Dozens of supporters, colleagues, club bosses, players, friends, the family of and the seriously ill Wim Masker himself were present at the unveiling of the Wim Masker path at the FC Groningen training complex. It was an emotional ceremony where even trainer Dick Lukkien, a hardy man from the Veenkoloniën, couldn’t keep up.
Wim Masker has been following FC Groningen closely for decades. Not only the first team can count on his warm interest, sharp eye and critical, but always constructive pen. He also follows the youth closely.
Wim is from Groningen
In fact, no one in Groningen knows so well which talents have breakthrough potential and which ones are still lacking. This is not only appreciated by readers of Wim’s articles in the Gezinsbode and listeners of the podcasts where he participates, he is also greatly appreciated at all levels at the club.
It was therefore decided to name the path along field 6, where the youth play their matches at the Corpus den Hoorn training complex, after Wim Masker. To the man who stood on the sidelines of that field for decades and still stands, despite the fact that an incurable brain tumor is making life increasingly impossible for him.
Great interest
A small invitation was circulated for the occasion. The sign was unveiled on Saturday at 2:15 p.m. Acquaintances, relations and others involved were very welcome, but it had to remain a surprise for Wim. That fell on deaf ears. Dozens of people showed up despite the cold, rain and icy roads.
Press chief Richard van Elsacker had a wonderful speech for Wim with warm and justified words. Director Frank van Mosselveld, trainer Dick Lukkien, technical man Henk Veldmate, assistant coaches, a handful of first team players such as youth exponents Thijmen Blokzijl, Thom van Bergen and Jorg Schreuders and their parents were present. But Stije Resink, who is busy with a transfer to Benfica, was also there. It says a lot about the warm club and how Wim is appreciated.
You can rely on Wim
Nobody had a bad word to say about the best watcher the FC has ever had. Van Bergen’s father spoke in front of the camera of RTV Noord about the impact Wim had on his son and others within the youth academy. Wim, who has followed the boys since childhood, has become a father figure and sounding board for their parents. If the press secretary struggled with something, he called Wim for advice. Because you can rely on Wim, Wim knows what is going on, you can trust Wim. The youth chief also mentioned this in his speech. “With Wim, off record was really off record.”
Wim rarely shows the back of his tongue. He knows much more than he writes. He never sets out to destroy people. He is critical, but always with an open mind and with respect for the football player or trainer. The young boys in particular are not only taken by the hand by Wim, they are also protected by him. With this and his inexhaustible knowledge of the game, training and players, he has won the hearts of the club, supporters and colleagues.
Wim deserves it
More supporters, watchers and bobos will die sooner or later. Most people don’t get a path named after them, but that doesn’t make anyone look crooked. Because if there is anyone who deserves this, it is Wim. Everyone knows that. This also became clear to the family and Wim himself on Saturday afternoon, who revealed the name of the path together with director Van Mosselveld with many emotions. When alive. Because it is much more beautiful to honor someone who is still there.
