By Europe’s Elite
In 2021 the U19 Amsterdam Panthers football team were out to prove that they were one of the best. Week in and week out this small team from Amsterdam, proved to Europe that they were one of the best teams around. This team traveled throughout the Netherlands, Belgium, and France dominating every opponent that they faced. With a team so dominant, we natrually began to do more research on some of their top players. One player that stood out among the rest was class of 2023 linebacker Yhemmairo van Es.
What is your favorite football moment of your life?
I’ve had quite some amazing football moments in my life such as our last win over marseille, but if I had to choose my favorite I would choose the Win we took over Team Spain with the Dutch Junior Lions back in 2019. We had played them before in September 2018 and took a hard L so this game was redemption. Spain underestimated us and we took a big win resulting in us qualifying for the European U19 Championship, something which has never been done before by a Dutch Junior team. That feeling is almost indescribable
What goals do you have for yourself as a player this year?
My goals for this year are being the best athlete I’ve ever been, to go and dominate the PPI Tour and recieve a college football offer.
What career would you follow outside of being a professional athlete?
I’m not sure yet, but I do know I want to be in the medical sector.
How do you handle the challenges in life and in football ?
Football has taught me to never back down. So all the challenges I face in live and in football I take head on.
If you could meet and train with any football player in the world for 1 week who would it be and why?
This is a hard question. I know he doesn’t play football anymore but I would like to train with Luke Kuechly. The man’s football IQ and reads are of the charts. He would have so much to teach me.
What do you love about football?
The adrenaline, there is nothing else like it.
How are your preparing for your next season?
I’m getting a lot of field, speed, technique trainings done with @elite.prestige.institute. My physiotherapist (@arenafysio_amsterdam) also developed a football specific strength training program. These guys are getting me in the best shape possible.
How do you think playing for the Amsterdam Panthers has prepared you for college football?
Playing with the Amterdam Panthers this year taught me that even if people talk down on you, that you should be the best version of yourself, step up and take what is yours. We went from being overlooked underdogs to currently being ranked the #8 u19 team to compete this season and I think that’s a huge accomplishment.