For our next event, meet the woman who changed the rules of the game.
Meet Marieke Visser. She is the founder of HERA United, the first independent professional women’s football club in the Netherlands. But her story goes far beyond football.
Her story starts with a simple conviction: women’s football should not be treated as the smaller sister of men’s football, but as a sport in its own right: with its own clubs, identity, finance and ambitions.
Now imagine trying to make that happen in the traditionally male-dominated world of professional football. Marieke had to challenge an entire system simply to make an independent women’s club possible: convincing stakeholders, overcoming resistance and ultimately helping change the rules of Dutch professional football.
And then she succeeded.
But what happens when you finally get the “yes” you have been fighting for? You have to deliver. The club has to attract players, supporters and sponsors. It has to build a strong organisation, create a sustainable business model and, ultimately, perform on the pitch.
On October 6, Marieke will take us behind the scenes of that journey: the doubts and setbacks, the people she had to convince, the moments when giving up might have been easier, and what it takes to turn an idea into a real organisation once the initial battle has been won.
We will talk about ambition, resilience, leadership and the place of women in traditionally male-dominated environments. About staying true to a vision while making compromises. About building credibility, attracting the right people and dealing with the new challenges that success inevitably brings.
Curious to hear more about Marieke’s story and approach? Join us!
After the talk, stay with us a little bit ! Let’s connect, and continue the conversation over delicious food by The Balance Plate, and drinks by Lillet — a perfect opportunity to meet fellow Amsterdammers curious-minded in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.