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Almere City FC
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Almere City FC
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Almere City Football Club is a professional football club based in Almere, Netherlands. While the current organization was founded in 2001, it has roots dating back to 1959. The club currently compete in the Eerste Divisie, following relegation from the Eredivisie in 2024–25. They play their home matches at the 4,501-capacity Yanmar Stadion.

Key Information

The club builds on former clubs from Amsterdam and is a result of ambitions of the Almere city council to play an active role in top sports. To that end, the sports club Omniworld was formed, which consisted of a volleyball branch, a basketball branch and a football branch. Prior to the 2010–11 season, the club was renamed to Almere City FC.

History

[edit]

Early history

[edit]

In 1954, in Amsterdam, the club BVC Amsterdam is founded. In 1959, after that club merged into DWS, disgruntled supporters founded their own club named De Zwarte Schapen, which translates to "The Black Sheep". Nineteen years later, in 1978, the club merges and is named Argonaut-Zwarte Schapen until 1988, when it is named FC Sloterpas for four years. It eventually reached the Hoofdklasse in 1995, when after several violent incidents on the pitch and a six-month suspension by the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB), the club moved from Amsterdam to nearby Almere. The club is immediately relegated before again achieving promotion. In 1997, it changed its name to Sporting Flevoland.[1][2][3][4]

FC Omniworld

[edit]
Club's logo from 2001 to 2010

That name was changed to FC Omniworld in 2000 as a result of the efforts of a consortium (in which the city of Almere was a participant) to bring professional sports to Almere.[1][2][4] These plans included a basketball club (BC Omniworld, now defunct), a volleyball club (VC Omniworld, now defunct) and the football club (FC Omniworld).[1][2] However, when the Leefbaar Almere party became the largest party in the city council in 2002, the city withdrew from the project.[2][3] This caused the club to fail the criteria for admission to the professional league in 2004.[5]

Private investors were found, and the club managed to meet the first two criteria for admission (among which is a balanced budget) in late 2004 and early 2005.[1][2][3] After FC Omniworld's stadium (the 3,000 seater Yanmar Stadion) and pitch were approved by the KNVB as well, the club met all criteria for admission, and joined the 19 clubs already in the Eerste Divisie.[1] The club's first official match would have been held on 12 August 2005 against BV Veendam. However, the referee postponed the match shortly before the kick-off because heavy rain had made the artificial turf pitch unplayable.[1] The club's professional debut came a week later, in an away match against FC Eindhoven, a 2–0 defeat.[1][6] FC Omniworld registered its first official goal a few days later, in a 2–3 home defeat against FC Den Bosch, as Juan Viedma Schenkhuizen scored to make the score 1–2 in the 37th minute. FC Omniworld's first league point was achieved a week later, on 29 August against Go Ahead Eagles (2–2). The club's first victory came on 16 September, when Fortuna Sittard were defeated 3–2. In its first season, FC Omniworld finished in 19th place with 29 points from 38 matches.[3] Forward Sjoerd Ars ended in fifth place in the top goalscorer ranking, with 17 goals.[7]

Ars transferred to Go Ahead Eagles for the 2006–07 season, but the results for FC Omniworld improved. The club achieved 41 points from 38 matches, finishing the season in 16th place.[8] The 2–7 home match defeat against FC Zwolle on 16 March 2007 resulted in the then-worst defeat in the club's short history.

Almere City

[edit]

Early struggles (2010–2016)

[edit]

In March 2010, the club was renamed AFC Almere City[9] before being changed again a few weeks later to Almere City FC, as the "AFC" prefix was deemed to be too reminiscent of the club's partners AFC Ajax.[1][2][10] In their second match of the 2010–11 season, they were defeated 12–1 by Sparta Rotterdam, who equaled Ajax's Dutch league record win,[11] with Johan Voskamp scoring a Jupiler League record eight goals on his debut.[12]

Almere City FC finished dead last in the Eerste Divisie during their initial 2010–11 season, but were heeded from relegation due to the bankruptcy of RBC Roosendaal.[13] In the following years, the team struggled to maintain consistency, and even suffered a relegation scare during the 2013–14 season.

