Helmond Sport supporters are gearing up to 'celebrate' the unofficial farewell to their old, dilapidated stadium as they face Vitesse on Friday evening. Jan Scheepers, a long-time steward at the club, shares his sentiments about the upcoming move to the new arena.
Jan Scheepers, a 76-year-old Helmonder who has served as a steward at the football club for 53 years, is accustomed to the old Braak stadium. The imminent relocation to the new venue, now at Rembrandtlaan but just a few hundred meters away from the current site, doesn't evoke much emotion in him.
Scheepers, who has resided near the Bakelsedijk for most of his life, reflects on the evolution of the stadium where he started working in 1972. The modest beginnings of the venue with just one tribune and concrete planks have transformed over the years, including the presence of renowned figures like policeman Marius Joosten.
Recalling the early days at the stadium, Scheepers reminisces about the tranquility in the stands and the challenges faced by a handful of stewards. Despite the changes and renovations that have taken place, the old stadium holds sentimental value for him.
As Helmond Sport prepares for a new chapter in a modern arena, Scheepers remains optimistic about the future. The potential for new successes and aspirations to return to the premier league add excitement to the transition.
While bidding farewell to the familiar grounds may bring a tinge of nostalgia, Scheepers looks forward to embracing the change and the promising future that the new stadium holds for Helmond Sport.