Feyenoord Rotterdam

It is well said that the world can be enjoyed in Rotterdam (Netherlands). Considered a cosmopolitan city, Rotterdam is unlike any other city in the Netherlands. It is located in the Maas River, in one of the world’s biggest ports. The city has outstanding architecture and a pleasant culture. There are attractions everywhere; festivals and museums to be enjoyed as well!

Ever wonder about the difference between Holland and Netherlands?

Well, it is not the same! Holland is only a small part of the Netherlands, like the Dakotas, Virginias and Carolinas, there are two Hollands: North Holland (capital city Haarlem) and South Holland (capital city The Hague). Holland used to be an independent country. It had its own "Count", monetary system, measuring units, time and so on. But all this independence was given up in the 16^th century when it allied with Northern and Southern Netherlands against the armies of the King of Spain. At the time, the King of Spain was officially the Count of Holland and he ruled over the area. Eventually, the Southern Netherlands gave up the fight and became what today is Belgium. Northern Netherlands kept fighting and they won and became a free Republic.

The city of Rotterdam offers anything the traveler may want to experience: events, exhibitions, festivals, shopping, hangouts, art, harbor delights, architecture, and SOCCER!

Rotterdam’s Feyenoord was previously named Feijenoord after the Feijenoord district of the south part of Rotterdam, but then the club became well know internationally and changed its name in 1973. It was founded in July, 1908. The club’s ground, Feijenoord Stadion, is located in the district with the very same name and it’s nicknamed De Kuip, which is Dutch for "The Tub". The stadium was built back in 1937 and it’s considered one of the major European stadiums. It has 50,000 seats and has seen 10 finals of UEFA club competitions, including the 2002 UEFA Cup final which was won by Feyenoord. Average attendance for the 2004/05 season was 45,288 people.

Supporters for Feyenoord are known as one of the most loyal supporter groups and they have won the nickname "Het Legioen" or The Legion. They are archrivals to the Ajax from Amsterdam; and in the past there have been clashes between the fans from the clubs. The Ajax remains rival with Feyenoord and every year fans enjoy the match called the Klassieker (The Classic). It’s the big cities game from the Netherlands, one of which has been identified as artistic and creative (Amsterdam) and the other as hardworking and gutsy (Rotterdam).

Past Glories:

International Trophies

Intercontinental Cup 1970

European Cup 1970

UEFA Cup 1974, 2002

Current Squad 2006/2007

Goalkeepers: Sherif Ekramy, Henk Timmer, Patrick Lodewijks

Defenders: Pieter Collen, Royston Drenthe, Dwight Tiendalli, Ron Vlaar, Serginho Greene, Philippe Leonard, Pascal Bosschaart, André Bahia, Timothy Derijck, Karim Saidi

Midfielders: Jonathan de Guzman, Lorenzo Davids, Mohammed Abubakari, Alfred Schreuder, Sebastián Pardo, Nicky Hofs, Theo Lucius

Forwards: Tim Vincken, Romeo Castelen, Joonas Kolkka, Ali Boussaboun, Stein Huysegems, Pierre van Hooijdonk, Benjamin de Ceulaer

Head Coach: Erwin Koeman

Feyenoord’s motto: No words but deeds! The motto comes from hard working laborers from the harbors in the Feijenoord district in the south part of Rotterdam

The stadium song, I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor, is played every time the team scores at home. These games are known for being intense and probably the best in all Dutch clubs.

The club’s main sponsors include Kappa and Fortis.