Five-Year Plan and promotion (2016–present)

[edit]

Under the guidance of manager Jack de Gier, the team underwent a revival, finishing in the top 10 for three consecutive seasons from 2016 to 2019. In 2016, This culminated in their then highest-ever league finish of 7th place in the 2018–19 season under head coach Ole Tobiasen. The same year, CEO John Bes, in consultation with the club's supervisory board, implemented a "five-year plan" which aimed to transform the club into a sustainable and professional football organisation, with an ultimate goal of reaching the Eredivisie.[14]

In August 2019, the club announced plans of building a new grandstand and a club office building.[15] The grandstand was completed during the 2020 winter break and increased the capacity of the stadium from around 3,000 to 4,501 spectators.[16]

During the 2020–21 season, Almere City FC marked the conclusion of its prestigious five-year plan with a record-breaking season.[14][17] The team achieved an impressive 75 points and scored a record-breaking 75 goals, securing a fourth-place finish in the final standings, which was considered a historic achievement for the club. However, the club's pursuit of promotion was unsuccessful as they were knocked out in the first round of the playoffs by NEC with a 4–0 defeat, during interim management under Jeroen Rijsdijk.[17] During this period, the club's striker, Thomas Verheydt, set a new club record by becoming the first player in the club's history to score 20 goals in a single season, surpassing the previous record held by club legend Vincent Janssen.[18] Despite the initial success, the club's good form was short-lived as they struggled in the 2021–22 season and could only manage a disappointing 14th-place finish.[19]

During the 2022–23 season, head coach Alex Pastoor guided Almere City FC to a third-place finish, the highest in the club's history. In June 2023, they secured promotion to the Eredivisie for the first time by defeating FC Emmen 4–1 on aggregate in the promotion play-offs.[1][20]

In their debut 2023–24 Eredivisie campaign, Almere City FC avoided relegation and retained their top-flight status. Ahead of the 2024–25 season, Pastoor departed and was replaced by Hedwiges Maduro.[21][22] On 18 December 2024, with the club bottom of the table—eight points adrift after one win in 16 matches—Maduro was dismissed.[23] He was succeeded in January 2025 by former interim manager Jeroen Rijsdijk, but the team failed to recover and finished last, resulting in relegation to the Eerste Divisie.[24][25]

Results

[edit]
EredivisieEerste Divisie

Club name

[edit]
  • De Zwarte Schapen (1959-1978)
  • Argonaut-Zwarte Schapen (1978-1988)
  • FC Sloterpas (1988-1992)
  • Sporting Flevoland (1997-2000)
  • FC Omniworld (2000–2010)
  • AFC Almere City (2010)
  • Almere City FC (2010–present)

Current squad

[edit]
As of 6 July 2025[26]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK  AUT Jonas Wendlinger
2 DF  NED Boyd Reith (on loan from Sparta Rotterdam)
3 DF  NED Joey Jacobs
4 DF  WAL James Lawrence
5 DF  NED Teun Bijleveld
6 MF  NED Enzo Cornelisse
7 FW  NED Byron Burgering
9 FW  FRA Thomas Robinet
10 FW  NED Julian Rijkhoff (on loan from Jong Ajax)
11 FW  FRA Junior Kadile
12 GK  NED Tristan Kuijsten
14 FW  NED Ferdy Druijf
15 DF  NED Misha Engel
No. Pos. Nation Player
17 FW  NED Emmanuel Poku
19 MF  NED Olivier de Nijs
20 MF  NED Job Kalisvaart
21 MF  NED Hamza el Dahri
22 DF  FRA Théo Barbet
23 MF  NED Jamie Jacobs
24 MF  NED Guus Beaumont
25 DF  NED Amoah Sam
26 DF  NED Twan van der Zeeuw
27 DF  NED Jaden Pinas
28 FW  HAI Ruben Providence
30 GK  NED Joel van der Wilt

Club officials

[edit]
Position Staff
Chairman Netherlands John Bes
Head coach Netherlands Jeroen Rijsdijk
Assistant head coach Netherlands Foeke Booy
Afghanistan Anoush Dastgir
Goalkeeper coach Iran Agil Etemadi
Performance coach Netherlands Lucas Posthuma
Video analyst Netherlands Max Buis
Scout England Jack Austin
Head of physiotherapy Netherlands Geert van der Heiden
Physiotherapist Netherlands Jeroen Bijl
Material Netherlands Herman Koster
Netherlands Ronald van Bruggen
Team Manager Netherlands Jasper Meeder

