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SC Cambuur
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Sportclub Cambuur, most often styled SC Cambuur (Dutch pronunciation: [ɛsˈseː ˈkɑmbyːr]) and sometimes Cambuur Leeuwarden, is a Dutch professional football club from Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland. Founded on 19 June 1964, the team compete in the Eerste Divisie, the second tier of the Dutch football league system. Since August 2024, they have played their home games at the 15,000‑seat Kooi Stadion, a purpose‑built stadium that replaced Cambuur Stadion.[1]
Key Information
Cambuur play in yellow shirts and blue shorts, colours drawn from the coat of arms of the Cammingha family, whose heraldic lions also feature on the club crest. Organised as a member‑owned association, the club enjoys strong regional backing and contests the "Friese Derby" against neighbouring sc Heerenveen.
The club have won the second-tier Eerste Divisie three times (1991–92, 2012–13 and 2020–21) and spent a total of seven seasons in the top-tier Eredivisie. Away from the pitch Cambuur operate an accredited youth academy and the Cambuur Foundation, which runs grassroots sport and social‑inclusion programmes throughout Friesland.[2]
History
[edit]
Founded in 1964, SC Cambuur has spent a total of nine seasons in the Dutch top flight, the Eredivisie. During the 1980s and 1990s, the club was a consistent contender in the Eerste Divisie promotion play-offs. Cambuur won the Eerste Divisie title in 1992 and earned promotion to the Eredivisie, but were relegated two seasons later following the 1993–94 season. In 1998, the club returned to the Eredivisie, though they were again relegated after just two seasons, in the 1999–2000 season.
The early 2000s proved turbulent, and in 2005 the club narrowly avoided bankruptcy. A period of restructuring began in 2006, and by 2010 Cambuur had achieved relative financial stability.
In 2009, Cambuur came close to promotion, narrowly losing a play-off to Roda JC on penalties. The following year, they finished second in the league and again missed promotion by a slim margin. The club attracted over 40,000 spectators during that year's play-offs, with an estimated 7,000 supporters gathering in Leeuwarden's city centre to watch the decisive match against Roda on a large screen. The final match drew a record 1.4 million television viewers in the Netherlands, and the entire play-off series—featuring Cambuur, PEC Zwolle, and Roda JC—was watched by more than 4.5 million people.
Cambuur won the Eerste Divisie title in the 2012–13 season, earning promotion to the Eredivisie for the 2013–14 season. On 1 May 2016, they were relegated back to the Eerste Divisie after a 6–2 away defeat to PSV.
In 2020, Cambuur were leading the Eerste Divisie when the season was voided due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the club was controversially denied promotion to the Eredivisie.[3]
The club returned to the top flight after winning the 2020–21 Eerste Divisie title. In the 2021–22 season, Cambuur achieved a ninth-place finish—the highest league position in the club's history. However, the following campaign proved difficult, and on 6 May 2023, Cambuur were relegated back to the Eerste Divisie following a 3–0 away defeat to FC Utrecht.[4]
Supporters
[edit]Cambuur has a group of ultras, known as the M.I.-Side, who stand on the north and south stands at the Cambuur Stadion. The name derives from the street names in which the stands are built: M stands for Marathonstraat and I for Insulindestraat. Most of the hardcore fans of Cambuur are sitting close to the stand of the away fans on the northern side of the stadium. They are among the most notorious in the Netherlands. In the 2009–10 season, the average attendance was 8,600 fans per game, and more than 6,500 season tickets were sold. That was a new record for Cambuur, as these numbers were achieved while the club was in the second division but even higher than when it played in the Eredivisie. In the 2009–10 season, the club sold out six regular season matches with 10,000 fans per game, another milestone for the Leeuwarden-based club. Never before in the second division it had sold out that many regular season matches.
Current squad
[edit]- As of 23 July 2025
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Honours
[edit]Recent history
[edit]
Below is a table with Cambuur's domestic results since the introduction of professional football in 1956.
