Ajax is Still Dutch

Ajax recruits the great majority of their youth talent by employing over thirty professional talent scouts in Holland, with more scouts located strategically throughout Europe and the rest of the world.

De Toekomst graduate Rafael van der Vaart.

But despite the international scouting network, and investments in clubs around the world, and a reputation that prompts thousands of inquiries from prospects all over the world, the heart of Ajax youth remains largely Dutch. Fully 95% of the youth players under contract with Ajax carry Dutch passports.

"There is no way that Ajax will bring hordes of youngsters from abroad to Amsterdam," explains Hans Westerhof, former Director of Training at Ajax. "Talented kids from the Netherlands have a headstart most of the time." Westerhof and Zwamborn agree: the number of international players at De Toekomst will remain very low for the forseeable future.

The rare few who do come from overseas are required to immerse themselves in Dutch life immediately. They must learn to speak and read Dutch. They're often housed with a Dutch family to facilitate the process.

There is no housing component to the youth academy in Amsterdam. The young athletes do not live in "Ajax dormitories." They live otherwise normal lives with their families, attending normal schools while getting bussed to and from De Toekomst on a daily basis. And while the club does pick up all the expenses associated with the training, the youth players do not get paid. In fact, Dutch law prohibits payment to any footballer under the age of 18.

Eventually, a select few of these players will sign professional contracts with Ajax when they turn 18, a supreme achievement that promises more than just a promising future in Amsterdam. Even if a player never cracks the Ajax 1 side, the mere fact that he is under contract to Ajax will get him more than a passing notice with most professional clubs around the world. If you're good enough to sign with Ajax, chances are you're good enough to earn a living playing football in a hundred different cities around the globe.