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Almere City FC

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from Grokipedia
Almere City FC is a professional association football club based in , , that currently competes in the , the second tier of Dutch football. Established with roots in an amateur club from that relocated to Almere in the 1990s, it entered professional football in 2005 as FC Omniworld and was renamed Almere City FC in 2010. The club plays its home matches at the , a 4,501-capacity venue. After spending most of its history in the , Almere City achieved promotion to the via playoffs in 2023, marking its first top-flight appearance, but was relegated following a challenging 2024–25 season with a record of 4 wins, 10 draws, and 20 losses. The club's early professional years were marked by steady development in the second division, highlighted by period titles in 2014 and 2016, as well as a record 7–0 victory over in 2016 and an eighth-place finish that year, its best in the . Notable talents have emerged from its ranks, including forward , who scored 19 goals in the 2014–15 season before transferring to Tottenham Hotspur. Almere City's debut campaigns in 2023–24 and 2024–25 showcased resilience against established sides, though defensive vulnerabilities contributed to relegation, ending a two-year stint in the top flight. As of November 2025, the team sits 13th in the after 15 matches, with 5 wins, 2 draws, and 8 losses. In a significant recent development, Japanese company completed its acquisition of full ownership of Almere City FC and the on November 5, 2025, following an agreement signed in July 2025 with previous owner Kroonenberg Groep and subsequent approval from the Dutch Football Association (KNVB). This move positions the club under international , potentially aiding its ambitions for a return to the .

History

Origins and amateur roots (pre-2001)

The origins of Almere City FC trace back to the amateur football scene in , where the club was established as De Zwarte Schapen in 1959 by a group of disgruntled supporters of BVC Amsterdam following its merger into DWS to form DWS/A. This new entity, nicknamed "The Black Sheep" for its rebellious stance against the dominant KNVB structures, operated as an club amid the tensions of the emerging professional era in Dutch football. The club competed in lower amateur divisions, fostering a local following in Amsterdam's Sloterplas neighborhood, but struggled with financial instability after early attempts to professionalize failed. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, De Zwarte Schapen maintained its amateur status, participating in regional leagues under the KNVB and achieving modest stability without notable national prominence. In 1978, it merged with the smaller club Argonaut to become Argonaut-Zwarte Schapen, which helped secure its survival but kept it in the lower echelons of Amsterdam's amateur football. By 1988, financial pressures led to another rebranding as FC Sloterplas, named after the local area, where the team continued to play in the Vierde Klasse and gradually climbed through promotions in the amateur pyramid. Influential figures during this period included local enthusiasts who emphasized community ties, though no single coach or president dominated; the club's persistence relied on grassroots support rather than star leadership. Successes were limited to regional cup runs and occasional promotions, such as reaching the Derde Klasse by the early , underscoring its role as a resilient but unpretentious neighborhood outfit. The pivotal shift came in the mid-1990s under chairman Richard Smith, a sports physiotherapist with ambitious visions for growth, who relocated the club to the burgeoning city of Almere in 1995 to tap into its expanding population and urban development opportunities. Renamed De Zwarte Schapen Almere, the team entered the Hoofdklasse—the top amateur tier—but suffered relegation in its debut season due to adaptation challenges in the new environment. Smith, driven by a desire to establish professional football in Almere, spearheaded a swift recovery, securing promotion back to the Hoofdklasse in 1996 through strong performances in the promotion playoffs. In 1997, the club rebranded as Sporting Flevoland to align with regional identity, continuing its amateur competitions with incremental successes like consistent mid-table finishes and youth development initiatives. These years laid the groundwork for professional aspirations, culminating in the 2000 transformation into FC Omniworld as part of a broader sports initiative.

FC Omniworld era (2001–2010)

FC Omniworld was officially founded on September 14, 2001, as a football club sponsored by the , a multi-sport initiative aimed at establishing in the growing city of , which lacked a top-tier team. The sponsorship from Omniworld, a local business group, provided the financial backing needed to transition from roots to status, with the club initially competing in the Hoofdklasse, the highest division in Dutch football. By fulfilling the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) criteria for infrastructure and organization, FC Omniworld secured direct admission to the for the 2005–06 season, coinciding with the league's expansion from 19 to 20 teams to accommodate new entrants like the club. The club's first professional campaign in 2005–06 was challenging, as FC Omniworld finished 19th in the with just 29 points from 38 matches (7 wins, 8 draws, 23 losses, -37), narrowly avoiding relegation through the league's structure that protected most teams at the time. Under head coach Jan Schulting, the team secured its first league victory on September 16, 2005, with a 3–2 away win against , marking a modest debut in the second tier. Subsequent seasons showed gradual improvement amid operational hurdles; in 2006–07, they ended 16th with 41 points (11 wins, 8 draws, 19 losses), followed by a career-best 13th place in 2007–08 under Peter Boeve, earning 47 points (11 wins, 14 draws, 13 losses) and demonstrating defensive solidity with a positive of +1. However, inconsistency persisted, with finishes of 20th in 2008–09 (30 points) and 14th in 2009–10 (40 points), as the club focused on consolidation rather than playoff contention for promotion. Key figures during this period included managers like Schulting, who laid the tactical foundations in the inaugural season, and Boeve, whose leadership in 2007–08 stabilized the squad after early struggles. Among players, midfielders Toine Rorije and Karim Fachtali stood out for their contributions, with Rorije providing experience from prior stints and Fachtali emerging as a goal threat in the 2009–10 season. The team played home matches at the 3,000-capacity Mitsubishi Forklift Stadion (now ) on the site's current location in Almere's Sportpark Flevo, where attendances typically ranged from 1,000 to 2,000 spectators per match, reflecting the club's nascent identity and local support base. Financial pressures mounted throughout the decade due to reliance on the title sponsor, exacerbating operational difficulties and limiting squad investments. This instability peaked in the 2009–10 season when Omniworld, facing its own corporate , abruptly withdrew sponsorship on April 28, 2010, just after the campaign concluded, forcing a and threatening the club's survival in professional football.

