He made a dream come true this season by coaching in the big league. But after one year, Rotterdam coach Jordy van der Waart is already stepping back. Coaching takes up too much of his life off the field. ‘I don’t want to end up being left alone because of field hockey.’
On HDM’s terrace, at the end of the grueling season, Van der Waart’s thoughts go back to about four weeks ago. He had an afternoon off. Was at home taking care of his two children (and his little dog). On that day, his little son Bodey unintentionally confronted him with his overflowing schedule.
“Daddy, you are there. But you don’t have time for us.
As he utters the phrase, Van der Waart shakes his head. ‘That was a terrible thing to hear. I don’t want to be that kind of father. That was the last straw for me. And he was right, wasn’t he. I haven’t been the best husband to my wife lately. Wasn’t the nicest dad. Because on an afternoon off like that, I’m still full of phone calls and emails about the team. I had agreed with Bodey on that day that we would do something fun. But that didn’t happen.
Photo: Willem Vernes
Peripheral issues and excessive workload
It was the final push Van der Waart needed to tie the knot. His first season as head coach in the big league is also his last for the time being. He will be succeeded by Jorge Nolte, who was an attentive spectator at HDM-Rotterdam (2-2) on Sunday. ‘I told before how much I wanted to do this. I don’t regret that either. This was a dream of mine. Nothing has changed about that. But leading this team demands more of me than I can and want to give.’
For a moment, the gaze goes to infinity. ‘A lot has fallen on my shoulders in the second half of the season. And I shouldn’t do it this way much longer. I know stories of coaches who have been so absorbed in that task that they’ve lost their families. They are much more important to me. My dream shouldn’t come at the expense of that. I never want that to happen. With a grin, “At the end of the day, it’s just field hockey, right?
Van der Waart was assistant coach at Rotterdam last season. So he knew the challenge he was facing. ‘I didn’t underestimate it. But quite a lot has happened with us this season.’ The coach is not even referring to the departure of goalie Iris Nikerk, who suddenly quit a month ago. The coach can only appreciate that decision. Very many details he does not want to share.
But I can say that the departure of my assistant Lennard Poillot was quite drastic for me. As a result, many more tasks fell to me. Was the workload too high, I think now. Besides, I am not a full-time coach of Rotterdam,” said Van der Waart, who is also assistant of the Dutch Under-18 girls and club manager at Leonidas.
Photo: Willem Vernes
Of course, the results were not so bad. Rotterdam won only three of its twenty games and are heading for play-outs for the third year in a row. ‘But that’s not what matters to me,’ Van der Waart says firmly. ‘That spot on the rankings, that doesn’t affect me. It’s mostly about the peripheral issues off the field. This group also needs a lot of attention when we are not at the club. I’m not the right person to facilitate that.’
That high word came out a few weeks ago, when Van der Waart shared his doubts with the club. ‘That was quite difficult, precisely because I love coaching in itself. The club wanted me to stay. So did most of the player group. Then it’s just a little bit harder to say you’re quitting after all. I am also grateful to Rotterdam for making my dream come true.
How the circle is round again
Rotterdam is currently eleventh, three points away from the safe ninth place. Obviously, Van der Waart wants to end his special season in only one way. ‘I want to do everything possible to keep Rotterdam in the big league. That’s where the club belongs. And I really hope enormously that after that they can make steps to stay at the highest level more durable and easier.’
Six months ago, Van der Waart said he had promised his father on his deathbed that he would one day coach in the big league. And now it is time to fulfill the promise to my son. The circle is a bit complete after all.’
by Hockey.nl
