De Herdgang: how PSV's youth academy transforms talent into world stars
In the football stadium of Eindhoven there is a place that is less visible to the outside world, but that has a huge influence on Dutch football: De Herdgang. This academy, linked to one of the country’s biggest clubs, has built a reputation as a breeding ground where young talents not only learn to play football, but also learn to break through and win trophies. For parents, coaches and youth players who want to know what it takes to become one of those talents, De Herdgang offers a clear example of how a thoughtful vision, a strong development structure and a result‑oriented mentality come together.
De Herdgang: an overview of the academy
De Herdgang is located in Eindhoven and serves as the club’s central youth academy. The facility combines modern training pitches, a scientifically backed fitness centre and a learning environment that goes beyond the game itself. Boys and girls who arrive here gain, from a young age, access to a complete programme that integrates the technical, tactical, physical and mental aspects of football. The structure is set up so that every player has a clear pathway: from the first youth teams to the reserves and ultimately the first team. This pathway is supported by a network of qualified coaches, scouts and mentors who work together to monitor the development of each individual.
Philosophy and training vision: ‘train, break through, win trophies’
The core of De Herdgang is summed up in three words: train, break through, win trophies. These mottos run like a red thread through the whole academy. ‘Train’ means that the foundation lies in a thorough technical and tactical immersion. Players learn not only how to control the ball, but also how to create space, how to think under pressure and how to adapt to different styles of play. The emphasis is on a broad footballing insight, so that a young player is not dependent on one specific position or role.
‘Break through’ refers to the transition from youth to senior football. De Herdgang applies a norm whereby roughly a third of the players are home‑grown, which means that a considerable share of the talents that leave the club have been developed internally to a level where they are ready for the first team. This norm stimulates a culture in which young players learn early on to take responsibility and become aware of the step to professional football. It is a realistic approach: not every player reaches the top, but everyone gets the chance to test his or her potential.
‘Win trophies’ is the ultimate motivation. The academy strives to shape players who not only take part, but also excel at the highest level. This is achieved by a competitive environment in which successes are celebrated, but work ethic and resilience are also central. By combining a win‑oriented mentality with a learning‑oriented approach, a culture emerges in which players learn to deal with both victories and setbacks.
Success stories: the proven home‑grown crop
The results of De Herdgang speak for themselves. A string of well‑known names have made the step from the youth academy to the international spotlight. Cody Gakpo, known for his speed and finishing, started his career in De Herdgang’s youth teams before breaking into the first team and later moving to a top club in another European league. Memphis Depay, a creative attacker with a keen eye for goals, followed a similar trajectory and now boasts an impressive international reputation.
Steven Bergwijn, with his explosive dribbles and versatility, and Donyell Malen, renowned for his movements in attack, are both examples of players who have gone through the full development from the basics to the highest level. Noni Madueke, Johan Bakayoro and Mohamed Ihattaren show that De Herdgang not only produces attacking talents, but also players who stand out in various positions on the pitch. Each of these players has not only refined their technical skills, but also developed the mental strength required to perform at an international level.
What these stories have in common is that they all received a solid foundation within an environment that offered both freedom and structure. They were given space to find their own style, but were constantly challenged to improve their game. This balance between individual creativity and team‑oriented discipline is a hallmark of De Herdgang’s philosophy.
The economic impact: more than €200 million in transfers
Beyond sporting successes, De Herdgang has a considerable financial influence. The sale of players developed through the club’s own youth system has generated a cumulative value of more than €200 million. These figures show that the academy is not only a source of talent, but also an important driver of the club’s economic stability. Every transfer represents an investment that pays for itself, freeing up more resources for further youth development.
These financial results are not a by‑product, but a deliberate outcome of the development strategy. By investing in scouting, coaching and infrastructure, De Herdgang creates an environment in which players can reach their maximum potential, making them attractive to clubs in the biggest European competitions. The success of the transfers strengthens the academy’s reputation, drawing even more young talents to the programme.
For parents and coaches this means that the academy provides a solid platform: children who train here are not only at the starting line for a sporting career, but also gain access to a network that can broaden their future opportunities, both on and off the pitch.
Practical tips for parents and coaches
1. Focus on the basics, not only on results. De Herdgang places emphasis on a sound technical foundation. Encourage your child to spend time on ball control, passing and positional play, even if match results are not yet perfect.
2. Stimulate a growth mindset. The ‘break through’ philosophy demands perseverance. Support your child in learning from mistakes and seeking areas for improvement, rather than only celebrating when a goal is scored.
3. Look for an environment with a clear development pathway. An academy that offers a clear route from youth to senior football, such as De Herdgang, helps players stay focused and visualise their goals.
4. Work on mental resilience. Winning trophies requires more than technical skills. Let your child take part in mental training, visualisation exercises or simply conversations about match pressure and expectations.
5. Involve the coach in progress. Regular feedback sessions with the coach provide insight into your child’s strengths and weaknesses. This makes targeted improvement possible.
6. Balance sport and school. A successful academy, like De Herdgang, emphasises the importance of a good education. Ensure your child has enough time and energy for both domains.
7. Be realistic about the chances. Although the statistic of one‑third home‑grown is a realistic norm, it is important to respect individual development and avoid excessive pressure.
Conclusion
De Herdgang has proven itself as one of the most successful youth academies in the Netherlands, with a clear philosophy, an impressive list of home‑grown professional talents and an economic impact that goes beyond the sport. For parents and coaches the De Herdgang approach offers a blueprint: a solid foundation, a realistic step‑by‑step development and a focus on both sporting and mental growth. By following the practical tips mentioned, young people can experience the same environment that paved the way for players such as Gakpo, Depay and Bergwijn. The result is a generation that is not only ready to play, but also ready to win.