Rebranding and early professional struggles (2010–2016)

In 2010, the club underwent a significant following the acquisition of all shares by Kroonenberg Groep, which ended the NV Omniworld project and sponsorship. This led to the name change from FC Omniworld to Almere City FC ahead of the 2010–11 season, aiming to foster a stronger connection to the local community in . The transition required adjustments in fan engagement and branding, as supporters adapted to the new identity detached from the previous corporate sponsor. The early professional years were marked by inconsistent on-field results in the , with frequent battles against relegation. In the 2010–11 season, Almere City FC finished 18th with 25 points, occupying the bottom position but remaining in the league. The following campaigns saw mid-table finishes of 13th place (40 points) in 2011–12 and another 13th (31 points) in 2012–13, before a decline to 18th again in 2013–14 with 41 points, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities and inconsistent scoring. Performances improved toward the period's end, culminating in 10th place (48 points) in 2014–15—bolstered by a first-ever period title win—and 8th (50 points) in 2015–16 under manager Jack de Gier, who oversaw a late-season recovery including a 7–0 victory over . Administrative challenges persisted, with efforts focused on stabilizing finances through Kroonenberg Groep's ongoing ownership and sponsorship to replace lost revenue streams. These turbulent years tested the youth academy, yet it produced notable talents amid limited resources; forward emerged as a standout, scoring 19 goals in the 2014–15 season before transferring to for €500,000 in 2015, a move that later yielded over €20 million when he joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2016. Local support remained resilient, with fans rallying during low points and celebrating milestones like the 2014 period title victory over , demonstrating community commitment despite the club's precarious position.

Revival, promotion, and Eredivisie stint (2016–2025)

In 2016, Almere City FC initiated a strategic turnaround under manager Jack de Gier, who was appointed in January and focused on building a stable squad through targeted recruitment and youth integration to foster sustainable progress in the Eerste Divisie. This approach marked a shift from earlier inconsistencies, with the club achieving top-10 finishes in three consecutive seasons from 2016–17 to 2018–19, including a seventh-place standing in 2016–17 that secured a spot in the promotion/relegation playoffs. De Gier's tenure emphasized defensive solidity and attacking efficiency, laying the groundwork for long-term competitiveness without relying on high spending. The momentum continued into the early 2020s, highlighted by the 2020–21 season under manager Ole Tobiasen, where Almere City set a club record with 75 points from 22 wins, 9 draws, and 7 losses, finishing fourth in the Eerste Divisie and again reaching the playoffs. This campaign showcased the club's growing emphasis on youth development, with several academy products contributing significantly to the tally of 75 goals scored, the highest in the club's professional history at that level. Subsequent seasons under managers like Alex Pastoor built on this foundation, culminating in a third-place finish in the 2022–23 Eerste Divisie with 71 points. Under Pastoor, Almere City achieved promotion to the for the first time in June 2023, defeating 4–1 on aggregate in the promotion playoffs, a milestone that ended 22 years in the second tier. The season saw the club survive relegation by finishing 13th with 34 points from 7 wins, 13 draws, and 14 losses, relying on resilient home performances and key victories against higher-ranked sides. However, the 2024–25 campaign proved challenging, with Almere City relegated after ending 18th with just 22 points from 4 wins, 10 draws, and 20 losses, confirmed by a 1–1 draw against in May 2025. Throughout this period, fan engagement surged alongside the club's ascent, with average attendance rising from around 1,500 in the mid-2010s to over 4,000 during the years, bolstered by initiatives like the 2021 Fieldlab experiment that safely welcomed 1,300 supporters back post-pandemic. Infrastructure investments, including plans for enhanced training facilities announced in 2019, supported this growth by improving the club's operational base for youth and professional programs. Jeroen Rijsdijk took over as in January 2025 amid the relegation battle, aiming to stabilize the squad for a return to the top flight. In a major development, Japanese company acquired full ownership of the club on November 5, 2025, following an agreement signed in July 2025 with previous owner Kroonenberg Groep.

