Swedish referee Theo Edung enjoys first Marveld Tournament: “Memories for a lifetime”
13 June 2026Not only for the players on the field does the Marveld Tournament serve as an international stage. For referees as well, the youth tournament at Sportpark Den Elshof provides a great opportunity to gain experience. One of them is Theo Edung, a Swedish referee who is active in Groenlo for the first time this year. After a day and a half at the tournament, his first impression is more than positive.
“It has been a great start. I really enjoyed my first match yesterday. It was a game with a lot of intensity and a high pace.”
Edung arrived in Düsseldorf on Thursday and was welcomed by Pelle Walterbos (a Swedish first name, how coincidental), one of the tournament’s volunteers. From that moment on, he immediately felt welcome.
“Everything around the tournament is very well organized. The hospitality, the atmosphere among everyone, and enjoying football together make it very special. At the same time, everyone on the field is extremely professional and does everything possible to perform at their best.”
Trial by fire
Edung officiated his first match at the Marveld Tournament on Friday between Ajax and Bayer Leverkusen. For the Swede, it was immediately a strong introduction to the level in Groenlo.
“It is different from what I am used to in Sweden. The players there are good and semi-professional, but this is almost a different sport. The boys here are extremely talented, have great control of the ball, and possess excellent technical skills.”
However, youth football also requires adaptability from a referee, Edung noticed.
“Tactically, they are sometimes a bit less disciplined or tactically aware. As a referee, you have to adjust to that.”
Because his first match took place on the Alferink field, several fellow referees were watching. Afterwards, he immediately received feedback and analyzed his performance together with one of the head referees.
“We basically came to the same conclusions that I can take with me into my next match.”
Different football cultures
For Edung, the Marveld Tournament also serves as a good benchmark for his further development as a referee.
“These players are truly talented. The way they play, their technical qualities, and the pace of the matches—it’s good to get a feel for that already.”
In addition, the international setting impresses him. Edung notices that teams from different countries each bring their own football culture to Groenlo.
“I haven’t refereed many matches with teams from the Netherlands or Germany yet. Their style of play felt quite new to me. It is mainly direct play, and I experienced that well yesterday.”
Later on Saturday, Edung will face his next challenge: at the Alferink field, he will officiate the match between Sporting Portugal and VfL Wolfsburg. Because of the contrast between both football cultures, he is particularly looking forward to that game.
“With a Portuguese and a German team, differences can arise in play, communication, and emotions. That’s where match management becomes especially important for me.”
With only two matches behind him, Edung already knows he will look back on his first Marveld Tournament with a good feeling.
“Everything about the refereeing aspect and the tournament itself are experiences I will carry with me forever. These will be memories for a lifetime.”