| Domestic Results since 1956 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic league | League result | Qualification to | KNVB Cup season | Cup result |
| 2024–25 Eerste Divisie | 3rd | promotion/relegation play-offs: no promotion | 2024–25 | second round |
| 2023–24 Eerste Divisie | 13th | – | 2023–24 | semi-finals |
| 2022–23 Eredivisie | 17th | Eerste Divisie (relegation) | 2022–23 | second round |
| 2021–22 Eredivisie | 9th | – | 2021–22 | second round |
| 2020–21 Eerste Divisie | 1st | Eredivisie (promotion) | 2020–21 | second round |
| 2019–20 Eerste Divisie | (no title awarded) | Season abandoned due to COVID-19 pandemic | 2019–20 | second round |
| 2018–19 Eerste Divisie | 10th | promotion/relegation play-offs: no promotion | 2018–19 | round of 16 |
| 2017–18 Eerste Divisie | 8th | promotion/relegation play-offs: no promotion | 2017–18 | quarter-finals |
| 2016–17 Eerste Divisie | 3rd | promotion/relegation play-offs: no promotion | 2016–17 | semi-finals |
| 2015–16 Eredivisie | 18th | Eerste Divisie (relegation) | 2015–16 | second round |
| 2014–15 Eredivisie | 12th | – | 2014–15 | quarter-finals |
| 2013–14 Eredivisie | 12th | – | 2013–14 | round of 16 |
| 2012–13 Eerste Divisie | 1st | Eredivisie (promotion) | 2012–13 | Round of 16 |
| 2011–12 Eerste Divisie | 7th | promotion/relegation play-offs: no promotion | 2011–12 | second round |
| 2010–11 Eerste Divisie | 5th | promotion/relegation play-offs: no promotion | 2010–11 | fourth round |
| 2009–10 Eerste Divisie | 2nd | promotion/relegation play-offs: no promotion | 2009–10 | second round |
| 2008–09 Eerste Divisie | 3rd | promotion/relegation play-offs: no promotion | 2008–09 | third round |
| 2007–08 Eerste Divisie | 17th | – | 2007–08 | third round |
| 2006–07 Eerste Divisie | 12th | – | 2006–07 | second round |
| 2005–06 Eerste Divisie | 15th | – | 2005–06 | second round |
| 2004–05 Eerste Divisie | 9th | – | 2004–05 | second round |
| 2003–04 Eerste Divisie | 17th | – | 2003–04 | third round |
| 2002–03 Eerste Divisie | 11th | – | 2002–03 | second round |
| 2001–02 Eerste Divisie | 7th | promotion/relegation play-offs: no promotion | 2001–02 | third round |
| 2000–01 Eerste Divisie | 4th | promotion/relegation play-offs: no promotion | 2000–01 | third round |
| 1999–2000 Eredivisie | 17th | Eerste Divisie (losing promo./releg. play-off) | 1999–2000 | second round |
| 1998–99 Eredivisie | 15th | – | 1998–99 | round of 16 |
| 1997–98 Eerste Divisie | 2nd | Eredivisie (winning promo./releg. play-off) | 1997–98 | second round |
| 1996–97 Eerste Divisie | 2nd | promotion/relegation play-off: no promotion | 1996–97 | second round |
| 1995–96 Eerste Divisie | 6th | – | 1995–96 | quarter-finals |
| 1994–95 Eerste Divisie | 7th | – | 1994–95 | second round |
| 1993–94 Eredivisie | 18th | Eerste Divisie (relegation) | 1993–94 | second round |
| 1992–93 Eredivisie | 14th | – | 1992–93 | third round |
| 1991–92 Eerste Divisie | 1st | Eredivisie (promotion) | 1991–92 | third round |
| 1990–91 Eerste Divisie | 11th | – | 1990–91 | second round |
| 1989–90 Eerste Divisie | 11th | – | 1989–90 | first round |
| 1988–89 Eerste Divisie | 11th | – | 1988–89 | first round |
| 1987–88 Eerste Divisie | 11th | – | 1987–88 | second round |
| 1986–87 Eerste Divisie | 3rd | promotion competition: no promotion | 1986–87 | first round |
| 1985–86 Eerste Divisie | 19th | – | 1985–86 | first round |
| 1984–85 Eerste Divisie | 9th | – | 1984–85 | second round |
| 1983–84 Eerste Divisie | 4th | – | 1983–84 | first round |
| 1982–83 Eerste Divisie | 5th | promotion competition: no promotion | 1982–83 | second round |
| 1981–82 Eerste Divisie | 11th | – | 1981–82 | second round |
| 1980–81 Eerste Divisie | 9th | – | 1980–81 | first round |
| 1979–80 Eerste Divisie | 5th | promotion competition: no promotion | 1979–80 | second round |
| 1978–79 Eerste Divisie | 15th | – | 1978–79 | first round |
| 1977–78 Eerste Divisie | 12th | – | 1977–78 | second round |
| 1976–77 Eerste Divisie | 10th | – | 1976–77 | first round |
| 1975–76 Eerste Divisie | 11th | – | 1975–76 | first round |
| 1974–75 Eerste Divisie | 13th | – | 1974–75 | second round |
| 1973–74 Eerste Divisie | 11th | – | 1973–74 | first round |
