Belgium, province: Flemish Brabant
December 2021 / no match visited
Note: Founded in 1971 (matricule 7580), VK Rode merged with their near-neighbours FC Huldenberg in 2009, becoming VK Huldenberg and retaining FC Huldenberg's matricule 6827. Since, first team football was played at Huldenberg's ground at Emile Gillisstraat. I suspect VK Rode's ground remained in use for lower team football and training purposes, also judging from the fact that I found a trophy at the ground bearing the inscription of the new merger club (cp. last photo in the series below). In 2014, VK Huldenberg concluded a new merger, this time with SK Ottenburg, becoming OHR Huldenberg. From that time on, SK Ottenburg's ground, 'De Kastanje', has been the new club's training ground, which makes the year 2014 the most likely date of the final abandonment of VK Rode's former home ground.
well, after so many years playing football there, it hurts my heart to see these pictures. I played there until 2001. Great atmosphere and spent many nights after training or match. one of the most memorable fields and canteen in the area. A bunch of friends who have done a lot for this club. Financially one of the healthiest in the region. But sponsors became harder to find... unfortunately a merger with rival Huldenberg was inevitable. An understandable merger but still this location had more potential for expansion and in general as a sports center. Thanks anyway for taking these pictures
ReplyDeleteThank you for your reaction. I can imagine you can't help but feeling emotional when seeing those photos. Somehow I felt the gloomy weather on that dark December morning fitted the remnants of the ground wonderfully well.
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