The heart of AFC Ajax’s success stories is rooted in the rich history of their world-famous academy, De Toekomst. This academy has developed some of the greatest players in the sport’s history and continues producing top talent. It has helped Ajax build an empire far beyond the Netherlands, with fans worldwide following the club.
The club’s supporters are among the most passionate fans in the world. While many fans relish the thrill of visiting the Johan Cruyff Arena on match days, others prefer different ways to enjoy the football. Around the globe, many fans engage in digital football entertainment, whether by watching games at local pubs where they can also play casino slots or by keeping up to date with their fantasy football teams.
Ajax’s youth setup is one of the most notable in the sport’s history. The famous academy has produced a wealth of footballing talent, including Ballon d’Or winners. It is renowned for the graduates’ technical skills, tactical insights, and, more specifically, the total football philosophy.
The academy plays a crucial role in the club’s success stories and overall reputation. It has significantly contributed to the club both in terms of performances and financially through player transfers in recent years, and it will continue to assist the club in both aspects.
Achievements and Historical Overview of the Academy
The club’s strong focus on cultivating home-grown talent stems from its understanding that nurturing such talent is vital for long-term prosperity and sustainability. The Ajax youth academy, known for its rich history, was established in 1900, but it began to flourish in the 1960s when the club invested significantly in its development programs. Over the years, Ajax Academy has become synonymous with producing exceptional footballers and consistently delivering players who excel on the global stage.
Among the most notable graduates are Johan Cruyff, a revolutionary figure in football and a recipient of the prestigious Ballon d’Or three times. Marco Van Basten followed in his footsteps, celebrated for his extraordinary talent and skill and for winning the Ballon d’Or twice. The academy has also nurtured legendary players, including Frank Rijkaard and Dennis Bergkamp, who substantially impacted top clubs and international competitions.
A landmark moment for Ajax came in 1995, when a golden generation of homegrown stars clinched the UEFA Champions League title. This triumph solidified the academy’s esteemed reputation worldwide and showcased the effectiveness of its developmental philosophy.
In the 1990s, Ajax relocated its training facilities to the state-of-the-art complex called De Toekomst, which means “The Future.” This modern training ground boasts nine meticulously maintained pitches, catering to Ajax’s youth academy and reserve teams, women’s teams, and amateur squads. The comprehensive training regimen and world-class facilities at De Toekomst have contributed to Ajax’s status as a leading force in developing football talent, ensuring the club continues to thrive both on and off the pitch.
Philosophy and Approach
The club’s academy is heavily influenced by the Total Football philosophy, a system from the ’70s in which players’ positions rotate fluidly, allowing each player to read the game and determine where to position themselves. This philosophy is instilled from the earliest stages of the youth set-up to the first team squad. This approach enables players to advance through age groups without adapting to new tactics.
The philosophy clarifies why so many graduates excel in football, understanding it on a deeper level. The club adopts a dynamic perspective, believing all players should feel comfortable on the ball, regardless of their position.
This has fostered a tactical style where defenders play out from the back and midfielders control the game, resulting in a possession-based yet attacking style of play characterised by quick passing and creativity.
The Path to Pro
Ajax employs a comprehensive scouting system that identifies talent as young as 7 to join their academy. Players progress through various age groups, including U9, U12, U14, U16, and U18, where players can play against opposition older than them, which will help facilitate their development.
Once players reach the U18 level, those with the highest skill and potential may be selected for Jong Ajax, the club’s reserve team that plays in the Dutch second division. This step is crucial in aiding their progression, as it exposes the players to the intensity and tactical demands of the men’s game, preparing them for a potential debut in the first team.
Recent Success Stories of De Toekomst
Over the past 10 years, De Toekomst has nurtured talents who have contributed to the club’s performance levels. Some have gone on to play for some of the biggest clubs in the world and have won various titles in their adventures.
Frenkie de Jong
Frenkie de Jong debuted in the Ajax first team in 2015 when he was just 17 years old. The centre midfielder oozes class, displaying his technical brilliance with brilliant footballing awareness. Frenkie de Jong played a major role in Ajax’s run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals when they narrowly missed the final. Frenkie now applies his trade in Barcelona, where he has just contributed to a Copa Del Rey triumph and, most recently, the La Liga title.
Matthijs De Ligt
The central defender was tipped to be one of the most promising youngsters in 2018 when he won the Golden Boy award, which is tipped to be given to the brightest’ wonder kids’ in world football. De Ligt debuted for Ajax when he was 17 and became the captain at 19. Like Frenkie, De Ligt was a part of the 2019 Champions League run and played a vital role at the heart of the defence. De Ligt plays for Manchester United and has also played for other giants, such as Juventus and Bayern Munich.
Kenneth Taylor
Kenneth Taylor is one of De Toekomst’s most recent success stories. The central midfielder currently plays for Ajax’s first team, where he has found his feet and become one of the best players. At just 23, Kenneth Taylor plays with the confidence and understanding of a seasoned pro, and we expect big things in the future for the Netherlands international.