The annual event between Sandiacre Town & Sparta 25 started way back in 1984 when John Millington organised a trip for some Sandiacre teams to go to the Netherlands and play some matches against Dutch teams.

One of the teams they played was Sparta 25 who invited them back to their clubhouse. These were the first contacts between the clubs. After such a good trip, John decided to do the trip again the following year, again Sparta 25 were invited to play the English.

The contact between John and Sjouk Janssen (organiser of Sparta) was so good that John asked Sjouk to bring some teams over to Sandiacre the following year. After discussing the idea with the Sparta parents it was agreed that they would come to Sandiacre for the first time in 1986.

Since 1986, the exchange tour happens every year with 50-60 boys making the trip to Sandiacre or to Sparta 25 in Beek en Donk.

Over the years there's been over 1600 boys who have been involved in the exchange with many friendships being made with a lot still keeping in touch today.

Although both Sandiacre Town & Sparta 25 are football teams, football takes second place. During the visit the main purpose is for both clubs to have an enjoyable time, seeing old friends and making new ones, hopefully to keep this great friendship going for many more years.

In 1989 Sjouk Jannsen decided to step down as Sparta organiser, Jan Verheijen and Eric van Vegchel took over. In 2004, after 15 years Jan stood down and his place being taken by Mikel Martens. Eric and Mikel are still in charge today and make all the arrangements from the Dutch side.

Since 1984 - 2008 John Millington was responsible for the exchange on the English side. His work was then taken over Simon Pearce, Martyn Gough and Lynda Weston. Lynda has been involved for many years as a hosting parent with her two sons. Simon and Martyn have been involved since the 80's experiencing the tour as players, managers and hosting families. Their long friendships and experience of the tour, made them the right people to organise the exchange on behalf of Sandiacre Town.

This year will be the 40th anniversary of the exchange hopefully everyone this year will enjoy the experience and keep the long friendship going.

Sandiacre Town Football Club

Sandiacre Town FC - Club History

STFC 100 club numbers board

Sandiacre Town Club Handbook 24-25