May 10 – Students of primary and secondary schools in Rotterdam should be given time off to attend the Feyenoord league title parade, Dutch political parties GroenLinks and D66 have argued.
The Rotterdam club are on the brink of winning the Eredivisie title again, prompting mass hysteria in the Netherlands’ most football-loving city and the two political parties have argued that pupils around the city should be allowed to enjoy the celebrations and join the festivities at the famous ‘Koolsingel’ downtown where Feyenoord traditionally stage their celebrations.
“As long as it is possible with exams and tests, students should be given the opportunity to experience the parade,” said Judith Bokhove of Groenlinks. “Parents and caregivers would like to celebrate this with their children. And we like to think along about how we can achieve that.”
The two parties propose that Rotterdam schools will open as usual, but honour requests to be free during the parade.
This Sunday the club can claim the league title with a win against Go Ahead Eagles. Six years ago, when Feyenoord won the league crown for the first time in 18 years, the city allowed pupils and students to participate in the celebrations.
“This championship is so inspiring, and it creates such a bond between all Rotterdammers,” said Fatih Elbay of D66. “Everyone should be able to experience that.”
On Thursday, the city council will vote on the motion.
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