Club identity

Name changes and branding

Almere City FC traces its branding origins to the establishment of FC Omniworld in 2001, when the club was created as part of a broader sports initiative backed by the , a and development group that provided financial support in exchange for . This sponsor-driven identity reflected the club's early dependence on external funding to launch professional football in the planned city of , aligning with municipal ambitions to elevate local sports infrastructure. The name FC Omniworld remained in use until the end of the 2009–2010 season, emphasizing the project's corporate ties rather than regional heritage. In 2010, following the acquisition by the Kroonenberg Groep, the club underwent a significant to Almere City FC, shifting focus toward a more localized and independent identity to strengthen community ties and appeal to Almere residents. This change was motivated by financial necessities, including the need to stabilize operations after the Omniworld sponsorship waned, and a strategic alignment with city branding to position the club as a symbol of Almere's growth and ambition. Fan input played a key role in refining the name; an initial proposal of AFC Almere City was revised within weeks to Almere City FC amid supporter preferences for a simpler, more direct reference to the city. The rebrand marked a departure from sponsor-centric nomenclature, fostering greater fan ownership and resilience in the club's narrative. The nickname "De Zwarte Schapen" (The Black Sheep), inherited from the club's amateur predecessor founded in the , was formally integrated into the branding during the 2010 rebrand to encapsulate the club's underdog status and history of overcoming challenges, including relocations and financial hurdles. This moniker, symbolizing nonconformity and determination, has since become a core element of the club's marketing, evoking loyalty among supporters who view the team as outsiders defying expectations. Subsequent branding evolutions have incorporated sponsor integrations, such as Yanmar's role since 2015 as stadium sponsor—renaming it —and the company's full acquisition of the club on October 31, 2025, following an agreement signed in July 2025 and approval from the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB). Following the historic promotion to the in 2023, Almere City FC enhanced its digital presence through targeted website updates and campaigns, utilizing hashtags like #BetterTogether and #AlmereCity to promote unity, fan engagement, and the promotion's significance, resulting in substantial growth in online followers and interactive content focused on community pride.

Stadium and facilities

Almere City FC's home venue is the , located in the Almere Buiten district of , , at Competitieweg 20. The stadium, a multi-purpose facility primarily used for , was inaugurated in August 2005 with an initial capacity of 3,000 spectators. It has undergone significant upgrades, including the completion of a new in January 2020 that increased the all-seater capacity to 4,501, with approximately 4,200 seats. This expansion was part of preparations to meet licensing requirements for potential promotion to higher divisions, allowing uninterrupted match scheduling during construction. The stadium's naming rights have evolved over time, reflecting sponsorship partnerships. Originally known as the from 2005 to 2013, it was renamed from 2013 to 2015 before adopting its current name under a deal with Yanmar Europe B.V., which has held the rights since 2015. An agreement was signed in July 2025, with Yanmar completing the full acquisition of both the club and the stadium from the Kroonenberg Groep on October 31, 2025, following approval from the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB). Adjacent to the are the club's training facilities, including the Ruitenheer Football Academy grounds with dedicated youth pitches for player development. These areas support the club's youth and senior training programs, as well as initiatives such as soccer camps and talent days organized in partnership with Soccer Camps United, which utilize the site's infrastructure to provide professional-level experiences for young participants. Attendance at the has varied with the club's league status, averaging 2,000 to 3,000 spectators per home match during seasons, such as 1,899 in 2022–23. Figures rose significantly upon promotion to the , reaching an average of 3,833 for home games in the 2024–25 season and peaking above 4,000 for select matches, occasionally approaching the stadium's full capacity.

