Mark van der Ham leaves Holland for Flemish Federation

Not just Dutch athletes seemed to leave, but also coaches. Since the centralisation policy of the Dutch Judo Association is on conflict with various judoka. Also coaches make decissions to find a job elsewhere. Dutch coach Mark van der Ham didn't prolong his contract with the Dutch Association.

Van der Ham was coach of Anicka van Emden at the Olympic Games, Juul Franssen, Roy Meyer, Guusje Steenhuis, Marhinde Verkerk and for a shorter period Kim Polling and many youth talents. Since today he is headcoach of the Flemish Junior team for their "project Gold."

Van der Ham: "I'm used to a transition period from Juniors to U23, I've done that traject in the Netherlands. So I'm happy that I found a place next to my efforts for The Korte where I will continue as a coach. However I needed to make a decision to come to the new National Training Centre in December, but the Dutch Association couldn't give guarantees and clarity how the future would look like. In Belgian they could give me a longer term contract. I can give my own vision and execute what I'm good at. Also it's more closer to my home than Papendal. So for me a perfect combination, but indeed, after Chris de Korte now gave his experiences to Belgium, I'm the second coach working abroad in Belgium."

Van der Ham's birthday is his first 'working day' although he will also continue his job at De Korte's club, but will need some time to organise the Project in Belgium. This weekend many of the Belgian fighters will be present at the Belgian Open for men in Vise and women in Arlon. Van der Ham, who will both coach the junior men and junior women of the Flemish Federations will visit Vise this weekend at the Belgian Open. 

Van der Ham, who's coaching skills were taught by sensei Chris de Korte, developed himself as a driven coach. De Korte works for the Flemish Judo Federation for a number of years since he left the Dutch Association as women's head coach, and wasn't allowed to coach the successful judoka already mentioned.