Players celebrate their early football beginnings to recognise amateur clubs and volunteers across the Netherlands.

On Friday, Dutch football stars showcased their connection to grassroots football by wearing the shirts of their first amateur clubs during training. This was done in celebration of the National Football Day in the Netherlands, which runs from June 10-12 and honours the vital role of amateur football and the volunteers behind it.

The Dutch squad took the opportunity before their Nations League match against Poland to reminisce about their roots. “The @OnsOranje team warmed up in their first amateur club shirts today to mark National Football Day in the Netherlands,” the official UEFA Nations League Twitter account shared. “In the shirt where it all began!”

Ajax’s Davy Klaassen, for instance, was spotted in his old HVV de Zebras shirt, which his father retrieved from the attic. Hans Hateboer’s former club even went the extra mile, sending a courier to ensure he wore his THOS jersey. A tweet from @OnsOranje included a video of the players training in their colourful kits, with the message, “Never forget your roots.”

National Football Day, introduced in 2020, aims to spotlight the importance of amateur football and the tireless volunteers who make it all possible.