Colours, kit, and crest

Almere City FC's primary colours are and white. The club's home kits have historically varied, but recent seasons have emphasized as the dominant colour. For the 2024–25 season, the home kit featured a plain design with black and white accents, marking a return to after previous variations. The 2025–26 home kit, following relegation to the , continues this scheme with as the base colour accented by . Away kits have incorporated diverse palettes, such as the 2022–23 away kit in yellow and blue, inspired by the city flag. Kit suppliers for Almere City FC have changed several times since the club's founding. Masita provided kits until 2010, followed by Jartazi for the 2010–11 season. served as supplier from 2011 to 2019, succeeded by Inaria in 2019–20 as the brand's first professional European club partnership. has been the supplier since 2020, producing the kits for the club's promotion in 2023 and subsequent seasons. The club's crest has undergone notable evolution tied to its rebranding. During the FC Omniworld era from 2001 to 2010, the crest was a shield design featuring a sheep's head, reflecting the nickname De Zwarte Schapen (The Black Sheep). After the 2010 rebrand to Almere City FC, the crest shifted to a more modern style, and by 2011, the sheep was replaced with a harrier bird—the provincial symbol of Flevoland—while introducing a prominent red colour to align with the club's palette. Special edition kits have commemorated key milestones, including the 2023–24 designs worn during the club's historic promotion to the via . Following relegation in 2025 after two top-flight seasons, the 2025–26 kits serve as a symbolic return to the .

Records and statistics

Domestic league performance

Almere City FC has competed in the for 19 seasons between 2005–06 and 2025–26, accumulating an overall record of 230 wins, 141 draws, and 290 losses across 661 matches. Their best league finish came in the 2022–23 season, when they placed third with 21 wins, 7 draws, and 10 losses, earning 70 points. The club has shown a consistent pattern of mid-to-upper table performances in recent years, with finishes of 4th in 2020–21 and 7th in 2018–19, though earlier seasons included struggles such as relegation threats in 2008–09 and 2010–11. In the , Almere City FC's two-season stint from 2023–24 to 2024–25 yielded a combined record of 11 wins, 23 draws, and 34 losses over 68 matches, resulting in 56 points and finishes of 13th and 18th respectively. The 2024–25 campaign was particularly challenging, with only 4 wins, 10 draws, and 20 losses, culminating in relegation after ending 18th. The team's performance in the has historically been stronger at home, where they have secured a higher win percentage and fewer defeats compared to away fixtures. For instance, in the 2020–21 season, Almere City recorded 13 wins, 4 draws, and just 2 losses in 19 home games, contributing significantly to their 4th-place finish. Almere City has made five appearances in the promotion playoffs, with their most successful run in 2023 when they defeated in the first round and in the final (4–1 aggregate) to secure promotion to the . Earlier participations include losses to in 2020–21 and Excelsior in 2018–19.
CompetitionSeasonsMatches PlayedWinsDrawsLossesBest Finish
19 (2005–06 to 2025–26)6612301412903rd (2022–23)
2 (2023–24 to 2024–25)6811233413th (2023–24)

Notable achievements and records

Almere City FC achieved its most significant milestone in 2023 by securing promotion to the for the first time in the club's history, defeating 4–1 on aggregate in the promotion/relegation playoffs. This success followed a third-place finish in the season, marking the highest league position the club had ever attained. The 2020–21 Eerste Divisie campaign stands as the club's record-breaking season, with Almere City accumulating 75 points from 38 matches—the highest total in its professional history—and scoring 75 goals, also a club record for goals in a single league season. These figures underscored a strong performance that placed the team fourth in the league, just two points shy of the promotion spots. Among individual records, forward Thomas Verheydt holds a prominent place as one of the club's top scorers, netting 36 goals across 57 appearances during his tenure from 2019 to 2021. The highest recorded attendance at came in the season, drawing 4,332 spectators for a home match against on September 23, 2023. On the youth front, Almere City's U21 team won the Beloften title in the 2021–22 season, securing the championship for reserve squads in the ' top youth league. This victory highlighted the club's development pathway, though no major senior trophies or regional wins have been recorded in its .

Personnel

Current squad

As of November 2025, Almere City FC's first-team squad comprises 27 players competing in the , with an average age of 23.6 years and only four foreign nationals representing 14.8% of the roster. Following relegation from the in May 2025, the club focused on retaining core elements while integrating Eerste Divisie-experienced returnees and promoting youth talents to build depth, particularly in attack to leverage their recent top-flight exposure. Key post-relegation signings include forward , who joined as a free agent after spells in the with and , and striker , acquired from Ajax II to bolster the forward line. Other notable additions feature midfielder Enzo Cornelisse from Vitesse Arnhem and defender Teun Bijleveld from US Triestina, alongside youth promotions such as goalkeeper Tristan Kuijsten and midfielder Job Kalisvaart from II, emphasizing a blend of experience and potential for the 2025–26 campaign. The squad's depth chart highlights a robust defensive unit with versatile centre-backs and full-backs, a dynamic midfield capable of controlling tempo, and a balanced attacking options featuring wingers and centre-forwards to maintain offensive threat. No goalkeepers are currently sidelined by injury.

