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Together we're fans with Appie
In 'Together we're fans', we speak to PSV supporters from across the Brainport Region and ask them about what it means to be a fan of PSV and of the region.
In Helmond, we run into Appie Serhiri (45) with two of his three children. Appie was born in Helmond and has actually always been a PSV fan. He visited his first match 30 years ago, when, as a 15-year-old boy, he went to Eindhoven with friends. And being a fan runs in the family, as Appie's daughter is also a big PSV fan.
Hi Appie, what do you think makes a real fan?
You are a real fan if you stand behind your club in negative times. And if you diligently keep track of which players are drafted. I like to go to the Irish Pub in Eindhoven when PSV is playing, at least there you can follow the game. And if they win? Well, then Startumseind is just around the corner!
Are you also proud of Helmond?
Yes definitely, even though you sometimes hear some negative things about it. What I really like about Helmond is that you can be yourself here. It doesn't matter what cultural background you have, because you can always land here.
''This region is the engine of the Netherlands and actually of Europe!''
PSV's shirt reads 'Brainport Eindhoven', what do you think of when you read that?
This is where it happens! This region is the 'gateway of technology' because a lot of inventions are made and new technologies are thought up by all sorts of smart minds. Hydrogen cars, CO2-neutral cars and the Automotive Campus in Helmond spring to mind. That makes me a bit proud.
What makes the region special?
On the one hand, you have the relaxed atmosphere and the Burgundian life of Brabant and its farmers. But there is also a lot of work here. People are really willing to work hard, that is the mentality here. The location is also very good: central in Europe and very easy to travel to. This region is the engine of the Netherlands and actually of Europe!
If you were to say something to the region's nearly 800,000 residents, what would it be?
I would say that we should all be more proud of our region. There is not enough understanding in the rest of the Netherlands of what added value we all are. That innovation really does add something to the world. And that you should always be yourself. I think that's also important to say.