| 1972–73 Eerste Divisie | 7th | – | 1972–73 | first round |
| 1971–72 Eerste Divisie | 8th | – | 1971–72 | did not participate |
| 1970–71 Eerste Divisie | 4th | – | 1970–71 | round of 16 |
| 1969–70 Eerste Divisie | 8th | – | 1969–70 | first round [citation needed] |
| 1968–69 Eerste Divisie | 4th | – | 1968–69 | first round [citation needed] |
| 1967–68 Eerste Divisie | 9th | – | 1967–68 | group stage [citation needed] |
| 1966–67 Eerste Divisie | 4th | – | 1966–67 | first round [citation needed] |
| 1965–66 Eerste Divisie | 9th | – | 1965–66 | group stage [citation needed] |
| 1964–65 Tweede Divisie | 1st (winning championship play-off) | Eerste Divisie (promotion) | 1964–65 | first round [citation needed] |
| 1963–64 Tweede Divisie | 9th (group A) (as VV Leeuwarden) | – | 1963–64 | first round [citation needed] |
| 1962–63 Tweede Divisie | 7th (group A) (as VV Leeuwarden) | – | 1962–63 | first round [citation needed] |
| 1961–62 Eerste Divisie | 13th (group A) (as VV Leeuwarden) | Tweede Divisie (relegation) | 1961–62 | ? [citation needed] |
| 1960–61 Eerste Divisie | 10th (group A) (as VV Leeuwarden) | – | 1960–61 | ? [citation needed] |
| 1959–60 Eerste Divisie | 6th (group B) (as VV Leeuwarden) | – | not held | not held |
| 1958–59 Eerste Divisie | 2nd (group A) (as VV Leeuwarden) | – | 1958–59 | ? [citation needed] |
| 1957–58 Eerste Divisie | 3rd (group B) (as VV Leeuwarden) | – | 1957–58 | ? [citation needed] |
| 1956–57 Tweede Divisie | 1st (group A) (as VV Leeuwarden) | Eerste Divisie (promotion) | 1956–57 | ? [citation needed] |
Club staff
[edit]| Position | Staff |
|---|---|
| Manager |  Henk de Jong
|
| Assistant Manager | Jeroen Burghout Rik Reinsma
|
| Goalkeeper Coach | Peter van der Vlag
|
| Performance Coach | Nicky Boonstra Daan Ganzinga
|
| Video Analyst |  Gergely Balázs Sándor
|
| Doctor | Dirk Steensma Antje Tardy Monique Haaksema
|
| Physiotherapist | Harvey Bischop Kevin Koster
|
| Materialman | Paul Jansen
|
| Team Manager | Peter Drijver Niels Dissel
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Source:[5]
Managers
[edit]
Jan Bens (1 July 1964 – 30 June 1966)- Piet de Wolf (1966–68)
- Jan Bens (1 July 1968 – 30 June 1970)
- Arie Otten (1 July 1970 – 30 June 1972)
- Leo Beenhakker (1972–75)
- Nol de Ruiter (1 July 1976 – 30 June 1980)
- Henk de Jonge (1980–83)
- Theo Verlangen (1983–85)
- Simon Kistemaker (1 July 1985 – 30 June 1986)
Fritz Korbach (1 July 1986 – 30 June 1988)
Sándor Popovics (1 June 1988 – 30 June 1990)- Rob Baan (1 July 1990 – 30 June 1992)
- Theo de Jong (1 July 1992 – 30 September 1993)
- Fritz Korbach (30 September 1993 – 31 January 1995)
- Han Berger (1 July 1995 – 30 June 1998)
- Gert Kruys (1 July 1998 – 18 May 2002)
- Henny Lee (interim) (19 May 2002 – 30 June 2002)
Rob McDonald (1 July 2002 – 30 June 2003)- Dick de Boer (1 July 2003 – 31 December 2004)
- Jan Schulting (31 December 2004 – 30 June 2005)
- Roy Wesseling (1 July 2005 – 19 February 2007)
- Gerrie Schouwenaar (2007)
- Jurrie Koolhof (1 July 2007 – 14 September 2008)
- Stanley Menzo (20 September 2008 – 27 October 2010)
- Alfons Arts (27 October 2010 – 22 March 2013)
- Henk de Jong (interim) (22 March 2013 – 30 June 2013)
- Dwight Lodeweges (1 July 2013 – 1 April 2014)
- Henk de Jong (2 April 2014 – 9 February 2016)
- Marcel Keizer (15 February 2016 – 30 June 2016)[6]
- Rob Maas (30 June 2016 – 15 October 2016)
- Sipke Hulshoff (15 October 2016 – 17 June 2017)
- Marinus Dijkhuizen (1 July 2017 – 28 November 2017)
- Sipke Hulshoff (28 November 2017 – 31 January 2018)
- René Hake (31 January 2018 – 30 June 2019)
- Henk de Jong (1 July 2019 – 20 October 2022)
- Pascal Bosschaart & Martijn Barto (interim) (20 October 2022 – 14 November 2022)
- Sjors Ultee (14 November 2022 – 9 October 2023)
- Henk de Jong (10 October 2023 – present)
Notable former players
[edit]The players below had senior international cap(s) for their respective countries. Players whose name is listed represented their countries while playing for SC Cambuur.
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See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "SC Cambuur opens up new stadium". thestadiumbusiness.com. 19 August 2024.
