon, 3:45 PM at Sportpark Den Elshof, as the final of the 34th Marveld Tournament is about to begin. It is the same match-up as last year when both teams proved to be the strongest after 3 days and no less than 42 matches of top-level tournament football. Both the quality of the play and the meticulously praised organization, as well as the dedication and friendliness of the volunteers, are widely praised by participating teams and referees.

Team Discipline

Borussia Dortmund coach Marco Lehmann echoes these sentiments: “For us, it’s actually a major introductory weekend, as we are in the middle of transitioning the teams for next season. The tournament is very suitable for this, especially with the presence of so many good teams.” For the German team, it’s not just about the football aspect. “Respect, diligence, discipline, and humility. These are examples of values the players must possess, as well as things at the tournament like pushing in the chairs, clearing the table, and doing everything together at the agreed time. Over the years, we have seen that not always the best or biggest footballers break through, but often the hard workers who give everything.”

Good Stories

Professional football referee Jeroen Manschot is debuting at the tournament. “I know the tournament from good stories, but they do speak the truth! You think ‘they’re just saying that,’ but it’s really true. Everything around it and the camaraderie with each other is really nice. The level of football itself is also unprecedented, considering most players are around 14 years old. And the organization is just amazing. You can see it in everything. It’s all meticulously arranged, and there are practically no loose ends. Everything is thought of!” Jeroen enthusiastically shares his impressions. “You hardly have to ask questions because there is almost always an immediate answer or it’s just taken care of. As a referee, you’re not used to that, but you are pampered here. That is, of course, a huge compliment to the tournament organization and all the volunteers,” says a grateful Manschot.

Grol

The team of Grol finished in the almost traditional last place, yet the brigade of trainers Max and Lars de Vries can look back on a successful tournament. A tournament where they even made history by scoring against KRC Genk and, as the cherry on top, managing a 0-0 draw against football giant FC Barcelona, on the main field, in front of 1000 spectators, including many anxious family members and friends. “We made a checklist of what we wanted to achieve. We scored a goal against Genk and were ahead, and we drew against Barca. And then also on the main field, with so many spectators. Unbelievable!” This had never happened before, as shown by the balance, Grol drew against the eventual tournament winner. This makes the achievement even more impressive.

Sustainability

Last year, in the context of sustainability, the special ‘Marveld bottles’ were introduced for the participating teams. This year, they again served their purpose. Each team received a crate with their own bottles, saving 4000 plastic bottles. With a single turn, teams could fill their entire crate at once at the new fast tap!

Football Festival

The organization looks back on three wonderful days, a true football festival with excellent weather. “Everything went as you could only hope beforehand. Youth football of a high level and an atmosphere as always, Achterhoek convivial and relaxed. The audience enjoyed it immensely and also contributed to a wonderful football atmosphere. We also often hear that everyone is so impressed by the dedication and warmth of so many volunteers. That is a nice appreciation. It even seems better than last year,” reflects tournament chairman Marco Frank.

Final Standings:

1. FC Barcelona
2. Palmeiras
3. KRC Genk
4. Ajax
5. PSV
6. FC Nordsjaelland
7. Feyenoord
8. Chinese Football Boys
9. Paris Saint-Germain
10. Borussia Dortmund
11. FC Twente/Heracles
12. Grol