NAC Breda extend Graaf Engelbrecht academy partnership for four years

NAC Breda and Graaf Engelbrecht have extended their partnership for another four years, maintaining a programme designed to help academy footballers combine their sporting and educational commitments. The NAC Academy and the Topsport Talent School will continue working together on players’ football development, academic progress and personal growth.

The arrangement allows school timetables, training sessions, matches and examinations to be coordinated around the demands placed on young players. Personal guidance is also provided so that academy members can pursue their football ambitions while working towards their school diplomas. NAC’s study coordinator remains in close contact with staff at Graaf Engelbrecht to monitor progress and identify where individual support or tailored arrangements are required.

The partnership also covers broader skills including planning, independent work and taking responsibility, which the organisations consider important both within and beyond football. NAC academy technical manager Fouad El Fdil said the club has a duty to support players’ wider development and future as well as their sporting ambitions. He described a strong education as an essential part of that approach and said Graaf Engelbrecht understands the demands of elite sport. Over the next four years, the two organisations aim to keep building an environment in which young players can develop on the pitch, in the classroom and as individuals.