Oranje donate UEFA Nations League Finals shirts
In tribute to former coach Louis van Gaal the KNVB has donated, on behalf of the players, the match-worn shirts from the 2023 UEFA Nations League Finals to Spieren voor Spieren (Muscles for Muscles) as a parting gift for all he has done for the team.
Spieren voor Spieren is a foundation that has tirelessly dedicated itself to helping children diagnosed with muscle diseases, raising funds to invest in research, faster diagnosis and better medical care. Now in its 25th year, the foundation has made it their mission to help affected children and allow them to rebuild their lives.
Founded in 1998 by Jan Reker, with the support of the Dutch football team, it is a cause that has drawn many national sporting stars to campaign alongside the foundation. Two instrumental figures throughout Spieren voor Spieren’s existence are recently departed Oranje coach Louis van Gaal and his wife Truus, who have been ambassadors since 2000 and honorary ambassadors since 2014. Regulars at fundraising events across the Netherlands, they have been consistent advocates, recruiting support from the sporting world and beyond.
Oranje captain Virgil van Dijk explained the motivation behind the team’s decision to donate their shirts: “As footballers, we know better than anyone how important it is to be able to build and rely on your muscles. Unfortunately, not everyone can do this. In the Netherlands, there are twenty thousand children with a muscle disease. We, as players, would like to do something for these children for whom muscle strength is not a given.
Under Louis van Gaal, we qualified unbeaten for the UEFA Nations League finals last year. In this way, as internationals, we want to once again show our gratitude for what he has meant for the Dutch national team.”
Proceeds raised from the auction will go towards Spieren voor Spieren as they continue their crucial work to eradicate muscle diseases. Head to the auction now to bid on the shirts of your favourite Oranje players and donate to a hugely important cause!