Four days after his debut in Beerschot's first team 17 year old Axl Van Himbeeck signed his first professional contract in the Olympic Stadium.
The youngster from Kontich joined Beerschot's Academy at the young age of 14, and is the first player born in 2005 who turns professional. Which is quite an achievement for our Academy and Axl himself.
"I am happy and proud of my development over the last couple of years", Van Himbeeck said after putting pen to paper. "Last year I was allowed to train with the first team squad a couple of times; this season I was part of the A squad during the 8 week preparation, what eventually lead to my debut last Sunday in our home game against Lierse. By far my nicest experience of my young career. Now I want to confirm the coach's trust in my abilities by working hard and improve even more."
Beerschot director Frédéric Van den Steen is satisfied the youngest member of the squad has signed his pro contract. "He has impressed Andreas Wieland and his staff during training and is now deservedly rewarded for his hard work. He is a modern midfielder with a lot of potential."
Also Academy Manager Davy De Smedt is over the moon. "Axl is very talented: uses both his feet, is intelligent and shows the right mentality to make the grade. Our coaches at the Academy have worked with him individually the last two years and he kept improving all the time. He is now exemplary for Beerschot's Youth Academy by proving that hard work is rewarded and pays off."
