Dutch football players can be found in all corners of the world, from the spotlights of the major European competitions to the more adventurous employment on other continents. In the Over de Grens section, Football Zone talks weekly with a player who is active outside the country’s borders. This time with attention to Jamal van Helvoirt, who made the switch from HMSH Under 23 to the Belgian Patro Eisden.
How did your transfer come about?
“Last year I trained five times a week at Sportwereld Ntinoudis and on Saturday I played a match. Thanks to Thanasi Ntinoudis I got the chance to do an internship at Patro Eisden in April. I have a practice match there with the Under 21 played. After this game I heard that I could definitely come over next season. That was of course a great opportunity and I was looking forward to giving the full hundred percent there. I joined the preparation of the U21 team in mid-July, because I am now nineteen years old. At HMSH I was already part of the first team during the second half of last season, so I am used to playing football with older boys. I actually used to do that.”
How were the first weeks at your new club for you?
“They certainly went well. We train six days a week, it is a high level. At HMSH I trained three or four times a week. In the beginning we did a lot of running exercises to get in shape and now we are already busy with the ball a lot. I was also well received by my teammates. They are social, very friendly and get along well with them. There are two other Dutch people in my team. With one boy I had after my internship immediately clicked well. I am also very pleased with the facilities at the club.”
You train six days a week, can you also enjoy yourself a bit in your free time?
“Yes, we often train in the afternoon so I just have the evenings to myself. I’ve also explored Maasmechelen a bit. It’s a lot smaller than Delft, where I lived when I played at HSMH. My school will start in September again, I’m currently doing an MBO course. In the morning I have school and then I go straight to my training.”
You have been preparing for three weeks now, have you already played practice matches?
“No, not yet. I sustained a minor injury in the second training session. I sprained my ankle, so I haven’t been able to participate in the first practice games yet. I’ve now recovered and hope to make my first minutes soon. The competition starts in September We play in the highest U23 league, but teams such as Jong Anderlecht, Jong Genk and Jong Club Brugge are again active in the Challenger Pro League, the second level of Belgium, in which the main squad of Patro Eisden also plays .”
Van Helvoirt with agent Ntinoudis.