Unique soccer stories bundled in anniversary book on 25 years of U13Cup in Bassevelde
‘Soccer Gold,’ is the title of the new book about 25 years of the U13Cup in Bassevelde. In the book, authors Kristof Vereecke, Pieter Dobbelaere and Herman De Groote look back at the rich history of one of the most famous youth soccer tournaments in Europe through photos and stories. At the same time, the book offers a unique look at the wonder years of world-class players such as Vincent Kompany, Kevin De Bruyne and Memphis Depay.
On June 3, Belgium and the Netherlands meet at the King Baudouin Stadium for the opening match of the Nations League. Three-quarters of the players on the match sheet, both on the Belgian and Dutch sides, have ever played at the U13Cup in Bassevelde. It is one of the stories of 25-year U13Cup. But there are plenty of stories.
In “Soccer Gold,” you get to read them all. Thus, the authors visit the host family that was once allowed to host Vincent Kompany two years in a row. And whether that made an impression!
Red Devils like Kevin De Bruyne, Dries Mertens and Charles De Ketelaere look back on their wonder years in Bassevelde. The figure of ex-Red Devil Maarten Martens, with whom it all began at the time, is also discussed at length.
At the same time, you will discover the unique story of a village of barely 3,000 inhabitants that puts itself on the international soccer map one weekend a year. In 2008, Bassevelde was briefly world news when the son of one Zinedine Zidane came to play there with the great Real Madrid.
Soccer Gold is a unique period piece about young soccer players on their way to the absolute world top, at the same time it is an ode to the passion for the game. Great soccer schools like Neerpede and Club NXT pass in review, at the same time Charles De Ketelaere talks about his passion for Panini stickers.
“Football Gold is, above all, a book that every soccer fan should have in their home,” says referee Bram Van Driessche, who is himself speaking. “Football is nowhere more pure than at the U13Cup and the book shows that.”
Sporza journalist Tom Boudeweel wrote the foreword and describes it as follows: “The list of big names at the U13Cup is fabulous. In this book they all pass by once again. Starting with Maarten Martens, twenty-five years of future stargazing. Impressive. Lovers of pure soccer wrote the date of the U13Cup in their diaries long in advance. Scouts too, of course. Many more boys did not make it to the highest level. That’s how it goes in youth soccer. But everyone who played soccer on the beautiful field of Klauwaarts Bassevelde cherishes this memory. The small village, the accommodation with a host family, a wonderful ambiance, top referees and those thousands of enthusiastic spectators.”
Soccer Gold now costs 15 euros and is available at
this link
or during tournament days.
