In a thrilling culmination of a season filled with ups and downs, FC Volendam has secured its eleventh promotion to the Eredivisie, marking a significant milestone in the club's storied history. On April 14, 2025, the team clinched their spot in the top division after a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Jong AZ, a match that had the 750 traveling fans on the edge of their seats until the 63rd minute.
Alex Plat emerged as the hero of the day, scoring the decisive goal that sent Volendam back to the Eredivisie after just one year in the lower league. The goal came after a corner kick, where the ball found its way to Plat via a series of deflections involving strikers Robert Mühren and Henk Veerman. Despite not making perfect contact, Plat's shot found the back of the net, igniting celebrations among the Volendam supporters.
“This had nobody dreaming at the start of the season,” remarked head coach Rick Kruys, who has been pivotal in turning the team's fortunes around. Volendam started the season poorly, losing their first three matches, but they have since rallied to secure their promotion with a commanding eleven-point lead over second-place Excelsior, with only four games remaining.
The victory against Jong AZ was not just a testament to Volendam's resilience but also showcased their attacking prowess. Earlier in the match, Mühren had struck the post, and Veerman, the team's leading scorer with 22 goals this season, had a couple of promising chances. Their experience has been crucial for the team, especially following a rocky start.
“It’s fantastic, really fantastic,” said Veerman, reflecting on the journey from the club's early struggles to their current success. “It’s been a tough year for the club, so to finish like this, we should be proud.” His sentiments were echoed by Vurnon Anita, who joined the team in January and expressed his desire to continue with Volendam next season. “We have a very mature team; we know what we have in each other. We can be upset with each other but also very supportive,” Anita stated.
As the celebrations began, the players and fans alike were eager to enjoy the moment. Plat, holding a beer can in hand, remarked, “It was a very tough match. We weren’t at our best, but we created enough chances. Now we’re going to celebrate and drink a lot of beer. I’ve already started, and I’m not done yet!”
Volendam's promotion is particularly remarkable considering their history. The club has now achieved the highest number of promotions to the Eredivisie, surpassing rivals De Graafschap and Excelsior, who have each been promoted nine times. The club has also faced its share of challenges, holding the record for the most relegations from the Eredivisie with ten, a testament to the club's fluctuating fortunes.
Looking ahead, Volendam has the chance to secure the championship title in their next match against Excelsior this coming Sunday, April 20, 2025. With a solid eleven-point cushion, they are in a strong position to claim the top spot in the league, a feat that would add to their storied legacy.
Their journey back to the Eredivisie is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaching staff, and the unwavering support of their fans. As the team prepares for their upcoming matches, the atmosphere in Volendam is electric, with supporters eagerly anticipating what lies ahead in the top division.
“We’ve become a real team throughout the season,” Kruys added, reflecting on the transformation his squad has undergone. His father, Gert Kruys, who previously managed Volendam, watched from the sidelines with pride. “I was curious to see how he would do in Volendam. It was a false start, but as the season progressed, it got better and better. The puzzle fell perfectly into place.”
As FC Volendam gears up for their return to the Eredivisie, the excitement is palpable. With a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, the club is poised to make a significant impact in the top flight of Dutch football once again. The journey may have been fraught with challenges, but the resilience and spirit of FC Volendam have shone through, promising an exciting future for the club and its loyal supporters.
