For Dirkshorn, na total precision dey reign when AZ come oja. The grass for VV Dirkshorn field don cut to exact millimeter. Why? Because AZ dey visit tonight to play against Belgian side KRC Genk.
Since 2003, this don become tradition: every preseason, Alkmaar club dey come Dirkshorn for training. The secret? VV Dirkshorn know wetin AZ want.
For example, the grass must be exactly 2.1 centimeters tall. No more, no less. Henk Rijs, chairman of the local club, explain: “We once had it at 2.6, but they scold us.” That time, the field look impressive, but after warm-up, AZ come tell them the ball speed show the grass too long. So now, they follow order.
Ode Koedijk, the volunteer grass master, use special machine from local golf course to cut grass. He be former greenkeeper there. With 60 to 80 volunteers, Dirkshorn turn the match into big football festival.
Financially, the match help the small amateur club. “It bring thousands of euros. We can do nice things with that,” Henk say.
Over the years, AZ don play against clubs from many European countries in Dirkshorn. “They must think: who the fuck is Dirkshorn?” Jan van der Molen laugh. The volunteers dey proud to put their village on map. “People wey never hear of Dirkshorn before come here,” Henk add. “That be good publicity for the village, both inside and outside Netherlands.”
AZ dey prepare for Johan Cruijff Schaal on August 2, where they go face PSV. Coach Leeroy Echteld no too happy with team performance against Anderlecht and Zulte Waregem, so this match na chance to improve.
The grass dey perfect, the volunteers dey ready, and Dirkshorn dey set to host another memorable football night.
