A view from AGOVV — Terrace Edition

Images: Han Balk

Words: Han Balk

Ten years ago, on 8 January 2013, Dutch second level club AGOVV went bankrupt. About a week later, they were withdrawn from professional football.

A lot has gone on since then but their ground appears like time has stood still.

Sportpark Berg & Bos in Apeldoorn has been home to AGOVV since 1921 and is still considered one of the best grounds in the Netherlands. Not just because of the attractive 1924 wooden grandstand, which was restored in 2015 with the help of sponsors and crowdfunding.

The club, founded in 1913 by members of a teetotaler choir, is currently playing at the seventh Dutch level.

Their 3,250 capacity ground on the edge of Holland’s largest nature reserve, de Veluwe, is way too large for the few spectators on regular Saturday afternoon.

Note the Klaas-Jan Huntelaar Tribune, named after the Holland international, just one of the fine players who graced the Sportpark Berg & Bos, including Dries Mertens and Nacer Chadli.

The away section looks as hostile as in their best years, it hasn’t been used for a decade but provides a proper view to one of the best monumental Dutch grandstands.

You can find Han on Twitter and Instagram: @hanbalk

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