My Background
After finishing my HAVO-5 education and subsequently joining the army after school, I went on to work at the High Court in Amsterdam. I combined this while being a semi-professional at FC Haarlem (then Dutch PL),
So yes I am an ex professional player in the game. No I didn't take things for granted. I worked very hard to get to where I am now and I never stopped developing myself, not only on the field but also in areas off the field.
From the Netherlands, to Belgium to the English Premier league and back, as a player. During my active playing career I was already busy with becoming a coach (thanks Huub Stevens and Dick Advocaat) which in the end brought me to head coach/manager in the Dutch Premier league, Cypriot Premier league and Israeli Premier league as well as being an Academy Director, Elite Developer, Head of Coaching and much more in top academies in Cyprus, Armenia, Kazakhstan and Israel too. In all of these countries "we" set record breaking results (more players in national teams, more academy players in 1st team and yes, more championships but that's the least important).
I took my UEFA A license during my active career and my UEFA PRO license when I was just finished.
I was blessed to have great coaches as examples but the best is, educating yourself, doing it yourself, make mistakes and keep learning. You will become better and better while being a lifelong student of the game.