Meet Uğur Yıldırım, a versatile 42-year-old football coach, father of five children and a key figure at SC Heerenveen, where he is the under-18 coach after an impressive seven-year period in the youth academy of Go Ahead Eagles. His passion for developing young talent also extends to his role as assistant coach for the KNVB. With a background in healthcare, he is able to combine his involvement with people with his love for the game. Read on to learn more about Uğur, his experiences as a youth coach and where he sees himself in the future.

What does it mean for you to be the head coach of the under-18 team at a club where you also played?

"As a former player, the opportunity to work at SC Heerenveen was a special occasion. It's wonderful to see that there are still people from my time at the club. My role as head coach of the under-18 boys is challenging but rewarding, as I can contribute to the development of young talent. The transition from player to coach has made this experience even more valuable."

What characterizes you as a coach and what do you stand for?

"My focus as a coach is on fun and transparency, with honesty being the top priority. I look at the person first and then the player, because I believe that personal involvement leads to better performance. While I demand 100% commitment, I also believe there should be room for fun, which is the essence of football."

You are also an Assistant Coach for the KNVB (Dutch National Team U-18) - what is your role here and how does this motivate you to continue developing yourself as a coach?

"With the National Team, I constantly get new ideas and insights, which I am eager to implement at SC Heerenveen. I strongly believe that football is mainly about mentality (70%), talent (20%) and a touch of luck (10%). Although we train a lot on talent at SC Heerenveen, I believe the biggest gains can be made in the mental aspects, which I continue to develop as a coach."

Can you tell us something about how you physically and mentally prepare the players for matches?

"At SC Heerenveen, I emphasize the individual sense of responsibility of players in their football careers, while we as coaches merely facilitate. Our tightly structured training week covers various aspects, from physical training to tactical preparations and team spirit. On Saturdays, I focus on motivation and inspiration, and I emphasize our core values: passion, cooperation and courage, in the hope that every spectator on the sideline sees these essential elements of our game, regardless of whether it's their first time."

What advice would you give to other young footballers who dream of a career as a professional footballer?

"It is crucial that every player can look themselves in the mirror after a period and ask themselves: "Have I done everything?" Success does not come by itself, especially not at an age where focus is of the utmost importance and distractions are numerous. Puberty and distractions lurk, but excuses afterwards are useless. It is important to be aware of the competition and the role that luck plays - that essential 10%. But even in this situation, it is essential to persevere and make sure you have done everything. Always remember why you started playing football in the first place: because you love it. You are in control."

Which match or performance in your career so far do you consider your most memorable moment and why?

"The most memorable moment in my career has been multiple matches, including some fantastic European matches. However, one match stands out for me: the match against Cambuur is one I will never forget. I scored no less than 6 goals, including 3 free kicks, and also provided 2 assists. The final score was an incredible 10-0 victory for our team. Although I have also played against teams like Stuttgart in Europe and made my debut for the Netherlands national team, where I only played a few minutes but was still selected as one of the best players in the Netherlands at the time, the match against Cambuur remains the most memorable. Scoring six goals as a right winger was simply incredible."

Who is your biggest inspiration in the world of football and why?

"My biggest inspiration in football is Hagi, the legendary Galatasaray player. His impressive play and reputation have left a deep impression on me, and although many consider Ronaldo and Messi as their idols, I remain loyal to Hagi because of his beautiful game."

Outside of football, what are some of your hobbies and interests that you pursue in your free time?

"In addition to my involvement in football, I have developed an unexpected career in healthcare after obtaining my qualifications. It is fascinating how my perspective has changed from 'I'm not going to work with crazy people' to a deep commitment to this field, which my friends have also noticed. My five wonderful children, ranging in age from 2.5 to 20 years old, are my greatest blessing and priority. Despite the busyness of my football career, I always find time to spend with them, because although football is my passion, they are my everything."

What are your ambitions and where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?

"Although I realize that my future as a head coach is not entirely in my own hands, I cherish the dream of one day leading an Eredivisie club. After years of coaching youth teams, I feel it's time for a new challenge, and I continue to strive for further development and obtaining the Coach Paid Football license. I am honest with myself about the challenges that come with coaching and the importance of luck, both for myself and my players. My ultimate goal is to become a head coach in the Eredivisie in the long term, maybe even at Galatasaray, although that's with a wink of course."

‍