The Long Game: FC Staantribune vs John O'Groats FC

Words: Han Balk

Images: Han Balk

Although Dutch club FC Wageningen went bankrupt in 1992, their Stadion de Wageningse Berg, has been restored to its glory days.

Unlike many other grounds, de Wageningse Berg was never demolished because of its location just near a Natura 2000 site and building new houses on its location was no option here.

FC Wageningen supporters are still very active and maintain the ground with heart and soul.

In recent years only a few matches were played on ‘de Berg’ but it is a popular training destination for European top teams in the summer.

The grandstand recently got a new roof, but since it is not safe enough, access is prohibited. The gates, the stadium wall and the ticket boxes got a fresh lick of paint and look better than ever.

Currently the floodlights are under restoration.

This Saturday Staantribune magazine organised two friendlies versus John O’ Groats FC from the north of Scotland and so the long game took place.

The matches were organised after a walk by Gijs van de Poel from Lands End to John O’Groats in support of Street Soccer Scotland.

FC Staantribune and John O’Groats FC played a game in Scotland last June and this was a nice return game.