It started with training sessions with the men and a proposal from the chairman. Soon, Jordan Henrotin will be on the sand of the World Winners Cup in Alanya with our women's team. A new team, a big challenge and the ambition to make some noise right away.

Some stories start with an elaborate plan. The story of our women's team began with a shared passion and the willingness to build something.

Jordan Henrotin regularly trained with the men of Union Vrede. When the chairman proposed that she develop women's beach soccer within the club, a new adventure took shape.

Today, Jordan is one of the driving forces behind our women's team. And that adventure is now taking her and her teammates to the World Winners Cup.

From the football pitch to a passion for the sand

Jordan is 23 years old, in her final year of physiotherapy at VUB and plays football for Lions Uccle.

Her introduction to beach soccer came through her football coach at the time, who suggested finishing the season on the sand. A tournament in Morocco followed. Since then, the sand has never let her go.

She learned a lot at Llorenç Gómez's academy and gained experience with the Belgian national team, Cádiz, CUS Cosenza, Brussels Football and BZSLadies.

She brings those experiences with her to Union Vrede today.

Building a team takes more than enthusiasm

The number of women playing beach soccer is still limited. For some players, the commute to training is long. Moreover, they all combine beach soccer with association football, which already demands a lot of time.

Yet a group is growing that wants to move forward together.

According to Jordan, at least half of our women's team are also Belgian internationals. Their international experience helps them grow individually and as a group. What they learn there can also make Union Vrede stronger.

To Alanya to make some noise

That Union Vrede would participate in the World Winners Cup so quickly was something Jordan did not expect. Her gratitude toward the club goes hand in hand with a clear ambition.

She hopes our women will be the surprise of the tournament. That they will make some noise. And above all: that they will immediately command respect in their first tournament with Union Vrede.

For the future, she wants more opportunities to play, more tournaments and further development. For the team, for the club and for women's beach soccer in Belgium.

It started with a proposal in training. In Alanya, that dream gets an international stage.

Meet Jordan Henrotin and discover the story behind our women's team.

The full interview with Jordan Henrotin

1. Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us something about yourself?

My name is Jordan Henrotin, I am 23 years old and currently in my final year of physiotherapy at VUB. I also play football for Lions Uccle.

2. How did you discover beach soccer and what made you want to play this sport?

My football coach at the time had suggested finishing the season on the sand. Then we participated in a tournament in Morocco and since then I haven't really left the sand!

3. Which teams have you played for so far?

I learned a lot at Llorenç Gómez's academy. Afterwards, I got the chance to play for the Belgian national team, Cádiz, CUS Cosenza, Brussels Football and BZSLadies.

4. How did the idea come about to found Union Vrede's women's beach soccer team?

I regularly trained with the men and the chairman suggested that I develop women's beach soccer within the club. That is how the adventure began.

5. What were the biggest difficulties at the start of this adventure?

There aren't that many women who play beach soccer. The location is also quite far for some players. And because we all play association football, that already takes up a large part of our time.

6. How did you experience your time with the Belgian women's national beach soccer team?

I think we could have done better, but I learned a tremendous amount from that experience. We continue to grow, both individually and as a group.

7. How many players in Union Vrede's women's team are also Belgian internationals?

At least half of the team.

8. How do you think their experience with the national team can help Union Vrede progress?

The experience with the national team has made us grow, individually but also as a group. Everything we can learn at international level can only be positive for the club.

9. Did you expect Union Vrede's women's team to participate in an important competition like the World Winners Cup so soon?

Not at all! I never thought we would participate in a competition of this importance this quickly. I am therefore very grateful to the club and really looking forward to it.

10. What are your expectations for our team during the World Winners Cup in Alanya?

I hope we are the surprise of the tournament and that we make some noise. Above all, I would like us to immediately command respect during our first tournament with the club.

11. What message do you want to give to women who want to join Union Vrede and discover beach soccer?

Get off your couch and join in!
This sport is great, so come and try it. You won't regret it.

12. Where would you like to see Union Vrede's women's team in a year's time?

I hope we can participate in as many tournaments as possible, continue to make progress and above all help the club and women's beach soccer in Belgium grow further.

Photo: Beach Soccer World Wide

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