AZ Alkmaar Youth 3-1 Volendam: Young Guns Shine in Pre-Season Test

In a lively pre-season friendly at the AZ Training Center on July 11, 2026, AZ Alkmaar’s youth side defeated Eredivisie side Volendam 3-1. The match, part of the International Club Friendly series, gave the AZ youngsters a valuable opportunity to test themselves against senior professional opposition, and they passed the examination with flying colors.

Match Overview

The game began with Volendam looking to impose their experience, dominating possession in the opening quarter-hour. However, it was AZ’s academy team who struck first against the run of play. A swift counter-attack down the left flank saw the home side’s winger cut inside and fire a low shot past the Volendam goalkeeper in the 22nd minute. The goal visibly lifted the youthful hosts, who grew in confidence as the half progressed.

Volendam equalized just before the break through a well-worked set piece, but the second half belonged entirely to AZ Alkmaar Youth. Two goals in the space of ten minutes — the first a powerful header from a corner and the second a clinical finish after a defensive error — sealed an impressive 3-1 victory.

Key Performers

• AZ Youth Winger (No. 11): Opened the scoring and was a constant threat with his pace and dribbling.
• AZ Central Defender: Dominated aerially, scored a goal, and marshalled the backline effectively against senior attackers.
• Volendam’s Midfield General: Tried to dictate tempo but was overrun by the energetic young press in the second half.

Pre-Season Significance

For AZ Alkmaar’s promising talents, this friendly serves as a crucial step in their development. Facing an Eredivisie opponent allowed the club’s coaching staff to assess which youngsters might be ready for first-team involvement in the upcoming season. Volendam, meanwhile, will take lessons from the match as they fine-tune their tactics ahead of their domestic campaign.

The result demonstrates that AZ’s famed youth academy continues to produce players capable of competing at a high level, even against established top-flight opposition.