Nathean Meadows, the MSYSA Outreach Director and Coach Educator, recently returned from an unforgettable trip to the Netherlands. Alongside other state association technical leaders, he explored cities like Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rotterdam, and Alkmaar, immersing himself in both Dutch professional football and the country’s vibrant culture.
One of the trip’s highlights was attending a live Europa League match between AZ Alkmaar and Tottenham Hotspur in Amsterdam. As an Arsenal supporter, Nathean couldn’t help but relish the moment when Tottenham lost the game due to a stunning own goal. “It was amazing,” Nathean shared. “Not only was the atmosphere electric, but as a passionate Arsenal fan, seeing Tottenham lose was extra sweet!” He also marveled at the sight of the city’s bike culture, noting that the stadium parking lot featured 1,000 cars but an astonishing 5,000 bikes. It was a testament to the Netherlands’ deep-rooted cycling culture.
The trip wasn’t all about football, however. Nathean also embraced the chance to experience traditional Dutch cuisine, though one dish caught him off guard—a raw ox meat delicacy. “It wasn’t as bad as I anticipated,” he admitted with a grin. “I didn’t eat it for the taste, but for the experience and story. I tried it, and now I can say I’ve had it and never again!”
Reflecting on the experience, Nathean shared, “Going back to Europe is always fun for me as an Englishman—it feels a bit like ‘home,’ even though it’s a different country. I was inspired by the holistic approach that Dutch professional clubs take in developing their players, focusing not just on winning but on the game as a whole. WorldStrides did an amazing job taking care of us throughout the trip—they were organized, well-prepared, and showed a genuine concern for each individual.”
Aside from football, Nathean also took away a deep appreciation for the Dutch bike culture. “I knew about it, but seeing it up close really brought it home,” he said. Another surprising observation? “Dutch people smoke cigarettes a lot!”
While the food didn’t win Nathean over, the hotel breakfast buffet left an indelible mark. “It was the best buffet I’ve ever had, by a mile,” he enthused. “Hence the reason for all the pictures of the buffet in my album!”
In sum, Nathean’s trip to the Netherlands was a perfect blend of football passion and cultural exploration, enhancing both his personal and professional growth.
Check out these amazing photos from Nathean’s Trip!