- ^ Willis, Craig; Hughes, Will; Bober, Sergiusz. "ECMI Minorities Blog. National and Linguistic Minorities in the Context of Professional Football across Europe: Five Examples from Non-kin State Situations". ECMI. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
- ^ "AFWIKKELING VOETBALSEIZOEN 2019/'20 EEN FEIT". Eredivisie (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 24 May 2021. Retrieved 2 June 2020.
- ^ "SC Cambuur degradeert na twee seizoenen naar de Keuken Kampioen…". Eredivisie (in Dutch). 6 May 2023. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
- ^ "Technische staf · SC Cambuur". SC Cambuur (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 14 January 2025. Retrieved 28 May 2025.
- ^ Cambuur strikt Keizer als hoofdtrainer – AD (in Dutch)
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to SC Cambuur.
- Official website
- Cambuur Leeuwarden Archived 18 August 2018 at the Wayback Machine at Weltfussballarchiv
SC Cambuur
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
History
Founding and early years
SC Cambuur was founded on 19 June 1964 in Leeuwarden, Friesland, as a new professional football club to preserve professional soccer in the region after the local team VV Leeuwarden reverted to amateur status amid financial woes following the 1963–64 season.[1] The club's name derived from the Cambuur neighborhood, site of its early facilities, and it adopted yellow and blue as its colors, inspired by the Frisian coat of arms.[1] Key figures in the establishment included Sytse Westra, who recruited an initial squad of 45 players across senior, reserve, and youth teams, and Jan Bens, the first head trainer.[9] Prominent early supporters and committee members encompassed politician Anne Vondeling and longtime Vriendenclub chairman Anno Gersjes, while core players such as Frans de Munck, Jan van der Meer, Arend van der Wel, and Dirk Roelfsema formed the team's foundation.[9] The club entered professional football directly in the Tweede Divisie for the 1964–65 season. Its debut match resulted in a 6–0 home victory over Vitesse on 30 August 1964, with forward Johan Wieringa scoring the first goal in the fifth minute.[9] SC Cambuur excelled immediately, securing the Tweede Divisie A title with consistent top-three finishes against rivals like Wageningen, Tubantia, and AGOVV, culminating in a 4–0 win over SC Heerenveen on 25 April 1965.[9] Promotion to the Eerste Divisie followed after a decisive 6–2 victory over DFC in the final playoff match, with Roelfsema netting a hat-trick.[9] In the Eerste Divisie during the 1970s and 1980s, SC Cambuur maintained a steady presence, typically achieving mid-table results that solidified its status as a reliable second-tier competitor.[1] Representative performances included a ninth-place finish in 1980–81 and an 11th-place in 1981–82, reflecting consistent stability without major relegation threats. A highlight came in 1979–80, when the team placed fifth with 19 wins, 4 draws, and 13 losses (64 goals for, 41 against), earning entry to promotion playoffs for the first time in years.[10]Rise through the leagues
SC Cambuur achieved its first major breakthrough in the early 1990s by securing promotion to the Eredivisie after dominating the Eerste Divisie in the 1991–92 season. Under manager Rob Baan, the team finished first with 53 points from 22 wins, 9 draws, and 7 losses, scoring 67 goals and conceding 40. This success was capped by victories in the promotion/relegation playoffs against FC Den Haag (3–0 and 1–0), marking the club's debut in the top flight.[11][12] The 1992–93 Eredivisie campaign represented a solid adaptation to the highest level, with Cambuur finishing 14th and avoiding relegation on 25 points from 6 wins, 13 draws, and 15 losses (39 goals scored, 58 conceded). Managed by Theo de Jong, the side showcased defensive resilience at home, including a standout 5–0 victory over Dordrecht '90, though away form proved challenging with only 2 wins. Notable performers included forward Michael Mols, who contributed significantly to the attack, and defender Johan Abma, who featured in nearly every match. The following season, 1993–94, saw struggles intensify under de Jong and interim coach Fritz Korbach, culminating in an 18th-place finish (6 wins, 7 draws, 21 losses; 28 goals scored, 64 conceded) and direct relegation without playoffs. Key highlights were scarce, with a 3–1 home win over FC Volendam standing out amid heavy defeats like 0–3 to Ajax.[13][14][12][15] After four years in the Eerste Divisie, Cambuur returned to the Eredivisie in 1998 following a strong 1997–98 second-place finish (20 wins, 5 draws, 9 losses; 66 goals scored, 43 conceded) under Han Berger. The team advanced through the Nacompetitie playoffs undefeated (4 wins, 2 draws; 15 goals scored, 8 conceded), securing promotion. In their second top-flight stint, managed by Gert Kruys from 1998 onward, Cambuur posted a respectable 15th place in 1998–99 (7 wins, 11 draws, 16 losses; 37 goals scored, 64 conceded), relying on draws to stay safe. However, the 1999–2000 season ended in disappointment with a 17th-place finish (6 wins, 7 draws, 21 losses; 35 goals scored, 66 conceded), leading to relegation after failing to win promotion playoffs. Players like Jack de Gier, who netted crucial goals, and midfielders such as Guus Uhlenbeek provided stability during this period.[16][17][18][12][15]Challenges and modern developments
