Photos: Han Balk @hanbalk
Words: Tom Reed
Dutch Cup holders Go Ahead Eagles were all aboard for their annual pre-season friendlies by the railway at Sportcomplex Hanzepark.
The stadium in Zutphen, some 12 kilometres South of the Eagles’ base in Deventer, is on the Intercity line between Roosendaal and Zwolle and sees up to 10 trains pass by during a match.
As well as being a trainspotter’s dream, the friendly fixtures are a financial help to AZC Zutphen, who play at the stadium, while also protecting the main Go Ahead pitch at De Adelaarshorst.
This pre-season, the Eagles played host to German 4th-level team Sportfreunde Lotte and 2nd-tier Dutch side Helmond Sport.
These travelling-friendly matches are harder to come by because of the licensing requirements of hosting a top-tier club.
But it’s hoped the railway friendlies of Go Ahead Eagles will remain on track for years to come.
