Million Manhoef admires refugee Walleed

Million Manhoef admires refugee Walleed

Waleed is 19 years old and lives in an AZC in Arnhem. Thanks to Vitesse United, Waleed is getting another chance to build a future. Waleed fled Saudi Arabia with his parents and sister. Waleed’s sister is severely disabled and needs a lot of care. They cannot provide the care she needs in Saudi Arabia. In the Netherlands, however, they can. Thanks to Vitesse United, Waleed has regained self-confidence, is happy again and is pursuing his dream of becoming a trainer.

The strength of Vitesse United
Waleed is following a project at Vitesse United. Within this project, the social power of football is used to help and prepare young people aged 14-27 to become part of society. During the project, the youngsters work on different aspects, which they then put into practice. This is done in the form of organising district training sessions, events and community activities for young and old.

Million Manhoef indicates that you do start to realise things when you hear where such a boy comes from today and what he has been through. How you yourself are lucky to come from a good family and live in the Netherlands.

Waleed is grateful that he gets the chance to build a future in the Netherlands. Waleed is developing enormously. He is busy mastering the Dutch language, he is also developing as a leader within the group and likes to take the lead.

Thanks to Manhoef, Waleed had an unforgettable afternoon. They played football together and Waleed received an appropriate present from Manhoef, a trainer’s booklet. In fact, Waleed aspires to become a football coach because football is his life. “From everyone I meet, I learn something again. I am grateful for everything.”

Football gives
The Eredivisie, together with its 18 clubs and Social Partner Friends Lottery, is committed to making a positive impact on society every day by working towards a healthier, more inclusive and stronger society. In the video series Football Gives at the impact Eredivisie clubs have in society and what this can mean for an individual.