Geert Arend Roorda
A Dutch football manager and former player who transitioned to guiding the next generation from the dugout after a solid lower-league career.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Dutch football player and manager·Birthday: March 2·Millennials
Biography
Geert Arend Roorda's relationship with football is one of evolution. As a player, he was a defender who plied his trade largely in the Netherlands' second division, the Eerste Divisie, known for its physical and competitive nature. His understanding of the game's demands, forged on the pitch, naturally led him into coaching. Roorda moved into management, taking the helm at Excelsior Maassluis, where he applies the lessons from his playing days to develop talent and navigate the challenges of the Tweede Divisie. His career arc reflects a common but no less significant football narrative: that of the committed professional who remains in the ecosystem, contributing his experience to shape teams and players.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Geert was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Geert Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Geert's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played over 150 professional matches in the Dutch Eerste Divisie for clubs including FC Emmen and SC Cambuur.
- Appointed head coach of Tweede Divisie side Excelsior Maassluis, leading the club's first-team operations.
- Successfully transitioned from a lengthy playing career into a managerial role within Dutch football's league structure.
Did You Know?
His primary playing position was center-back.
He is the son of former professional footballer Arend Roorda.
He began his senior playing career at SC Heerenveen, though he didn't break into the first team.
“The game from the sideline is a different puzzle; you see all the pieces at once.”