In the early 2000s, SC Cambuur faced severe financial difficulties, culminating in a near-bankruptcy crisis in late 2005. The club struggled with mounting debts and unsuccessful attempts to secure loans from institutions like Friesland Bank, the municipality of Leeuwarden, and real estate firm Accolade Vastgoed. Ultimately, an anonymous financier provided a critical €350,000 injection, averting immediate insolvency and allowing the club to continue operations through fan-driven initiatives and local government backing that stabilized its finances. This episode marked a low point, prompting a restructuring phase that emphasized sustainable management to prevent future instability.[19][20][21] The club experienced a resurgence in the second decade of the 2000s, securing the Eerste Divisie championship in the 2012–13 season with a record of 24 wins, 7 draws, and 3 losses, earning direct promotion to the Eredivisie for the first time in 11 years. However, this stint in the top flight lasted only three seasons, ending with relegation on May 1, 2016, after finishing 17th and losing in the promotion/relegation playoffs. A similar pattern emerged after the 2020–21 Eerste Divisie title win (22 wins, 9 draws, 3 losses), which followed a controversial denial of promotion in the 2019–20 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic's disruption, as the Dutch Football Association cancelled the campaign without awarding titles or movement between divisions despite Cambuur leading the table. The subsequent Eredivisie return in 2021–22 ended with relegation on May 6, 2023, following a 3–0 defeat to FC Utrecht that confirmed their 17th-place finish and drop back to the second tier.[22][23] Post-2023 relegation, Cambuur adapted by focusing on squad rebuilding and youth integration, finishing 13th in the 2023–24 Eerste Divisie season amid a transitional period marked by financial recovery efforts. By the 2025–26 campaign, the club has shown strong form, occupying 2nd place in the Eerste Divisie as of 18 November 2025, with 31 points from 15 matches (10 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses) and a +16 goal difference, positioning them as contenders for promotion while navigating the challenges of consistent second-tier competition.[24][25]Home Ground and Facilities
Previous stadiums
SC Cambuur utilized Cambuur Stadion as its home ground from the club's founding in 1964 until 2024.[26] The stadium, originally opened in 1936 as a municipal sports park with a single grandstand, had expanded by the mid-20th century to accommodate up to 14,000 spectators following the addition of three more stands in 1949.[27] By the time SC Cambuur began playing there, the venue featured an "English-style" layout with four independent stands and open corners, including floodlights installed in 1961 that enabled the club's first night match against PSV Eindhoven.[26] Key renovations occurred in the 1980s and 1990s to modernize the facility and meet the licensing requirements for higher divisions, particularly after the club's promotion to the Eredivisie in 1992. The south and east stands were demolished and rebuilt as covered structures during the 1980s, while in 1995, the west grandstand and remaining sections received significant upgrades, including enhanced hospitality areas, reducing the overall capacity to around 10,500 as it transitioned to an all-seater configuration.[27] Further minor improvements in the 2000s included seat replacements in blue and red colors, a brief switch to artificial turf in 2005 (reverted to natural grass in 2008), and technological enhancements to comply with ongoing league standards during periods of Eredivisie participation.[26] Cambuur Stadion played a central role in the club's milestones, hosting numerous home matches that led to promotions, including the 1992 Eerste Divisie title win and the 2021 championship celebrations, where fans gathered outside the ground following a decisive victory.[28] The venue symbolized the club's rise and community ties in Leeuwarden, with its intimate atmosphere contributing to memorable Eredivisie encounters during the 1990s and 2010s.[29] Following the club's relocation in 2024, the stadium is scheduled for demolition to make way for urban development, including a housing project with approximately 500 residential units.[30] In July 2025, the former stadium was vandalized by a large group, resulting in extensive damage such as broken windows, torn seats, and destruction of fieldside structures.[31]Kooi Stadion
