Eelco Schattorie: Lessons from 35 Years in Global Football Coaching

At SPC Football, we’re passionate about sharing the journeys of experienced coaches, players, and professionals across the game. In this first feature interview, we sit down with Eelco Schattorie — a coach with over 35 years in professional football, spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

From youth development to head coaching and technical director roles, Eelco brings a wealth of experience and insight into football coaching careers, communication, and resilience.

Q: Eelco, it’s great to have you as the first guest on our SPC Football interview panel. Can you tell our readers a little about you and your career in football so far?

A: If I had to describe my football coaching career in detail, it would take a full page—but let me give you the nutshell version. I’m 53 years old, with more than 35 years in professional football. My journey started in the Netherlands with VVV Venlo, where I spent 11 years, progressing from youth coach to head coach.

Adventurous by nature, I took an unconventional path and moved to the Middle East, joining a friend as his assistant coach. We worked together for three years, and during that time I met my wife—she’s Egyptian and from the Middle East—so you could say she’s the reason I stayed in the region (and yes, that’s partly a joke).

Over the years, I’ve coached across Europe (the Netherlands, Poland), Asia (India, Uzbekistan), the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Jordan), and Africa—mostly as a head coach, though earlier in my career I also worked in youth development. About three years ago, I served as Technical Director at Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, where Steven Gerrard was head

coach.

In addition to coaching, I’ve also been invited by several federations—such as the Polish Football Federation, the Qatar Football Federation, the Jordanian Football Federation, the Uzbekistan Football Federation, and even in India—to deliver lectures and contribute to their pro-license courses. I would typically spend four to five days teaching coaches, something I truly enjoy and excel at, especially when it comes to visualizing and explaining football concepts. At this stage of my career, I find great satisfaction in sharing my knowledge and experience with other coaches.

While I’ve worn different hats, from youth coach to technical director, my true passion remains head coaching. Right now, I’m looking for a new challenge—anywhere in the world—to continue this journey.

Q: Can you tell us more about your playing career?

A: My playing career is simple to summarise, but it carries a deep scar that changed everything. I was a talented winger, training with Fortuna Sittard’s first team by 18. But after the tragic passing of my mother, I struggled mentally and couldn’t sustain a professional career.

I played semi-professionally in Belgium while studying sports science and coaching. During an internship with VVV Venlo, I was offered a coaching role at just 21. That’s when I consciously chose coaching, which has since defined my life.

Q: Do you believe having a successful playing career helps when applying for coaching jobs?

A: The big question is: can someone be a good coach without having played the game? My answer is clear—no, you cannot.

To truly master football, you need direct connection and lived experience. Do you need to have played at the very top? Not necessarily. Semi-professional experience can give you the foundation to coach at a high level. But without ever playing under pressure, something essential is missing.

Of course, you can learn tactics, design exercises, and study the game, but the instinctive side—reading the game under pressure—comes from being on the pitch.

Q: What’s your favourite memory or achievement in football?

A: Winning always stands out. As a player, reaching the Dutch national youth championship final with Fortuna Sittard was special. Later, winning a domestic cup in Belgium was another highlight.

As a coach, I’ve won trophies in India and Saudi Arabia, and was once named Coach of the Year. But I also take pride in leading struggling clubs out of relegation battles — often under immense pressure and without new signings. That’s as rewarding as silverware.

Perhaps most rewarding of all has been developing young talents, helping them make first-team debuts and build strong careers.

“Guiding young players into professional careers is one of the most rewarding aspects of my coaching journey.”

Q: Communication is something you’re known for. How important has it been in your career?

A: Communication is everything. I learned this from being a stubborn young player myself. Now, I always make sure my message is clear, honest, and simple.

My coaching philosophy is built on four pillars, summarised in CODE:

Communication
Organisation
Discipline
Emotional involvement

Without effective communication, none of the other three work.

“Everything in football—and life—starts with communication.”

Q: What are your current ambitions for 2025 and beyond?

A: I’m currently open to new challenges, but I’m looking for more stable projects. I’ve worked in many difficult environments and I value stability at this stage of my career. I still love coaching, but I’m also passionate about teaching coaches and sharing my knowledge.

I’m grateful for everything football has given me and I’m hopeful the right opportunity will come soon.

Quickfire Round

Favourite Colour: Blue
Other Sports Followed: Basketball (NBA), Tennis
Car: BMW
Teams Supported: Ajax & Barcelona
World Cup 2026 Winner: Impossible to predict!
Favourite Sports Person: Johan Cruyff / Muhammad Ali
Favourite Food: Thai
Champions League 2026 Winner: Hopefully Barcelona!

Conclusion

Eelco’s career shows how resilience, communication, and adaptability shape success in football. His story offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to build a career in football coaching or explore new football job opportunities worldwide.

Check out Eel’s SPCF page here >>

At SPC Football, we’re proud to share interviews like this that connect job seekers, coaches, and clubs across the world.

👉 Looking for your next football coaching role? Browse global opportunities here: www.spcfootball.com/jobs/

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See you on the pitch soon!

September 22, 2025 Categories: Written by Owner