April 14, 2023

Alty to venture into Europe for pre-season friendly!

Altrincham are venturing into Europe as part of the build-up to next season after landing a prestigious summer friendly with Dutch top-flight club NEC Nijmegen.

There is always a keen sense of anticipation ahead of pre-season fixtures being announced, and excitement levels will be higher than ever among Alty fans after it was confirmed that the Robins will be heading to Holland on July 22nd to test themselves against one of the most recognisable names in the Eredivisie.

What a coup for Alty to be including such illustrious opponents in a pre-season programme that is beginning to take shape, and it has been accomplished largely thanks to the influence of Robins director Mark Luby.

Mark, a lifelong Alty fan as well as member of the board, is the Managing Director of EBS Aftermarket Group Limited, a thriving business that has expanded beyond these shores and now has a base in Nijmegen.

Spotting an ideal opportunity for Alty to broaden their horizons as well, Mark helped set up our first-ever first-team fixture in Holland, and it is hoped it will mark the start of a mutually-beneficial friendship between the clubs, with the possibility of more matches to follow.

Nijmegen, the largest city in the province of Gelderland near the German border and the 10th largest city in the Netherlands as a whole, have a proud history in Dutch football and have twice competed in the UEFA Cup in the last 20 years.

Everyone at Alty is looking forward immensely to our inaugural fixture with them in a game that will take place at the ground of their near-neighbours WVW Weurt, just four kilometres north-west of Nijmegen, on Saturday July 22nd, kicking off at 2pm.

Helping us bring international travel experience to the pre-season friendly for our supporters are Black Opal Travel. As a valued member of our Altrincham FC Business Club, they were our go to provider to offer travel packages. Keri Gee, Black Opal Business Club member commented:

‘We are delighted to be working with Altrincham FC once again and look forward to connecting with supporters old and new. The importance of supporting local businesses and sports clubs is more vital than ever now and we recognise Altrincham FC’s dedication in this area!”

Black Opal have put together four packages for one or two night stays in Holland. If interested, supporters should contact Keri or Louise on 0330 041 4888, contact them here, or can call in and see them at 116 Ashley Road, Hale WA14 2UN.

Look out for more details of our pre-season games, here on the club's website and our social media channels, as and when we get them.