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The Virgil’s Legacy Trophy, organized by Orange Veins in collaboration with Willem II and spearheaded by Virgil van Dijk, is a premier U‑13 event taking place in Tilburg, the Netherlands. Sixteen elite academies—among them Liverpool, Ajax, PSG, Arsenal, Celtic, and Juventus—will compete in 11v11 matches across Willem II’s top-tier pitches. Designed to elevate youth football while offering referees a professional and intense environment, every match will leverage expert officiating in line with the tournament’s motto: “Where Future Stars Rise.” For referees, it is also a unique opportunity to be part of the inspiring vision Virgil brings to the game’s next generation.
Referees will be accommodated in a local hotel in nearby Den Bosch or St. Michielsgestel, staying in comfortable twin or triple rooms of a good standard. Accommodation is provided from 11 September (arrival day) to the afternoon or evening of 13 September (departure day), perfectly matching the tournament schedule. For those wishing to extend their stay and explore the region, extra nights can be arranged at an additional cost. Meals will also be provided on tournament days.
Tilburg, located in the heart of the North Brabant region of the Netherlands, offers a lively mix of culture, history, and green spaces. Visitors can explore the modern Spoorpark, one of the city’s most popular urban parks, or delve into contemporary art at De Pont Museum. The Textile Museum offers a nod to the city’s industrial heritage, while the nearby Efteling Theme Park—one of Europe’s top attractions—is perfect for a post-tournament visit. Tilburg’s bustling city center is packed with trendy cafés, restaurants, and local boutiques, providing plenty of options for relaxation and entertainment between matchdays.
Tilburg is easily accessible by air and rail. International referees can fly into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), located about 120 km north; from there, a direct train or rental car gets you to Tilburg in approximately 1h15. Alternatively, Brussels Airport (BRU) lies about 120 km south and offers similar rail connections via Tilburg station. High-speed European trains from Paris, Brussels, and Germany also serve Tilburg directly, making it convenient for officials traveling from across the continent.
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Piero de Nicolo17 September 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
A fantastic experience with Referee Abroad, thanks to the opportunity to take part in both the Donosti Cup and the Porto International Cup. Two international tournaments that provided an extraordinary opportunity for both refereeing and personal growth. The professionalism and excellent organisation, together with the opportunity to interact with referees and football communities from different countries, made both experiences truly unique. I highly recommend Referee Abroad to any referee looking to develop, challenge themselves and experience international football. ⚽️🌍Posted on Google![]()
Bajat Omeirat8 August 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
It was the best experience of my life.Posted on Google![]()
Matthew Day26 March 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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Lee Stevens23 December 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Totally fabulous way to spend a week refereeing international youth football with like minded officials, cannot recommend highly enough to referees of all ages. Life time friendships madePosted on Google![]()
Cloud Zheng23 December 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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Emil Jacobsson22 December 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great experience, awesome community and fun off-days aswell as good gamesPosted on Google![]()
shaheen_gs21 December 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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Jamie Foster1 December 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Referee Abroad has been an outstanding experience from start to finish. The entire organisation has a real family feel, and you’re made to feel welcome from the moment you arrive. Everyone—staff, mentors, and fellow referees—is incredibly friendly, supportive, and always willing to help you grow. Despite the warm atmosphere, the setup is also very professional. The communication is clear, the organisation is well structured, and the feedback you receive is genuinely useful for improving your refereeing. The tournaments are run smoothly and you always feel looked after both on and off the pitch. Whether you’re a new referee looking to build confidence or someone with experience wanting to challenge yourself in a different environment, Referee Abroad is a fantastic opportunity. It’s rare to find a programme that combines professionalism with such an inclusive, family-like community — but this one does exactly that. Highly recommended.+2Posted on Google![]()
Lavinia Curcio1 December 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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Sanu Joy1 December 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I enjoyed sharing this experience with young referees , and I also learned a lot from them.+3
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