May 8th, 2008, a day we will unfortunately remember als the day we lost a young and promising football player ... François Sterchele. That day, I had an interview meeting with Dany Verlinden, EUROFOOT's godfather. I would have understood if Dany - Club Brugge's goalie coach and colleague of Sterchele - would have cancelled our appointment, but it shows his commitment to our tournament dat he insisted on being there.

"Dany, please accept my condolences en thank you very much for having this chat with me. And to get going, how does someone from Aarschot ends up in Koksijde?"

Well, I started playing football at Club Brugge in 1988 en I met my future wife there. She was from De Panne en in 1999, we decided to move to the coast and ended up in Koksijde. Before that, I had always lived close to the club and it was a relieve to leave work and city behind in the evening and to enjoy the open air of the coastal region.

"How and when did you meet up with EUROFOOT?"

When a professional football player finds out that international topteams appear on the program of a local tournament, you just can't stay at home. Especially if your own team - be it the juniors - is involved as well. I was there form the very first start.

So it didn't took me long to accept being godfather, now five years ago. Not that I could improve an already splendid organisation, but I did realise that my name could add even more professionalism to the tournament.

Unfortunately, my input is subject to the calender of Club Brugge and I can't always be there. But this year, the season starts a little later (after the Olympics) so that I will be able to fully enjoy the tournament myself.

"How would you describe the EUROFOOT tournament in a few words?"

A nice tournament, with an impressive player's list, a splendid organisation and - last but not least - excellent playing fields!

The latter may seem obvious, but believe me, youth tournaments do not always guarantee this quality. However, if you want to attract Belgian and foreign top teams, this is extremely important.

This mix between Belgian and foreign teams is also an ideal motivation for the under 19. They get a chance to measure themselves with different kind of European players their age. In this way the tournament is also a fine preparation and value meter for the coming season, and the somewhat longer matches (compared to other tournaments) enables the teams to correct possible 'mistakes' early in the match. This way, luck is a less important factor, and the teams that end up in the finals are reallly the best teams of the tournament.

What attracts me so much in this tournament is that it is a real football tournament - with the emphasis on football - and not a village fair. One gets to see a lot of good football, almost continuously, and in between matches, teams are very well accommodated.

This also makes it a very popular tournament, because it adds value to a team. It's not just a social call to please a friendly organiser, the stakes are much higher.

"Is there any particular edition or match that you remember well?"

Unfortunately, one often remembers the less pleasant moments and in that way, the accident of the young Tottenham player in 2006' first match shall not be easily forgotten. But again, the boy can be thankful that he played in such a well organised tournament, where even in the worst conditions, a fast and proper response can save lives.

"Dany, in the mean time, you've started a local political carrier, can this in any way contribute to the success of EUROFOOT?"

To be honest, I do not think that EUROFOOT needs this anymore. The tournament has shown to be strong enough and it is an absolute asset for the local community. And I will not hesitate the make that clear to the local authorities if they should doubt this.

"What do you think about our VIP formula?"

As I've said before, a football tournament has to be about football, but ... no football without sponsoring. People with a hart for sports - especially for the young - have to be cared for and deserve a 'special treatment'.

But again, EUROFOOT has found a nice formula, with a special lunch on Sunday just before the finals. The football enthusiasts do not have to miss the matches.

"Next year, we celebrate our 10Th anniversary, any suggestions for this special edition?"

EUROFOOT already has a fine list of foreign contenders, but names as Real Madrid or Manchester United can only increase the tournament's esteem.

Even when it's only the under 19 that are playing, they do bring some of the radiation of the star players with them and this is sure to attract even more spectators.

"Dany, thanks again, and to finish off, maybe a small bet: who will win EUROFOOT 2008?"

CLUB BRUGGE !

The under 17 have won their league this year and these players will move to the team that enters the tournament in August. After a few poor years for my club, they should be able to win for a fourth time.

Herbert Van Hove

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