The Kooi Stadion, located at Stadionplein 23 in Leeuwarden, Netherlands, officially opened on August 18, 2024, serving as the new home ground for SC Cambuur with a capacity of 15,000 spectators.[32] This modern venue replaced the club's previous Cambuur Stadion, representing a significant upgrade in infrastructure to support the team's ambitions in the Eerste Divisie.[6] The stadium features a hybrid grass surface and is designed to host not only football matches but also a range of community and commercial activities, enhancing its role beyond matchdays.[33] The stadium's multi-purpose design integrates educational and commercial elements to foster long-term viability. It includes a dedicated space for ROC Friese Poort, a regional vocational education institution, which leases approximately 7,500 square meters to house MBO-level courses and facilities, promoting practical learning opportunities tied to the local community.[6] Additionally, extensive commercial areas under the stands and around the venue provide rental spaces for businesses, contributing to diversified income streams for the club and the municipality.[32] Architecturally, the Kooi Stadion was designed by Van Widdershoven Architects, featuring a prominent glass facade on the main stand and construction using precast concrete elements combined with steel structures for durability and aesthetic appeal.[6] Sustainability is a core highlight, positioning it as the most eco-friendly stadium in the Netherlands through innovations such as rainwater collection systems, solar panels for energy generation, and greywater recycling to minimize environmental impact over its projected 40-year lifespan.[6][34] The inaugural match at the Kooi Stadion took place on August 18, 2024, in the Eerste Divisie, where SC Cambuur faced Helmond Sport and suffered a 0–1 defeat despite creating numerous scoring opportunities.[32] This opening fixture drew an attendance of 13,150 spectators, reflecting strong initial interest from fans eager to experience the new facilities.[35] In the 2024–25 season, the stadium positively influenced SC Cambuur's finances by expanding commercial revenue potential through business seating and rental spaces, which significantly boosted overall income and supported the club's goal of returning to the Eredivisie.[32] Matchday experiences improved with enhanced amenities, including better sightlines, covered seating for all 15,000 seats, and hospitality options in 18 skyboxes accommodating 2,400 guests, leading to higher fan satisfaction.[33] The venue hosted its first international match on November 14, 2025, when the Netherlands U21 team defeated Slovenia U21 2–0 in a UEFA European Championship qualifier.[36]Supporters and Rivalries
Fan culture and attendance
SC Cambuur's fan culture is characterized by passionate and vocal support, particularly from the ultras group M.I.-Side, founded in August 1984 by supporters who relocated between the Marathonstraat (now Coopmansstraat) and Insulindestraat stands during matches prior to the stadium's 1990s renovation.[37] This hardcore collective, active for nearly 40 years, plays a pivotal role in generating matchday atmosphere through chants, visual displays, and unwavering loyalty, often occupying the Noord-tribune with elements like prominent graffiti that have influenced club merchandise, such as the 2021-2022 away kit design.[37] While known for their intensity, including a mix of dedicated vocal fans and occasional hooligan elements leading to stadium bans, M.I.-Side remains a tight-knit group central to the club's vibrant supporter identity.[37] Attendance at SC Cambuur matches has historically reflected strong local loyalty, with peaks during competitive seasons in the Eerste Divisie. In the 2009-10 season, the club recorded an average home attendance of 8,604 spectators, underscoring growing fan engagement at the time.[38] Season ticket sales have similarly highlighted sustained support, exceeding 6,000 in recent campaigns and reaching 8,888 for the 2025-26 season amid the ongoing use of the new stadium.[39] The club's supporters demonstrated resilience during a severe financial crisis in late 2005, when SC Cambuur teetered on the brink of bankruptcy and was unable to pay November salaries, ultimately rescued by four private financiers injecting €350,000 to avert faillissement.[21] This episode, part of a broader restructuring that led to financial stability by 2010, reinforced the bond between fans and the club, with ongoing supporter initiatives like Cambuur Culture—established in 2012—focusing on preserving club traditions and community involvement.[40] Rooted in Leeuwarden, the Frisian capital, SC Cambuur's fan culture maintains strong ties to regional identity, drawing from the club's name and colors inspired by the historic Cammingha family coat of arms—a prominent Frisian noble lineage whose castle once stood near the current stadium site.[41] Supporters embody this heritage through local pride and community events, though the club's urban Leeuwarden base sometimes contrasts with more rural Frisian expressions seen in regional rivalries. Following relegation from the Eredivisie in 2023, attendance initially stabilized at an average of 9,700 in the 2023-24 Eerste Divisie season before rising notably in 2024-25 to 12,725, buoyed by the opening of the 15,000-capacity Kooi Stadion.[38][6] In the ongoing 2025-26 season, the average home attendance as of November 2025 stands at 13,085, continuing the upward trend. The modern facility, which debuted with 13,150 fans for its inaugural match, has enhanced the matchday experience and contributed to increased season ticket uptake, signaling renewed optimism among the supporter base.[42][39]Key rivalries
