YouTube videos have led to a number of footballers getting signed by clubs around the world, but this might be the first time it's worked for an 18-month-old. It's very much a publicity stunt, but the popular YouTube clip of young Baerke van der Meij kicking balls into his toy chest caught the attention of relegation-threatened Dutch top flight club VVV-Venlo and prompted the club to sign him to a 10-year professional contract. Though, it is made clear that the contract is a symbolic one.
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31pxEs64z9s[/media]
From the Telegraph:
The toddler joined VVV's star midfielder Ken Leemans during a training session in De Koel Stadium on Tuesday before being offered the symbolic contract.
The toddler's favourite position has not yet been determined. However, we can speak of a right-footed player with a very good kicking technique, perseverance and, importantly: football genes via his grandfather, said a VVV Venlo press release.
Baerke's grandfather used to play for the club and his family still lives in the city of Venlo.
As silly as this whole thing is, VVV-Venlo really did a great job of selling it, even going so far as to have the little boy attend a press conference and sign a contract. Well, scribble on one, anyway. Here are some pictures from the event...
Link: http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/blog...VV-Venlo-sign-1-year-old-child?urn=sow-wp1216
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31pxEs64z9s[/media]
From the Telegraph:
The toddler joined VVV's star midfielder Ken Leemans during a training session in De Koel Stadium on Tuesday before being offered the symbolic contract.
The toddler's favourite position has not yet been determined. However, we can speak of a right-footed player with a very good kicking technique, perseverance and, importantly: football genes via his grandfather, said a VVV Venlo press release.
Baerke's grandfather used to play for the club and his family still lives in the city of Venlo.
As silly as this whole thing is, VVV-Venlo really did a great job of selling it, even going so far as to have the little boy attend a press conference and sign a contract. Well, scribble on one, anyway. Here are some pictures from the event...
Link: http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/blog...VV-Venlo-sign-1-year-old-child?urn=sow-wp1216
