The 2026 summer of sport | “Playing in the Eredivisie is a childhood dream”
It is summer, which means the season of major sporting events is once again in full swing. UvA students are taking part in many of them too. What is at stake? That is the focus of Folia’s six-part series The 2026 Summer of Sport. This week: UvA student Noach Shenkman (19) begins his first season as a professional footballer with Eredivisie club Telstar.
You made the move this summer from amateur club AFC to Eredivisie side Telstar. What is it like to begin your first season as a professional footballer?
“It’s a childhood dream. Everything is still very new, of course, but I’ve noticed that the training at this level is much more demanding and more intense. There is a greater focus on the small details as well. So far, though, I think I’m coping quite well. We’re still in the middle of pre-season, but the feedback I’ve been getting at the club has been positive, so I think things are moving in the right direction. I feel I’ve made a good impression up to now.”
What kind of club is Telstar?
“The atmosphere at this level is a bit more competitive than I was used to, but the feeling is really good. Telstar is a close-knit community club, very open and welcoming. That suits me well. I’m the sort of player who relies on hard work, and that’s something people appreciate here. It’s not Ajax, where the emphasis is mainly on playing beautiful football.”
Sport: Football
Degree programme: Business Administration
Playing football since: Age 5
Competing in: The Eredivisie with Telstar
What is at stake for you this season?
“I mainly hope to get as many minutes as possible and put myself in the spotlight that way. With the club, I hope we can perform as well as possible and stay in the Eredivisie. We have a good group of players, so I hope we can make that happen.”
The World Cup is coming to an end this week. As a footballer, are you following it with extra interest?
“I’m definitely a fan of the game. I enjoy watching players who are performing well, but it’s not as if I analyse everything in great detail. I’m really just watching for fun.”
Is playing at the World Cup something you dare to dream about yourself?
“Yes, definitely. It’s still a long way off, but it’s certainly a dream. I’ve always had confidence in myself, so I think I could do it, but things would have to go my way.”
Is playing football at this level actually compatible with your degree?
“I still have to see how it will work in practice, but I think I’ll have enough time outside of training sessions to study. The only issue is if exams are scheduled in the morning at the same time as training. I can attend lectures online. There’s no compulsory attendance, so I can watch everything back afterwards.”
“I’ve just finished the second year of my bachelor’s degree, so I hope to complete my studies over the coming years. If it turns out that I can’t combine the two, I would want to give football my full attention first. But actually, I think it should be possible, even if it means taking another three years to finish my degree.”
