Stef Wijlaars makes the switch from FC Den Bosch to Ajax, the club from the Kitchen Champion Division announces. The 35-year-old former professional footballer will be working in Amsterdam as a middle school coordinator. Wijlaars has worked at Den Bosch for the past six years, the last three of which as Head of Youth Training. During his active career he wore the shirt of the Brabanders for several years.
Wijlaars is not the only newcomer to strengthen Ajax’s youth academy. The club previously appointed a new Head of Development in the person of Casimir Westerveld, while Richard Wilhelm is Head of Football Operations as of this summer. The latter position was formerly known as Manager of the Future. As coordinator of the middle school, Wijlaars will focus on players between the ages of 13 and 16.
The former footballer is grateful to Den Bosch for the opportunities he has been given. “I returned here six years ago as a youth coach and have been able to develop myself into head of the training. Over the past six years, I have devoted myself with all my colleagues to our training with heart and soul. With the aim of making the players and executives feel development. I am proud to be able to take this step.”
Technical manager Yousuf Sajjad calls Wijlaars’ departure a loss for Den Bosch. “Stef has had a tremendous influence on one of the most important parts of our club. He has been in charge of the development of a huge number of youth players. Not only at FC Den Bosch, but also in the wider world of professional football. He has ensured for a smooth transition into the new season, which gives us time to find his successor.”
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