Sport Island Texel
Texel: The Sports Island
In my previous blog, I briefly mentioned my passion for sports, including diving and soccer. This time, I'd love to share more about my sports life and the sports scene on Texel. My passion for sports began early, like many girls on Texel, with gymnastics. Later, I took up judo. However, I was always on the soccer field during recess, and my love for soccer grew over the years. I wasn’t allowed to participate in a third sport, so I had to choose. The choice was simple for me: I was determined to play on the first girls' soccer team! From the junior teams to the women’s teams, I was on the field every Saturday or Sunday (or preferably both). Unfortunately, at 20, I had to stop playing soccer due to a severe knee injury. Over the years, women's soccer has transformed tremendously, and it's wonderful to see. The sport is gaining popularity and becoming more professional. In ten years, the number of girls and women playing soccer has nearly doubled. The girls of today can truly dream of joining the national team.
The 2019 World Cup is just around the corner. In a few days, the Dutch Lionesses will play their first match. I consider myself a big fan of the women's team, as enthusiastic about them as I am about the men's team. I'm looking forward to this tournament and the developments it will bring to the sport. My enthusiasm partly stems from my internship and work experience at the KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Association). During my graduation year, I had the opportunity to intern and write my thesis at the KNVB. My research focused on the experience and new game formats for (mini) youth soccer. Additionally, I assisted in organizing the (friendly) matches of the Dutch Lionesses and other significant soccer events (School and Street Soccer). I have witnessed the tremendous growth of women's soccer, from half-empty stands in small stadiums to the sold-out final of the 2017 European Championship. Through this experience, I built a vast network in the soccer world, leading to my active involvement during the 2017 Women's European Championship in the Netherlands (WEURO17). I continue to be involved occasionally, as they have asked me to assist as a volunteer for the 2020 European Championship. From home, Zeist (KNVB Campus), and the Johan Cruyff Arena, I'll be working with a team of 25 other ambassadors to recruit and select volunteers for the tournament. Registration opens on June 5th, and I urge everyone to sign up for this ‘once in a lifetime experience.’ Click here for more information.
But fortunately, Texel offers much more than soccer! We have a wide range of clubs encompassing all types of sports: shooting sports, racket sports, ball sports, water sports, cycling, and more. Additionally, various (unique) sporting events are organized throughout the year. Personally, I was an enthusiastic runner and looked forward to the Texel Half Marathon every year. Registering for the half marathon in September isn't easy, as the event is so popular that the spots are usually gone within an hour. This is partly due to the unique start from the Texel ferry. During the crossing, the runners are nervously stretching and warming up on the car deck reserved for them. Once docked at ’t Hoorntje, the ship’s horn sounds, and the participants stream onto the island for a special run.
I highly recommend returning to Texel with a group of friends or colleagues. At Teambuilding Texel, the options for sports activities and outings are endless. Think power kiting, survival courses, archery, or treasure hunts. If you love extreme sports, try kite or windsurfing lessons! Surf kayaking and rafting are my favorites, but blokarting also provides an unforgettable experience. If you prefer a more relaxed approach, there are plenty of other ways to explore the North Sea. Rent a surfboard or SUP on a beautiful day. If you’re not a water enthusiast and prefer to enjoy Texel on foot, the island offers numerous stunning nature trails. Think of the Slufter, the Netherlands, and the Hors. Walking through these nature reserves is pure bliss! Maps with marked routes are available at our reception. Additionally, there are regular organized walks; click here for more information.
One of the most extraordinary ways to explore Texel is from the air. Did you know that as a guest of Texelvakanties, you can book a glider flight for just €55? Visit the reception for more information. The gliders are launched by a winch or towed by Pipers. Once in the air, they search for rising warm air (thermals) to stay aloft as long as possible. An unforgettable experience, guaranteed! Another ultimate bucket list item is a tandem skydive over Texel. A tandem jump is the simplest way to experience skydiving. It requires almost no effort from you, just a dose of courage and motivation. At a minimum height of three kilometers, the door opens, and you jump with the Tandem Master, free-falling at about 200 kilometers per hour. Book here.
If you prefer to watch sports, Texel has plenty to offer. Everyone knows the world’s largest catamaran event by now. The Round Texel Race is held annually on a Saturday in June at Paal 17. In the week leading up to the race, there are various competitions and races from the beach. The event has been around for over 40 years and attracts thousands of visitors. The international participant list includes many famous sailors. Different types of boats compete based on a ‘Texel rating,’ a handicap calculation, meaning the first to round the island isn’t automatically the winner. Each year, this event is combined with music and other activities, but the 42nd edition will be different. Waves: Sport, Music, and more. From freestyle kite competitions and music by Nielson to various surf and beach clinics. This unique new event is the brainchild of our two-time Olympic and world champion windsurfer, Dorian van Rijsselberghe. Be there!
My tip: Discover Texel through sports!
See you soon!
Carmen van der Werff
Ps. Curious about my sports activities? Follow me on @carmen__vd.Werff
