The podium in the central hall of Sophia Children’s Hospital is collapsing under the weight of all the Feyenoord players and crew. The proud leaders of the Eredivisie will be there on Wednesday with a large delegation.
Just like Feyenoord, all other major league clubs feel socially stable. They accept their responsibilities to support people in need in a variety of ways.
The most memorable moment of the relationship between Feyenoord and Sophia Children’s Hospital was the ‘rain shower’ in De Kuip, which faced ADO Den Haag in 2016. Visiting fans in the second ring throw countless plush animals on the ground, where the first children were discharged from the hospital.
Last month Feyenoord – Excelsior held its annual Sophia competition at the front doors with many young patients in the stands and collectors.
In addition, the Feyenoord selection and staff visit sick children every year, provided that Corona does not spoil their plan to encourage them. That’s it again this December afternoon.
Full range available
When the kids are ready and their parents, some of whom are more responsive than their offspring, offer nearly the full selection, the formal part begins. The selection is divided into groups.
Some players stay in the central hall for various sports activities, while others go upstairs where the kids are too sick to go down.
There is silence in the elevator. It looks like a tunnel of players before an important game. One player states that he finds it very exciting. They do not know exactly what awaits them in halls full of sick children who will visit them.
One of these children is 15-year-old Timo. The visit comes on a fine day for this Feyenoord fan. He got a new kidney from his dad Joeri yesterday. Recovery is difficult, but “beyond expectations,” according to Joeri.
“There can be no better support in the back,” Joeri says of Feyenoorders’ visit. Quinten Timber, Gernot Trauner and John de Wolf, among others, are at his son’s bedside with gifts and congratulations.
“Feyenoord is in our blood. For making an effort to visit Timo and other children who need help… There are many reasons why I love this club and this is definitely one of them.”
When the players gather in the hall an hour later, it is revealed who is the most popular among the patients. Trainer Slot is constantly approached for selfies.
“On a day like this you would think: Why don’t we do this more often? You may find that with your presence you can give strength and support to people at a vulnerable, difficult stage in life. This is very valuable.”
“I think it’s good that players realize how privileged they are. And this time, not financially, but because they’re healthy and don’t have the worries that people here have.” “It’s a privilege to be here this afternoon, not just as a coach, but as a person as well.”
Source: NOS
I’m George Gonzalez, a professional journalist and author at The Nation View. With more than 5 years of experience in the field, I specialize in covering sports news for various print media outlets. My passion for writing has enabled me to craft stories that capture the attention of readers all over the world.
