Juliette Verhulst: confidence between the posts, ambition towards Alanya

From her first football moments with her brother to an international adventure with Union Vrede: our goalkeeper keeps growing, with confidence in herself and her team.

She started as an outfield player. But because there was no goalkeeper, Juliette Verhulst quickly stepped between the posts. She loved it — and stayed.

Today Juliette is twenty years old and in her third year studying physiotherapy. Her football story began at the age of nine, after playing with her brother at home. Through Leopold Uccle, Maccabi and l’Union she built up her experience. Since this season she plays for Lion’s.

David Mames introduced her to beach soccer. It was an instant click. On the sand she discovered a position where a goalkeeper is constantly involved: making saves, playing with her feet and helping to build up the attack.

©BelgiumBeachSoccer-CyrilKindt

Through Jordan Henrotin she ended up at Union Vrede. What attracted her was the appreciation for the players and the chance to share great experiences together. Now the next step awaits: the World Winners Cup in Alanya.

Juliette is looking forward to playing against teams from all over the world. Her ambition is clear: to go as far as possible, give everything and keep trusting her team.

Get to know our goalkeeper — and the conviction that keeps her moving forward even after conceding a goal.

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us a bit about who you are off the pitch?

My name is Juliette Verhulst, I am twenty years old and in the third year of my physiotherapy studies.

2. How did you start playing football and why did you want to become a goalkeeper?

I started playing football when I was nine, because I played with my brother at home and also wanted to join a club. At first I was an outfield player, but I quickly went in goal because there was no goalkeeper. I thought it was great and so I kept keeping.

3. Which teams have you played for and which experiences have stayed with you the most?

I first played for five years at Leopold Uccle with the boys. Then I played one season at Maccabi and subsequently five years at l’Union. Since this season I play at Lion’s.

4. How did you discover beach soccer? What were your first impressions as a goalkeeper on the sand?

I discovered beach soccer through David Mames, who was my coach at l’Union. I liked it very much right away.

5. What do you think are the main differences between keeping on grass and in beach soccer?

In beach soccer, goalkeepers are involved in the game a lot, both with their feet and on the goal line. That is partly due to the number of players and the smaller pitch. In regular football there is more time between actions.

6. How did you end up at Union Vrede and what appealed to you in our women's project?

I ended up at Union Vrede through Jordan Henrotin, who told me about the project. I also already knew Tanguy, with whom I had done some training sessions. What made me want to join was that the players are truly appreciated and that this project offers me the chance to experience great things.

7. In a sport where chances and goals follow each other quickly, how do you maintain your concentration and confidence after conceding a goal?

Although my goal is to concede as few goals as possible, clean sheets in beach soccer are very rare. Therefore I concentrate on the shots and actions that I stop, to stay in the game. When my team scores, that also motivates me to stay focused and let in as few goals as possible.

8. In beach soccer the goalkeeper also helps with the build-up. How do you handle that responsibility and the communication with your teammates?

It is of course an extra responsibility, but I train to feel as comfortable as possible technically and to participate in the build-up as well as possible. I know my teammates quite well, which makes communication go naturally.

9. What is your best memory as a goalkeeper: a save, a match or a moment with your team?

One of my best memories is the friendly beach soccer tournament I participated in in Morocco in 2024. The atmosphere and surroundings were wonderful.

10. What does participation in the World Winners Cup in Alanya mean to you and what goals do you want to achieve with Union Vrede?

Participating in the World Winners Cup in Alanya is an incredible opportunity. Being able to play against teams from all over the world is truly a privilege. I want to go as far as possible in the tournament. I believe in my team!

11. What do you think are the main strengths of our women's team in the run-up to this tournament?

For me, our main strengths are our tactics and our ability to adapt to the opponent. Also our will to never give up until the end!

12. What message do you want to give to our supporters and to girls who dream of becoming a goalkeeper?

I am very happy to be able to participate in this tournament and will give the best of myself. To young female goalkeepers: believe in yourself and do not give up your goals.