Goalkeepers

No.PlayerNationalityAgeContract End
1Jonas Wendlinger2530 Jun 2026
12Tristan Kuijsten2030 Jun 2028
30Joël van der Wilt2130 Jun 2026

Defenders

No.PlayerNationalityAgeContract End
2Boyd Reith2630 Jun 2026
3Joey Jacobs2530 Jun 2026
4James Lawrence/3330 Jun 2027
5Teun Bijleveld2730 Jun 2028
15Misha Engel2330 Jun 2028
22Emmanuel van de Blaak/2030 Jun 2027
25Amoah Sam2330 Jun 2026
26Twan van der Zeeuw2330 Jun 2026
27Jaden Pinas2130 Jun 2026
32Tiziano Vianello/20-

Midfielders

No.PlayerNationalityAgeContract End
6Enzo Cornelisse2330 Jun 2028
8Milan de Haan21-
19Olivier de Nijs2130 Jun 2026
20Job Kalisvaart2130 Jun 2028
21Hamza el Dahri/2030 Jun 2028
23Jamie Jacobs2730 Jun 2027
24Guus Beaumont2330 Jun 2026

Forwards

No.PlayerNationalityAgeContract End
7Byron Burgering2430 Jun 2028
92730 Jun 2026
102030 Jun 2026
11Junior Kadile/DR Congo2230 Jun 2027
17Emmanuel Poku2030 Jun 2027
28Ruben Providence/2430 Jun 2027
29Bas Huisman2030 Jun 2027

Management and coaching staff

As of November 2025, Almere City FC is owned by the Japanese company , which completed its acquisition of all shares of the club and its stadium from the Kroonenberg Groep on October 31, 2025, following an agreement signed in July 2025. The Kroonenberg Groep had held ownership since 2010. John Bes serves as the club's , a position he has held since July 2016, overseeing the implementation of strategic initiatives including the club's Five-Year Plan for sustainable growth. The technical team is led by head coach Jeroen Rijsdijk, who was appointed on January 3, 2025, with his contract extended to June 30, 2026, bringing prior experience from roles in the with clubs such as Excelsior and . His assistants include Danny Schenkel, appointed July 1, 2025, and , who joined on August 4, 2025, both on contracts until June 30, 2026; Schenkel focuses on tactical development, while Boukhari contributes to player conditioning and match preparation. Foeke Booy serves as chief scout, aiding in talent identification. Key administrative roles include Chiel Dekker, appointed March 1, 2025, responsible for overall football operations and youth development strategy until June 30, 2026. Benno Nihom acts as head of football operations since August 1, 2024, managing logistical and performance aspects. The youth academy falls under Dekker's oversight, with staff such as Siem van Dijk contributing to coaching since 2020. Following the club's relegation from the after finishing 18th in the 2024–25 season, the management implemented adjustments in summer 2025 to bolster the promotion push in the 2025–26 , including Rijsdijk's extended role and reinforcements in the technical staff.

