Foundation face of the month: Erwin

Erwin Roos - Volunteer, walking soccer player and fixture within Club Brugge Foundation

For nine seasons now, Erwin Roos has been a familiar face within Club Brugge Foundation. As a volunteer, he helps out with various projects and events, and he is also active in walking soccer. What once started with an invitation from his brother-in-law grew into a lasting commitment from which Erwin still derives a lot of pleasure, friendship and satisfaction today.

For Erwin, the Foundation is now much more than a place where he comes to play soccer or to help. It is an environment where he gets to know people, can make himself useful and is part of a warm community within Club Brugge.

How did you get to know Club Brugge Foundation?

"I got to know Club Brugge Foundation through my brother-in-law," says Erwin. "He wanted to start hiking soccer and asked if I would like to join him one day. That's how we started together."

What began as a first acquaintance soon felt right. "My first impression was immediately positive. The atmosphere was relaxed, the trainers provided good guidance, and you got to know new people right away. That made me eager to keep coming."

For Erwin, the approachable nature was especially important. "You arrive, you are well received and you quickly feel at home. That social aspect is at least as important as the soccer itself."

In what ways are you committed to the Foundation?

"Besides walking soccer, I help where needed," says Erwin. "I like to do that. If they could use an extra pair of hands, I try to be there."

Erwin is active at different times and within multiple projects. These include helping out in the chalet, at Club Play, during Scoring for Health and at other Foundation events, tournaments and activities.

"They are often small things, but together they do make a difference. You help make everything run smoothly and you see that people enjoy it. That's satisfying."

What makes you still involved after nine seasons?

For Erwin, the answer is clear: the people and the atmosphere.

"For me, hiking soccer is mainly about the social contact and camaraderie," he says. "Having fun together, having some laughs, playing soccer in a relaxed way and having a drink afterwards. That's what makes it fun."

Even after nine seasons, he continues to come with just as much gusto. "You meet a lot of new people and real friendships develop. I haven't regretted it for a moment. On the contrary, it's something I look forward to every time."

The Foundation also gives him the opportunity to stay active and involved with the club. "It keeps you busy, it keeps you moving and you are part of something positive. I find that very valuable."

What Foundation moment will you never forget?

One of the greatest memories for Erwin is the international walking soccer tournament in Mallorca, where the team recently took the final victory.

"Winning that tournament was of course fantastic," says Erwin. "But it was about more than just that victory. The togetherness, the atmosphere within the group, the moments on and off the field: those are memories I won't soon forget."

For Erwin, that experience typifies what the Foundation stands for. "You experience something beautiful together. You play sports, you laugh, you support each other and you build memories. That makes such a moment special."

What does Club Brugge Foundation mean to you?

For Erwin, Club Brugge Foundation is about much more than soccer alone.

"You can get involved in many ways," he says. "You help contribute to a better society and at the same time you stay active yourself. For me, it also keeps me young to stay among youth and among other people."

What would you recommend to people who would like to volunteer at Club Brugge?

"Just do it," Erwin says without hesitation. "You get a lot in return. You meet new people, you are part of a warm group and you can mean something to others in your own way."

According to Erwin, volunteering doesn't have to be complicated. "Everyone can help out somewhere. Sometimes it involves big events, sometimes small tasks, but everything contributes. The most important thing is that you are there with gusto and that you enjoy being among people."

For those who have doubts, he has a clear message. "Just give it a try. You will soon find that you will be well received and become part of something beautiful. For me at least, it's a commitment from which I still get a lot of pleasure and satisfaction."

After nine seasons, Erwin's enthusiasm is as strong as ever. For him, it's ultimately about something simple but very valuable: playing soccer together, meeting people and meaning something for others.

"You meet new people, you can be useful and it keeps you young."

Thank you for your dedication, passion and commitment, Erwin. Volunteers like you make a difference at Club Brugge Foundation every day.

Want to become a volunteer too?

At Club Brugge Foundation, we strongly believe in the power of soccer to bring people together and create opportunities. Thanks to volunteers, that mission becomes reality every day. Interested in becoming a volunteer? Click on the link below and check out the job openings.

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