STORIES ABOUT ARIE
Brenda
(Arie's wife)
I met Arie 23 years ago through his sister who was my neighbor. A strong personality and despite his disability confined to a wheelchair, always positive and nothing was impossible. It soon became clear that Feyenoord was his club and everyone had to know that. I, who don't know much about football, had to hear all the stories from his club. The history of the club and of course all the associated songs. Our daughter was told from an early age that Feyenoord was the club and a Feyenoord ball and clothing soon followed.
In 2023, Arie became very ill and we had to put some things on paper. His funeral was also one of them. When that came up, the first thing he said was, if I am being carried away, the song “You never walk alone” should be played. Because you are and will remain Feyenoord.
And because we are so very proud of him, two friends and I had a tattoo with the sign of his illness and his name in it.
Arie has never attended a match at Feyenoord's De Kuip, as there are only a limited number of places for people in wheelchairs and he is dependent on transport. But it would be great if he could still attend a match for his club as a Feyenoord player through and through.
Larissa
(Arie's daughter)
As a little girl I didn't know any better than that Feyenoord was the only football club that existed. This is because there was never any talk about other clubs, because Feyenoord is the only club that my father's heart beats for. I soon realized this later in life when my first boyfriend came in and my father asked at the front door, which football club are you for. My boyfriend at the time said he was for Ajax. My father then said: “That word must never be said here again. If you want to come in and have a relationship with my daughter, you really have to be for Feyenoord.” Of course he wasn't completely serious about this, but he certainly wanted my boyfriend to be for Feyenoord. So the next time he came, my father had already bought him a Feyenoord waste bin. To make a long story short, he has now become a true Feyenoord player and even has the Feyenoord logo tattooed on his arm. But the past repeated itself with my current boyfriend. That was also for another football club, that was for NEC and you'll never guess, my current boyfriend now also wears Feyenoord clothing and now watches every match.
Feyenoord is the only club that my father's heart beats for and it shows in everything. Unfortunately, it is difficult to take him to a match because he is in a wheelchair and is now also ill. But how he would cheer up if he could attend a match in person, his Feyenoord heart would beat even faster
Leonie
(Arie's sister-in-law)
Arie has been married to my sister for a long time and I am married to Roefi and the two of us are real Ajax players. These discussions at parties are always fun.
Arie is a real Feyenoord player who also supports his club in difficult times, but always from home. Arie has been to De Kuip several times, but has never experienced a Feyenoord match in a swirling Kuip. When I asked Arie what was still on his bucket list, he initially couldn't think of anything other than spending time with his family as long as possible and making beautiful memories. No exciting rides in a sports car, expensive trips or skydiving, but making beautiful memories with those he loves. But a few days later he casually mentioned that he would really like to see a match in De Kuip.
When I started inquiring about the possibilities, it quickly became clear that we would need help with this. That's how I came up with the idea of asking the entire internet for help and bombarding Feyenoord from many sides with Arie's wish. And if we hold on long enough, I'm sure that Feyenoord will invite Arie and that Arie's wish will come true!
