Dutch football club Heracles Almelo announces FIFA academy
It looks like one of Netherland’s top-tier football clubs, Heracles Almelo, has decided to expand its presence in Esports with the introduction of a FIFA academy to improve its status between the European clubs in Esports area.
The announcement sees six FIFA players, ranging from the age of 13-18 revealed on Friday 21 July at the Polman Stadium in Almemlo. The players will be trained by Heracles’ current FIFA player, Bryan Hessing. They will represent Heracles Almelo at FIFA tournaments and will effectively be the “second team” behind Hessing.
The youngsters signed are: Gunnar Nieuwenhuis (16), Rik Weits (18), Melih Bingöl (19), Finn Mulder (13), Tim Slaghekke (16) and Sjors ten Tije (18). The release states that the Manager of Esports at Heracles, Arnoud Schonis, is responsible for scouting new esports talent for the future.
It seems an impressive move to set up an academy to solidify the team’s position in esports. Meanwhile, another club-owned team North, the Counter-Strike team owned by FC Copenhagen has already had an academy team for just over five months. Not only that — but the team competes in CS:GO and not FIFA, thus making the investment higher and the feat more impressive.
