Geschiedenis Engels
History of Football School Atletico
From Idea to Institute in Youth Football
On October 1, 2007, the “Waregem Football School vzw” was officially founded. That marked the beginning of what is now known as Football School Atletico. The initiative was launched by current manager Eddy Van Oost, who wanted to think beyond the school project of SV Zulte-Waregem. That project originally aimed to get secondary school students in Waregem interested in football, but we wanted more: a real football school, with its own identity and vision.
When our ambitions outgrew the city of Waregem, the school received a new name: Football School Atletico — named after the café “Atletico” near the former training grounds of KSV Waregem on the Carmel site.
Atletico… Madrid?
Yes, there is a link — small, but meaningful.
When SV Waregem knocked out the mighty Atlético Madrid in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, a real street party broke out in the Carmel neighborhood. The local bar, then still unnamed, suddenly became the heart of the celebration. The owner, Wiezeke Verbauwhede, spontaneously renamed the café to “Atletico,” a name that quickly spread across the entire training complex.
So, is Football School Atletico connected to Atlético Madrid? Yes — but mainly through a wonderful anecdote from Waregem’s rich football history.
The Search for a True Football School
In developing our training vision, we initially looked across the border to the Netherlands. We were inspired by De Voetbalschool.nl, a pioneer of the “Dutch School,” where technique and individual development were central.
We worked together successfully for many years, until our goals began to diverge. From that point on, Atletico decided to develop its own unique approach:
a method that still stands today for quality, vision, and passion in youth development.
The Goalkeeping School
We also developed a pathway for young goalkeepers.
Drawing on influences such as Guy Martens (RC Genk) and the “Dubro” method, we launched a separate goalkeeping program. After a pause — due to staffing reasons — we made a fresh new start thanks to Paul Van Hemelryck, former goalkeeper coach at Lokeren.
His approach, inspired by top trainers like Frans Hoek and Maarten Arts, brought not only experience but also clear structure and philosophy to our goalkeeping school.
Holiday Camps: Learning with Fun
Since the very beginning, Atletico has successfully organized holiday training camps for players and goalkeepers throughout South-East and South-West Flanders.
In addition to these local camps, we’ve also visited international top clubs like Ajax Amsterdam and FC Barcelona — unforgettable experiences for our participants.
The Youngest Players: BALLEKE VOET
At the same time as relaunching the goalkeeper program, we also started a division for the youngest children (ages 2 to 6). This “Preparatory School” introduces toddlers to football in a playful and safe way.
Our youngest group, the KADETJES, train together with a parent; the slightly older KADEES and KASTAARS take their first steps independently.
This program was given its own name: “BALLEKE VOET”, a unique concept that exists only at Atletico.