Ajax
Ajax’s famous youth academy’s goal is to transform talented youngsters into some of the world’s top football players. Having attached great importance to their renowned youth development programme, only the very best will graduate to the first team. Johann Cruyff, Dennis Bergkamp and Rafael van der Vaart are just a few examples of such talents.
‘De Toekomst’, meaning ‘The Future’ is Ajax’s heart and soul. Here players and coaches from 12 youth teams and Young Ajax (second team) work using the “TIPS” system. Technique, Insight, Personality and Speed are the essential focus. The youth team is trained in the same way as the first team, so players who make it are already accustomed to Ajax’s style of play, training, behaviour and house rules. They strive to play the attractive, offensive-minded, creative, fast and fair football that Ajax are recognised for.
The Amsterdam club has a complete school program at its disposal. An academic coordinator and several teachers are all available for the players during their studies. Everything, both on and off the field, must be perfectly organised, not only at Ajax 1, but also at ‘De Toekomst’. Only then can top performances be delivered, both now, and in the future.