~Now looking at Shadow Team slot~
NETHERLANDS--"Simon played that game with everything he had, not knowing a scout was present. That is the lesson. You never know who is watching. Always give 100%," said Stacy-Ann van Iersel – Taylor.
She was talking about her 12 year old son, Simon Marcus van Iersel. who loves to play football.
Earlier this summer, Simon attended the KNVB ( Royal Dutch Football Association) Summer Camp.
Later during a practice match his team played a 3rd Division side and won 2-1.
Watching the game was an FC Utrecht scout.
In 2025, Simon and his family relocated from Sint Maarten to Hilversum in the Netherlands, a move that brought new challenges, a new language and a new football chapter. Rather than waiting at home, Simon immediately threw himself into football. His very first experience on Dutch soil was attending an FC Utrecht Summer Camp,
Simon had no idea. Days later, the invitation arrived. It was no ordinary invitation. It was an invite to try out for the FC Utrecht Pre Academie Shadow Team.
Pre Academie Shadow Team is one of the most prestigious youth development pathways in professional Dutch football.
The trials are scheduled for October and November.
FC Utrecht is a professional Eredivisie football club based in Utrecht, the Netherlands, and is widely recognised as one of the country's top youth development organisations. The club's Academy holds the highest possible KNVB quality rating and has produced professional footballers who have gone on to play at the highest levels in the Netherlands and abroad, including international players for the Dutch national team.
"I feel shocked but proud at the same time. I remember talking to my mom about football scouts after the KNVB Football camp two weeks ago and here we are today.” said Simon.
