First Professional Contract

The AFAS Stadion, which is AZ Alkmaar's home stadium is located in Alkmaar, North Holland.

The club often holds contract signings in designated meeting rooms within the stadium, where players and club officials can gather for all official business, including player contract negotiations and signings.

This is also the venue for any media announcements or photo shoots to present the new signing to the press and fans.

They parked, stepped out of the car and made their way inside the building, where they were greeted by a representative. After a brief exchange, they were shown to the meeting room where a group of club officials waited.

As they approached the room, Ashley stopped before the door and said to Benjamin, "Alright, Benjamin, one last thing before we go in," she said, looking him in the eye.

Her voice was calm, but there was a firmness in it, a slight edge of seriousness. "During the meeting, I want you to let me handle everything. Don't butt in, don't interrupt...just stay calm and keep a neutral face. No matter what they say, alright?"

Benjamin nodded, he understood why she made such a request. He'd always been a straightforward person, used to speaking up when necessary, but he understood the importance of this moment and her role in it.

She was here to represent him and, by the looks of it, she wasn't planning on holding back.

He took a deep breath and followed her as she opened the door.

Inside, four men were seated around a large, polished table, deep in conversation. The room was large, just like a conference room with papers neatly arranged and a pitcher of water in the center.

As they entered, the men paused their discussion, all eyes turning to them.

Benjamin recognized one of the faces immediately, Dennis Haar, the youth team coach who had been at the hospital a few weeks back alongside the chief scout, Hans Van de Zee.

Dennis gave him a quick nod, a silent encouragement that helped ease Benjamin's nerves.

"Benjamin," Dennis said, standing up to greet them.

"Good to see you again." He extended a hand, and Benjamin shook it, feeling the solid grip. "Ashley, a pleasure," Dennis added, giving her a courteous nod.

After introductions, Dennis gestured to the other men seated around the table. "Let me introduce the team. This is Toon Gerbrands, our CEO." The man to Dennis' right gave a small nod, his expression laced with a kind smile.

"Next to him, we have Gertjan Verbeek, the first-team manager." Verbeek studied Benjamin with a direct gaze, his expression revealing nothing, but the intensity at which he stared said enough.

He looked like a man who valued hard work and results.

"And finally, our legal advisor, Tom Meijer," Dennis finished, gesturing to a serious-looking man with sharp eyes and a stack of documents in front of him.

After greetings were exchanged, they all took their seats. Benjamin found himself beside Ashley, with the club officials across the table.

His hands rested on his lap, and he made a conscious effort to keep his expression neutral, as Ashley had advised. He watched her closely, noting how she seemed completely at ease, not the least bit nervous in front of them.

Dennis began the meeting with a few introductory words, expressing the club's interest in securing a long-term relationship with Benjamin.

He spoke of Benjamin's impressive growth in the Haarlem Academy, his potential, and the way he'd captured their attention during the previous trial matches.

As Dennis spoke, Benjamin listened intently, nodding in acknowledgment but keeping his emotions in check.

After a few minutes, Dennis passed a draft of the contract to Ashley. She scanned it, but minutes later, her brow furrowed ever so slightly.

Benjamin leaned in to take a look, catching sight of the numbers which was most likely his wages and clauses, just a little above what he knew was standard for youth players.

To him the numbers were acceptable, hek, he'd even take a pay cut just to play the game he loved so much.

But he knows better than to comment. He didn't need to see Ashley's face to know she wasn't entirely pleased with the offer.

She turned the page, carefully looking over each detail, her pen tapping lightly against the table. Then, after a few moments, she passed the draft over to Benjamin, giving him a brief glance.

He took it, scanning the lines, his mind racing as he absorbed the terms.

The weekly wage offered was €750, health insurance, educational support, €200 performance bonus upon reaching 20 G/A in the youth team and a €2 million minimum release clause.

But before he could think too much about it, Ashley straightened up, her voice clear and steady as she began to address the club officials. "Thank you for preparing the initial draft," she started, in a polite yet firm tone. "However, after reviewing it, I believe some adjustments should be made."

Tom Meijer, the legal advisor, leaned forward, adjusting his glasses. "What kind of adjustments are we talking about, Ms. Ashley?" His voice was measured, but there was a hint of defensiveness.

Ashley didn't miss a beat. "Benjamin is an exceptional player, and I think we can all agree he's beyond the average youth player level. His contributions, both on the field and in terms of potential, are something the club values highly. With that in mind, we would like to see his contract reflect his status not just as a youth player, but as someone able to break into the first team at any time. That includes improvements to his wages, bonuses, and certain performance-based clauses."

A brief silence settled over the table as the officials exchanged glances. Tom was the first to respond, his tone cautious. "Ms. Ashley, while we understand your point, it's important to note that Benjamin is, at this moment, still technically a youth player. These terms are reflective of that status."

