Premier International Tours Delivers Unforgettable KNVB Coaching Education Experience in the Netherlands for Nearly 50 Coaches!

From March 19–23, 2026, Premier International Tours hosted nearly 50 coaches from across the United States on its annual Royal Netherlands Soccer Federation (KNVB) Coaches Education Tour. This fully inclusive soccer experience is provided at no cost to our clients and partners as a token of appreciation for trusting us with their travel programs throughout the year, and as one of the ways we give back to the soccer community. The tour featured a dynamic schedule packed with high-level coaching education and memorable soccer experiences.

The program began on Friday morning with a canal cruise through Amsterdam, offering the group a scenic introduction to the Dutch capital. After sightseeing, the coaches visited AZ Alkmaar, a club internationally recognized for its outstanding youth development and its 2023 U-19 Champions League title. The group participated in a facilities tour and attended an in-depth presentation on youth development led by Franc Meijerman of AZ Alkmaar International. Later, the group traveled to Zeist, where they stayed at the KNVB Campus, where the Dutch National Teams stay during training camps. The day concluded with dinner and an opening classroom session led by KNVB International coaches Bert Zuurman and Sjaak Tersteeg.

Saturday began with another technical classroom session at the KNVB. The group then traveled to Rotterdam to visit Feyenoord’s training complex and stadium, Stadion de Kuip. There, Zeb Jacobs, Head of the Feyenoord Academy, delivered a detailed presentation on the club’s development philosophy, tactical approach, and overall structure, with engaging Q&A discussion throughout. The coaches then visited the academy training ground to watch matches featuring Feyenoord’s U14 and U21 teams. Prior to the matches, the group witnessed Feyenoord’s final training session ahead of their highly anticipated clash with Ajax, with more than 2,000 fans in attendance creating an electric atmosphere. The day concluded with a short trip across Rotterdam to watch a professional match between Sparta Rotterdam and FC Volendam, where Sparta secured a 2–0 victory.

Sunday featured another KNVB classroom session before the group returned to Rotterdam for De Klassieker: Feyenoord vs. Ajax. The match delivered an unforgettable atmosphere filled with intensity and passion. Ajax took a 1–0 lead early in the second half, but Feyenoord rallied late to equalize, earning a 1–1 draw. Following the match, the group returned to the KNVB campus for a farewell dinner, certificate presentation, and a closing Q&A session led by Bert Zuurman and Sjaak Tersteeg.

Premier International Tours extends its sincere thanks to all participating coaches, as well as to the KNVB and its staff, and the staff at AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord, for helping make this exceptional tour possible.