The primary rivalry for SC Cambuur is the Friese derby against provincial neighbors SC Heerenveen, a fixture steeped in regional pride and cultural identity within Friesland. The first competitive meeting between the two clubs occurred on 25 April 1965 in the Tweede Divisie A, where Cambuur secured a 4-0 victory away at Heerenveen's ground, a result that directly contributed to Cambuur's promotion to the Eerste Divisie that season.[43] This early encounter set the tone for a heated provincial contest, with subsequent matches in lower divisions during the 1970s and 1980s often influencing promotion battles and local bragging rights, though Heerenveen gradually asserted dominance after their rise to the Eredivisie in 1990.[43] The rivalry intensified upon both clubs' entry into the Eredivisie, with the inaugural top-flight clash on 18 February 1994 ending in a 2-1 comeback win for Cambuur at Heerenveen's Abe Lenstra Stadion, highlighting the derby’s potential for dramatic turnarounds.[43] Over the years, these encounters have carried significant stakes, such as in the 2013-2014 season when Cambuur's 3-1 home victory over Heerenveen marked their first derby win in two decades and boosted morale during their promotion push.[44] Post-promotion clashes, particularly after Cambuur's return to the Eredivisie in 2021, have amplified tensions; for instance, the December 2021 match saw Heerenveen prevail 2-1 away, while a thrilling 3-3 draw in May 2022 underscored the fixture's unpredictability.[44] The most recent meeting on 19 February 2023 resulted in a 2-1 Heerenveen win at Cambuur Stadion, but it was marred by post-match riots involving thrown fireworks and clashes between fans and police, leading to a three-home-game spectator ban for Cambuur as punishment for the disorder.[45] No dedicated trophy is contested in this derby, but outcomes have historically impacted league standings and promotion/relegation narratives for both sides.[43] Beyond the Friese derby, SC Cambuur maintains a notable regional rivalry with FC Groningen, representing the broader northern Netherlands dynamic often called the Noordelijke derby. This matchup, rooted in geographic proximity and competition for northern supremacy, has been frequent during shared league tenures, with over 20 competitive meetings since the early 2000s, including balanced head-to-head records showing roughly equal wins for each side.[46] Encounters in the Eerste Divisie, such as the 2023-2024 season's split results (Cambuur 2-1 win at home and a 3-0 Groningen victory away), have added to the competitive edge, particularly as both clubs navigated relegation and promotion cycles.[46] However, the rivalry lacks the provincial intensity of the Heerenveen fixture and occurs less regularly due to differing league positions. The evolution of Cambuur's rivalries reflects the club's fluctuating fortunes between the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie, with derbies only materializing in the same division—resulting in a hiatus for the Friese derby since 2023, as Heerenveen remains in the top flight while Cambuur competes in the second tier as of November 2025. Similarly, the Groningen rivalry has paused following Groningen's promotion back to the Eredivisie for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 seasons, underscoring how league changes dictate the frequency and immediacy of these northern contests.Organisation and Management
Administrative staff
SC Cambuur's administrative structure, as of November 2025, is headed by general director Ard de Graaf, who has been in the role since prior to the 2023 relegation and oversees the club's overall strategic and operational direction, including responses to financial challenges following the drop to the Eerste Divisie.[47][48] In the wake of the 2023 relegation, the club implemented key appointments to stabilize operations, notably Lars Lambooij as technical director in April 2024; Lambooij, aged 37, manages player acquisitions, contracts, and long-term squad planning with a contract extending to June 2028.[49] This role supports broader technical oversight without involvement in on-field coaching decisions. Commercial operations fall under Jos de Kruif, appointed commercial director effective June 1, 2025; his primary responsibilities include boosting sponsorship deals, ticket sales, and merchandising to enhance revenue streams amid post-relegation budget constraints.[50][51] Harry van der Zee serves as algemeen directielid, having taken on statutory directie responsibilities in 2024.[47][52] Gerald van den Belt serves as advisor to the directie for football affairs and youth academy since October 2024, having previously been financial director since December 2016; in his current role, he advises on youth development initiatives.[49][53] The youth academy is coordinated by Fedrik Houtstra as head of opleiding, overseeing talent identification and development programs, while Jelmer Hofstee serves as youth academy manager, focusing on daily operations and player progression pathways.[47] These roles emphasize academy oversight, integrating scouting with senior team needs to build sustainable talent pipelines. The medical team provides essential support for player welfare, including physiotherapists like Kevin Koster, who assists in injury rehabilitation and performance maintenance as part of the club's technical support framework.[54]Managerial history
