The success of the Ajax Camps in Corfu continues to make waves beyond the pitch, with ertnews.gr dedicating an extensive feature to this major sporting event.

Recognition from one of Greece’s leading media outlets reaffirms the significance of AFC Ajax’s presence on the island and the added value brought by the shared vision for the development of football in Corfu.

Read the full story below:

With the participation of dozens of children from across the island, the Ajax Camp Kerkyra is now underway in the region of Messonghi. Young footballers aged 6 to 16 are training under the guidance of coaches from the AFC Ajax Academy.

This project is organized by the newly founded club Kerkyra United, which has officially become Ajax’s strategic partner on the island.

The young athletes are being taught the principles, philosophy, and technical identity of the Dutch footballing giant, whose academy has produced world-class players such as Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, Edwin van der Sar, and many more.

Corfu: Ajax training camps in collaboration with Kerkyra United

The participants are grouped by age and skill level, with technical sessions focusing on dribbling and passing techniques. Each day concludes with a full match session under the watchful eyes of both Dutch and Greek coaches — among them Giannis Vlachos, who represents Kerkyra United. Mr. Vlachos noted: “Through these camps, we aim to build the footballing future of Corfu’s children. All coaches are Ajax-certified, and if they see something special, they’ll invest in it.”

The partnership between Kerkyra United and AFC Ajax includes the following key elements:

– Educational exchanges for coaches between Kerkyra United and Ajax.

– Visits from Ajax technical directors to Corfu.

– Participation of Kerkyra United in international events such as the Ajax Club Network Summit 2025 (July 23–26, in Como).

– Scouting of talented local players for potential inclusion in Ajax’s international youth development programs.

Patric Ladru, Head of Coaching for Ajax, emphasized: “This is a collaboration that benefits both sides — Ajax discovers new talent, and Kerkyra United not only builds its team but also strengthens its academy. Talent is everywhere; the key is to provide proper attention, training, and facilities.”

Rob Matthaei added: “If we spot a talented player, the first step is to bring them to the Netherlands to train with our Academy and compete against peers their age. From there, we assess the next steps, always in line with FIFA’s regulations, which prohibit international transfers of players under the age of 16, whether to clubs or academies.”