Ashley leaned forward, her gaze unwavering. "Mr. Meijer, I respect that Benjamin is part of the youth academy. However, he's shown an advanced level of skill, a level that most youth players haven't reached. He deserves to be treated as someone with first-team potential, in every aspect. I think we all know that his contributions to the club would be worth more than what this draft offers."

The first-team manager, Gertjan Verbeek finally interjected. "We're aware of Benjamin's skill, Ms. Ashley. I've seen videos of it, and I have no doubt he's going places. But there's a process, a structure we have to respect. Benjamin's still young, and this contract is designed to support his growth within that structure."

Ashley met his gaze, unfazed. "And I appreciate that, Mr. Verbeek. But growth should also be rewarded. If you truly value his potential, then it's only fair that his contract reflects that."

The CEO, Toon Gerbrands, had remained silent throughout most of the exchange, his fingers steepled in front of him as he listened. Finally, he spoke, his voice calm. "Ms. Ashley, our offer is meant to balance the club's resources and Benjamin's development. We sincerely want him here with us for the long term, and we believe this contract offers him a solid foundation."

Ashley didn't back down. "Mr. Gerbrands, Benjamin is an investment. And like any worthwhile investment, he deserves adequate support. I'm simply asking for a fair acknowledgment of his contributions. Performance clauses, bonuses, wages...these are things that will help him remain motivated and loyal to the club."

The room was thick with tension, the back-and-forth exchange filled with intensity. Benjamin watched, listening carefully but stayed silent, as Ashley had advised.

He couldn't help but feel a rush of gratitude for her, for the way she defended him. She wasn't just negotiating, she was showing the club his worth.

After more discussion, and a few back-and-forth exchanges, the club officials glanced at each other defeated, their silent agreement signaled a shift in the tone.

Toon Gerbrands spoke first, clearing his throat. "Very well, Ms. Ashley. We can consider adjustments to the initial draft, and why we're at it, we'll go the extra mile to integrate him into the first team right now. That should prove how valuable we view Mr Benjamin here."

The CEO's words came as a surprise to everyone, especially the first team manager Gertjan verbeek who wanted to disagree but was cut short by Toon Gerbrands. "The decision is final... So what do you think, Ms Ashley?"

Ashley nodded, her expression showing neither satisfaction nor disappointment, just a calm acknowledgment. "I appreciate your willingness to reconsider. I think these changes will create a mutually beneficial agreement."

With that, they worked through the details, adjusting and rephrasing terms, until they reached a consensus.

Benjamin's contract would include an improved wage, higher bonuses based on performance, and clauses that acknowledged his first-team potential.

The final draft looked like this:

{Player: [Benjamin Yinka Rijkaard]

Contract Duration: 3 years (option for extension)

Position(s): [LWF, AMF, RWF]

Start Date: [15th August 2012]

End Date: [15th August 2015]

Wages & Compensation:

[Weekly Wage: €1,000 during the first year, with increments based on performance and annual reviews.]

[Accommodation: Fully covered housing in AZ Alkmaar's youth accommodation complex.]

Performance Clauses & Bonuses:

[1. Match Appearance Bonus: €500 for each Eredivisie appearance, €250 for cup matches.]

[2. Goal/Assist Bonus: €200 per goal or assist in league or cup matches.]

[3. Development Bonus: €1,000 upon reaching 20 first-team appearances in a season.]

Team-Based Achievement Bonuses:

[League Title Bonus: €5,000 if AZ Alkmaar wins the Eredivisie during contract term.]

[Cup Victory Bonus: €2,000 for a KNVB Cup win.]

[European Qualification Bonus: €3,000 if the club qualifies for European competition.]

Additional Benefits:

[Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical and injury insurance, including access to club physiotherapists.]

[Education Support: Tuition assistance for education programs completed alongside football training.]

Exit & Transfer Clauses:

[Minimum Release Fee: €5 million for transfers within the first year, adjustable based on first-team integration.]

Signatures:

[Player Signature: Benjamin Yinka Rijkaard.]

Date: 15th August 2012]

[Club Official Signature: AZ Alkmaar]

[Date: 15th August 2012]

***

As the final draft was passed around, Ashley gave him a quick nod. Benjamin signed, feeling a rush of excitement by the realization of playing with the first team right from start.

Once everything was set, Dennis shook his hand, his eyes brightened. He knew Benjamin was well worth the hype. "Congratulations, Benjamin. We're thrilled to have you as part of the club."

Benjamin managed a smile, the weight of the moment sinking in as they shook hands. He glanced at Ashley, and she gave him a small, satisfied smile. She'd gone to bat for him, and she'd succeeded.

As they walked out of the room, the stadium appeared around them, Benjamin felt a mix of gratitude and determination. This was just the beginning, but it was a beginning made possible by Ashley's smart, and his own hard work.

Outside, Ashley turned to him with a grin. "Not bad for your first contract, huh?"

Benjamin chuckled, feeling the last of his nerves melt away. "Thanks to you, Ash."

She laughed, casually slinging an arm around his shoulder and waving the other at the horizon. "Don't worry, this is just the start. There's a whole lot more where that came from."