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What an incredible thrill it must be, I thought, for these young players to be playing in this stadium, on this field, in front of all these people. Playing in the Arena, in front of Ajax fans before a First division match is not considered merely a chance to play in the Arena but an important part of their development as potential future professional players. One would have to assume that having the opportunity to play in such an atmosphere, at such a young age, would be quite an incentive to work as hard as they could, in the hopes that one day they might make their debut as a full-time professional. 25,000-plus spectators is a pretty good turnout for U10 match, wouldn't you say?

Watching the 9 year olds, you could sense the unadulterated, pure joy of playing just to play. I believe the child in every one of the spectators watching the youth game felt some of the excitement and nervousness of the miniature professionals on that day.

The reality was that the field was to large for 9 year old players, but they wore it well. The composure, decisions, and comfort with the ball of the young players - from both teams- was truly impressive.

Now in his third year with the club Jeffrey is doing more than well. His team, playing one year up, is currently in 2nd place in the league. Jeffrey, playing in several positions, but mostly at right wing, has scored 15 times so far for his team this season making him the leading scorer. Last year, he scored 70 times for his club.

His trainer (or coach) this year is former Ajax star and Dutch National team player Brian Roy. Brian played in the 1994 World Cup here in the States and is now enjoying his career as a youth trainer at his former club. He speaks highly of Jeffrey. 'Jeffrey is one of our best players. His attitude is very good and he always gives everything to win. His mentality is amazing- he goes for every ball and his will to win is tremendous. Technically he is very good, and is very quick. He is a bit like Beckham?, and plays with a 'flare like David'. When asked about Jeffrey's chances of making it as a professional player, Brian responds: 'The talent is there, but much will depend on how he develops physically and mentally', and refers to the sometimes negative social influences that come with being a teenager. Taking into account Jeffrey's technical ability and strong mental attitude and will to succeed, Brian feels his chances are 'very
good'.

When asked about his general focus for the team in terms of their development, Brian answers without hesitation: 'Their technical level is most important and tactical is not so important. Players must reach their technical best at this age; How is their first touch? How do they keep the ball.?

By all indications, Jeffrey Dekker is on his way to realizing his dream of becoming a professional football player in Holland, and YPT looks forward to following his career in the coming years.

Playing within a youth system the likes of Ajax of Amsterdam is certainly a commitment for the young players who are accepted, but also for their families. Even at young age, Jeffrey understands the sacrifices that goes along with being a youth player at a professional club. Throughout the week, a large majority of his time will be spent between school, home, and the club. In addition to school he will train 3 times per week and have at least one match on the weekend.

During the school week, Jeffrey wakes up at 7:00 am to get ready for school. At 3:30 his mother, Esther, picks him up at school and drives him 30 minutes to Ajax for training. Willem will usually pick Jeffrey up after leaving work and he is home by 8:30p. He will do some homework in the car and the rest when he gets home. As with any child, academics are of extreme importance to the parents as well as the club. Ajax employs licensed teachers who are responsible for tracking the academic progress of all the youth players. If a player falls behind in his studies he will not be permitted to train or play until they improve. Grades are not an issue for Jeffery as he is also a fine student ? getting mostly A's and B's. Even what he eats is considered carefully and parents are given nutritional guidelines and requirements each season. On training days, dinner for Jeffery, consisting mostly of vegetables and pasta, is eaten at noon instead of the evenings. Proper rest for such a young player is also extremely important; 'The evening before training or a match he has to go to bed early' Willem says.

Every time a player did something well the growing crowd responded as if it were reacting to not 9 year olds, but actual professional players. When a shot was taken, the crowd would erupt. I came to the realization that the PSV-Ajax rivalry was, to put it lightly - intense, and not restricted to the professionals.

As I watched the match, one player in particular caught my attention almost immediately. It was not for any one thing he did, but just about everything he did. His confidence with the ball belied his age and in my opinion he was the best player on the field ? clearly a level above any other in the game that day. The more I watched him play the more impressed I was. Scoring 2 outstanding goals, I was watching a player 'in the zone', a player who was taking this day, this game, this moment for everything it was worth. If you are 9 year old soccer player, what better place to be in your 'zone' than in one of the world's newest state-of-the-art stadiums in front of more than 25,000 people.

Two days after the match, while observing the training sessions at de Toekomst, I recognized the player as he left the training field and walked over to his father. I introduced myself to Jeffrey's father, Willem, who I found to be a very personable man. Soon afterwards, arrangements were made, and permission from the club was granted for me to speak formally with Jeffrey and his parents about his experience with Ajax.

Jeffrey he was born in January 1991 to Willem and Esther Dekker and has a sister, Kim, who is 7 years older. 'Jeffrey,' Willem says, 'was only 3 years old and already knew he wanted to play football'. His first club was his hometown club RCH which stands for Racing Club Heemstede. RCH has won several youth titles over the years and has been twice Dutch Amateur champion. The club's biggest claim to fame (so far) is another one of it's former youth players who went on to play at the highest levels ? Johan Neeskens. Neeskens is one of the famous players from the golden age of the game in Holland. He also played for Ajax as youth player and went on to play for the first team of Ajax, before moving onto play for Barcelona in Spain. Johan Neeskens also played for the Dutch National team, playing alongside Johan Cruyff as part of that fantastic team of the 70's. He also played for Barcelona in Spain, as well as, 5 years here in the United States in the NASL with the New York Cosmos.

Even from a young age, Jeffrey's goal was to play for Ajax - it was his dream. In 1999, when he was 8 years old, Jeffrey attended the invitational tryouts at Ajax, at the urging of his club coach at RCH. When Jeffery arrived for his first open tryout at Ajax, known as the 'Talent Days', he found almost 2,000 other little boys looking for a chance as well. It would not be a ball they would be chasing that day - but a dream.

After showing well at the Talent Days, Jeffrey received a letter from the Ajax academy informing him of the next step of the selection process: an 'invitation only' training session. This occurred twice more: a letter followed by another training session. The next step was 3 training matches, each followed by another letter, with the exception of the third training match which was followed by a phone call ? accepting him into the famous youth system. Before a phone call is made, accepting a player into the academy, a consultation is held with head of scouting, the head trainer for the age group and the youth director. Each player is considered very carefully.

When asked how Jeffrey and his parents felt about being accepted, Willem responded: 'Jeffrey was more than very happy that he was going to Ajax.' Willem, a longtime Ajax supporter himself, also adds, 'My Heart goes to Ajax, so I was happy that he was selected. His first goal was achieved and his biggest wish became truth. His next goal is being
selected for the Dutch National Team for players under the aged 12 years'.