SC Cambuur's managerial history began with the club's founding in 1964, when Jan Bens was appointed as the first head coach, serving from July 1964 to June 1966 and returning for a second stint from July 1968 to June 1970.[9] Under Bens, the club achieved promotion to the Eerste Divisie by winning the Tweede Divisie in the 1964–65 season.[1] Following Bens' initial departure, Piet de Wolf managed from 1966 to 1968, during a period of consolidation in the second tier.[55] In the early 1970s, the club experienced further transitions, with Arie Otten leading from 1970 to 1971 and interim coaches like Pier Alma and Geert Sannes briefly in charge before Leo Beenhakker took over from July 1972 to March 1975.[55] Beenhakker, a prominent Dutch coach, oversaw 110 matches and helped stabilize the team's performance in the Eerste Divisie, laying groundwork for future ambitions.[55] Subsequent managers, including Nol de Ruiter (1976–1980), brought defensive solidity, but the club remained in the second division until the late 1980s. The 1990s marked Cambuur's first promotions to the Eredivisie, starting with the 1991–92 Eerste Divisie title under Theo de Jong, who managed from 1992 to 1993.[55] A second promotion followed in 1997–98 via playoffs under Han Berger (1995–1998), though relegation returned in 1993–94 and 2001–02.[55][1] Managers like Gert Kruys (1998–2002) and Jurrie Koolhof (2007–2008) navigated challenging periods, with Stanley Menzo (2008–2010) achieving mid-table stability in the Eerste Divisie. The modern era has been defined by frequent turnover and the prominent role of Henk de Jong, who has held multiple stints since 2013, including interim periods in 2013, a full term from 2014 to 2016, another from 2019 to 2022, and his current role since October 2023.[55] De Jong guided the club to promotion in the 2020–21 season via playoffs and achieved the highest Eredivisie finish of ninth place in 2021–22.[1] Earlier, Alfons Arts led the 2012–13 Eerste Divisie title win for promotion, managing until March 2013 before de Jong's interim completion of the campaign.[55] Post-relegation instability has been evident, particularly after the 2016 Eredivisie drop under Marcel Keizer, which prompted quick changes including Rob Maas (2016), Sipke Hulshoff (2016–2017), and René Hake (2018–2019).[55] Similarly, following the 2023 relegation under Sjors Ultee, the club saw interim leadership from Pascal Bosschaart and Dennis Haar before de Jong's return.[55][23] This pattern reflects Cambuur's reliance on experienced figures like de Jong to drive recoveries and promotions amid competitive pressures.[55]Players
Current squad
As of November 2025, SC Cambuur's first-team squad comprises 24 players for the 2025–26 Eerste Divisie season, with a majority of Dutch nationals and internationals including players from Sweden, Morocco, Finland, Germany, Curaçao, France, Algeria, Bonaire, and Austria.[56] The squad features a mix of experienced players and young talents, with an average age of 22.8 years.[56] Key figures include central midfielder Mark Diemers, rated as one of the team's top performers, and Swedish forward Oscar Sjöstrand, who is tied for the team lead in scoring with 6 goals in the 2025–26 season.[57][58] Recent summer 2025 signings include forward Jort van der Sande on a permanent transfer from Dundee United and defender Ismaël Baouf from Charleroi, while loan players are defender Tomas Galvez from Manchester City and forward Ichem Ferrah from Lille.[59][60][61][62][63] The squad is categorized by position below, including jersey numbers, ages, and nationalities where available; contract details are noted for select players.Goalkeepers
| No. | Player | Age | Nationality | Contract Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thijs Jansen | 23 | Netherlands | Expires June 30, 2027 |
| 21 | Jasper Meijster | 20 | Netherlands | Expires June 30, 2027 |
| 31 | Matthijs Kalisvaart | 19 | Netherlands | Youth contract |
Defenders
| No. | Player | Age | Nationality | Contract Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Diyae Jermoumi | 21 | Morocco/Netherlands | Expires June 30, 2026 |
| 3 | Jorn Berkhout | 23 | Netherlands | Expires June 30, 2028 |
| 4 | Ismaël Baouf (recent signing) | 19 | Morocco/Belgium | Expires June 30, 2028 |
| 6 | Jamal Amofa | 26 | Netherlands/Ghana | Expires June 30, 2027 |
| 16 | Rik Mulders | 25 | Netherlands | Expires June 30, 2028 |
| 22 | Tomas Galvez (loan) | 20 | Finland/England | Loan from Manchester City until end of season |
| 24 | Toni Jonker | 19 | Netherlands | Expires June 30, 2026 |
| 25 | Bram Marsman | 22 | Netherlands | Expires June 30, 2026 |
Midfielders
| No. | Player | Age | Nationality | Contract Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Nicky Souren | 25 | Curaçao/Netherlands | Expires June 30, 2027 |
| 10 | Mark Diemers (key player) | 32 | Netherlands | Expires June 30, 2026 |
| 18 | Tony Rölke | 22 | Germany | Expires June 30, 2026 |
| 20 | Daan Visser | 21 | Netherlands | Expires June 30, 2029 |
Forwards
| No. | Player | Age | Nationality | Contract Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Remco Balk | 24 | Netherlands | Expires June 30, 2026 |
| 9 | Kian Visser | 23 | Netherlands | Expires June 30, 2026 |
| 11 | Oscar Sjöstrand (key player) | 21 | Sweden | Expires June 30, 2028 |
| 13 | Nicolas Binder | 23 | Austria | Expires June 30, 2027 |
| 14 | Jort van der Sande (recent signing) | 29 | Bonaire/Netherlands | Expires June 30, 2027 |
| 19 | Iwan Henstra | 19 | Netherlands | Expires June 30, 2028 |
| 26 | Ichem Ferrah (loan) | 20 | France/Algeria | Loan from Lille until end of season |
| 27 | Wiebe Kooistra | 19 | Netherlands | Expires June 30, 2027 |
| 30 | Yoram van der Veen | 20 | Netherlands | Expires June 30, 2026 |