References

  1. https://www.sofascore.com/football/team/almere-city-fc/2990
  2. https://almerecity.nl/geschiedenis/
  3. https://fbref.com/en/squads/2b41acb5/2024-2025/Almere-City-Stats
  4. https://almerecity.nl/standen
  5. https://www.nautadutilh.com/en/insights/yanmar-completes-acquisition-of-almere-city-fc/
  6. https://www.yanmar.com/en_th/news/2025/07/07/154208.html
  7. https://historiebetaaldvoetbal.nl/amsterdam-bvc/
  8. https://www.almerecity.nl/geschiedenis/
  9. https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/1375236/historie-fc-omniworld
  10. https://stadsarchief.almere.nl/ontdek/foto-van-de-maand/april-2024-voetbalclub-de-zwarte-schapen-voorlopers-van-almere-city-fc
  11. https://nos.nl/artikel/2497425-almere-vol-amsterdammers-maar-de-plaatselijke-fc-heeft-nu-haar-eigen-smoel
  12. https://www.volkskrant.nl/sport/geest-van-het-verleden-ontwaakt-in-almere~b8228a75/
  13. https://www.vn.nl/fc-polderpioniers-de-eerste-profs-van-voetbalclub-omniworld/
  14. https://www.transfermarkt.com/almere-city-fc/startseite/verein/723
  15. https://besoccer.it.com/almere-city-fc-the-modern-powerhouse/
  16. https://www.transfermarkt.com/almere-city-fc/platzierungen/verein/723
  17. http://www.footballsquads.co.uk/holland/2005-2006/eerste/omni.htm
  18. https://www.footballdatabase.eu/en/club/team/2887-almere_city/2009-2010
  19. https://www.transfermarkt.com/fc%25E3%2582%25A2%25E3%2582%25A4%25E3%2583%25B3%25E3%2583%2588%25E3%2583%259B%25E3%2583%25BC%25E3%2583%2595%25E3%2582%25A7%25E3%2583%25B3_fc-omniworld/aufstellung/spielbericht/48434
  20. https://totaldutchfootball.com/2015/08/22/lifeafterdeath/
  21. https://www.transfermarkt.com/vincent-janssen/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/207015/saison/2014/wettbewerb/NL2
  22. https://www.football-oranje.com/interview-almere-city-manager-jack-de-gier/
  23. https://fbref.com/en/squads/2b41acb5/2020-2021/Almere-City-Stats
  24. https://www.dutchnews.nl/2023/06/almere-city-beat-emmen-in-play-off-for-promotion-to-eredivisie/
  25. https://fbref.com/en/squads/2b41acb5/2023-2024/Almere-City-Stats
  26. https://www.flashscore.com/news/soccer-eredivisie-eredivisie-roundup-almere-city-relegated-nec-score-from-own-half-in-playoff-battle/84Oruope/
  27. https://www.soccerpunter.com/team/all/23628/1433/Almere-City-in-Netherlands-Eredivisie-2024-2025
  28. https://essma.eu/news/article/almere-city-fc-welcomed-1300-fans-back-stadium-experiment
  29. https://www.transfermarkt.us/jeroen-rijsdijk/profil/trainer/35419
  30. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/almere-city-stayed-eredivisie-thats-miracle-brent-stevens-drkje
  31. https://logos.fandom.com/wiki/Almere_City_FC
  32. https://alchetron.com/Almere-City-FC
  33. https://www.mynewsdesk.com/yanmar/pressreleases/yanmar-completes-acquisition-of-almere-city-fc-3417070
  34. https://www.instagram.com/almerecityfc/
  35. https://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/ned/almere_city_stadion
  36. https://www.transfermarkt.us/almere-city-fc/stadion/verein/723
  37. https://stadiumdb.com/news/2019/02/the_netherlands_almere_contemplating_expansion_this_year
  38. https://www.coliseum-online.com/yanmar-acquire-almere-city-fc-stadium/
  39. https://www.yanmar.com/gb/news/2025/07/07/154208.html
  40. https://www.instagram.com/almerecityfc_academy/
  41. https://almerecity.nl/business/almere-city-fc-en-soccer-camps-united-laten-jeugd-trainen-als-een-prof/
  42. https://www.transfermarkt.us/almere-city-fc/besucherzahlenentwicklung/verein/723
  43. https://www.worldfootball.net/attendance/ned-eredivisie-2024-2025/1/
  44. https://teamcolorcodes.com/almere-city-fc-color-codes/
  45. https://www.footballkitnews.com/30095/new-almere-city-fc-kit-2024-2025-craft-sportswear-home-jersey-24-25/
  46. https://www.footballkitarchive.com/almere-city-2025-26-home-kit/396379/
  47. https://www.footyheadlines.com/2022/07/almere-city-22-23-away-kit-released.html
  48. https://www.footballkitarchive.com/almere-city-kits/
  49. https://www.inariasoccer.com/news/almere-city-fc-selects-inaria/
  50. https://www.worldsoccerpins.com/historical-crests-almere-city-fc
  51. https://www.footballkitarchive.com/almere-city-2023-24-kits/
  52. https://fbref.com/en/squads/2b41acb5/history/Almere-City-Stats-and-History
  53. https://www.transfermarkt.us/almere-city-fc/platzierungen/verein/723
  54. https://www.transfermarkt.us/thomas-verheydt/leistungsdaten/spieler/297365
  55. https://www.transfermarkt.us/almere-city-fc/rekordspiele/verein/723
  56. https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/beloften-eredivisie/erfolge/pokalwettbewerb/NLBE
  57. https://www.transfermarkt.us/almere-city-fc/erfolge/verein/723
  58. https://www.transfermarkt.us/almere-city-fc/kader/verein/723
  59. https://www.transfermarkt.us/almere-city-fc/transfers/verein/723/saison_id/2025
  60. https://www.dutchnews.nl/2025/07/almere-city-to-be-taken-over-by-japanese-main-sponsor-yanmar/
  61. https://www.houthoff.com/insights/deals-and-matters/kroonenberg-groep-sells-almere-city-fc-to-manufacturer-yanmar/
  62. https://www.transfermarkt.us/almere-city-fc/mitarbeiter/verein/723
  63. https://www.transfermarkt.com/almere-city-fc-jugend/mitarbeiterhistorie/verein/44870
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