This newsitem has been supplied by PSV.nl
PSV Chairman Westerhof has performed the official opening ceremony of the new youth grounds at De Herdgang. Ibrahim Afellay, Ismail Aissati and Roy Beerens, who have all come through the youth ranks to claim a first team place, also played an active part at the opening ceremony. I was an historic moment, about one and half year after Frits Philips had given the green light for starting the construction of the new buildings. The sixtieth edition of the Otten Cup, the international tournament for youth teams, was kicked off this Friday afternoon. After Westerhof had made a short speech to the invited guests- honorary members, (former) members of the board and many officials from the PSV community- and media representatives, he performed the opening ceremony. Afellay, Aissati and Beerens assisted him opening an inflatable ball, from which thousands of red and white balloons were flown into the air. Westerhof thanked the PSV Supporters Association for playing a vital role in ensuring the construction of the new youth grounds. "A wonderful and beautifully set up place. Simple, but very functionally designed", said Frits Philips Jnr during a short tour through the brand new complex. He had accompanied his father Frits Philips, who officially started the building activities in January 2005, together with Guus Hiddink. "It badly needed to be replaced. I wish all PSV-related people lots of success and a great deal of inspiration. We should not forget that the phrase is 'play football'. Playing football has meanwhile become a job, but in spite of the professional set-up, we should always remember football started as a game and it should stay that way. I hope PSV will be able to build on from here in peace and quiet. The PSV Youth Academy should be a prototype for many clubs", concluded Philips Jnr.
