Hi Nehaan, can you tell us a bit more about yourself and your role at VCC? How long have you been playing cricket with us?
I’ve been playing cricket since I was 12. I started at Ajax Leiden and then moved to VCC, and since then (with the exception of two years around COVID) I’ve been playing for VCC. I played for the Dutch Lions until I was 18 and trained hard throughout my youth. After taking a short break from cricket to take a gap year after secondary school (during which I obtained a chef’s diploma) and settle in Rotterdam, I returned to VCC. I’ve enjoyed the game immensely and have won championships with both the second and first teams, playing for VCC1 until this year.
You’re studying Business Economics. Where are you studying, what do you still need to complete before graduating, and how do you combine that with cricket?
I’m studying Economics and Business Economics at Erasmus University in Rotterdam. I currently have one course left and am working on my thesis in the Behavioural and Health Economics major. My thesis is about the impact of having a child on parents’ mental health and other behaviors. Up until this year, studying and playing cricket has been quite manageable. I’m someone who learns easily but also likes to do things on my own schedule. I hope to finish my Bachelor’s degree by the end of June and then go traveling with my girlfriend. Next academic year, I plan to work and possibly pursue a Master’s in Health Economics the year after.
Now you’re also the Hospitality Manager at VCC. It’s well known that you can cook well and have ambitions in that area. What do you hope to learn and what exactly will your role be?
I was really excited when I saw the vacancy for Bar Manager. I’ve always worked a lot alongside my studies because I’ve had to support myself since I was 17. I’ve gained a lot of hospitality experience, but also some in economics-related jobs. However, I noticed that the uncertainty of having many different jobs caused me a lot of stress. So, I decided that I’d value a position where I can make more of an impact, have regular hours, and build a foundation for my own business. It felt particularly special to be able to do this for my childhood and current club. This is my first time gaining management experience, and I especially hope to learn how to turn my ambitions into reality (through discussions with the board and also by bringing ideas to life). I’ve always been very ambitious about starting my own restaurant/catering/other kind of business, so I think this experience will be extremely valuable.
What was the first thing you tackled at VCC?
At the beginning of my time as Hospitality Manager, I wanted to upgrade the kitchen a bit, and I’m glad that’s been successful (induction hob, oven, new pans and materials). Now that the practical things are sorted, I’m looking forward to being a hands-on Hospitality Manager. The approach I used for the first team’s match days (staff forms, manuals, healthier and fresher meals, cleaner work environment and more) is something I’m now applying to other busy days at the club (Friday evenings and youth match days on Sundays). I find that I learn the most about possible improvements when I’m actually on the floor during these days, so that will be my focus in the coming period.
What are your plans for the upcoming season in terms of our hospitality?
For the coming season, the bar committee and I have noticed that it’s important to create a more streamlined system around our hospitality. This ranges from staffing, bar duties, and clubhouse closing procedures to the preparation of food and drinks. As much as I’d like to implement major improvements in the kitchen to provide even better quality food and drink, it’s crucial to first establish some new internal guidelines. This will benefit us not only during the season but also in seasons to come – when everyone knows what to expect at VCC, it becomes a more enjoyable place for everyone. As mentioned, the focus is on developing a system where everyone knows where they stand. I hope to then shift attention to more practical matters like organizing a number of events. I’ve already organized a pub quiz (as well as film nights, a charity match, barbecues) and improvements to the outdoor bar. The biggest event will be the T20 World Cup Qualifiers from 5 to 11 July. It’s going to be a big and special event.
When is the summer season a success for you – aside from sporting achievements?
I’d be satisfied with my work if our members are happy. I try to ask for a lot of feedback, as we are not a real hospitality venue but a sports club. From my own youth and senior experiences at the club, I know that VCC is a fantastic place to be – it feels like a second home. I want to share that feeling with all our members. More practically, I hope to establish a system that continues to function smoothly even when I’m away in August (traveling).
What and who do you need to move forward with hospitality?
We still need help to keep hospitality running smoothly at VCC. I’ve noticed in recent weeks and months that a smooth hospitality experience at the club doesn’t just depend on me or the staff we employ. Because VCC feels like a second home to many, it’s important we treat it as such. I’ve seen footage of teams hoovering the clubhouse after their matches, of many people who gave their heart and soul on the cleaning day, of volunteers helping prepare the pitch, but also helping with the livestream. VCC is a large organism that only continues to function the way it does because so many people work behind the scenes. That’s why I call on everyone to see VCC’s hospitality in that same way. Every bit of help – from throwing away your rubbish to doing a bar shift to wiping down the tables – contributes to the VCC feeling.
What would you like to say to the parents of youth players?
Regarding parents of youth teams – there is a separate document with all the house rules. Apart from that, I’d like to say that the work you do is incredibly appreciated. From my own experience, I know how great it was as a child to be able to play a match and then enjoy lunch together in the clubhouse. All of this is made possible by the efforts of all the parents, and I want to thank you and encourage you to try to give every child that same experience.
This summer, there are also big events coming up. If you dream big, what do you envision for hospitality?
I know from last year how special it was to witness international matches and other events at VCC. This year, we are organizing the T20 World Cup Qualifiers with great enthusiasm and dedication. It’s a tribute to what’s possible when everyone comes together for the club. This year, catering for the players has already been outsourced, so this gives us more freedom on the hospitality front to be creative with our outdoor bar. We’re working hard with a team and it’s going to be fantastic: we’ll be serving various BBQ dishes, firing up the pizza oven, and on days when Scotland play, we’ll be selling fish & chips. We’ve got snacks, drinks, you name it. I really see the outdoor bar as a hotspot, and I think that with a few additions in terms of food (a good BBQ, our new pizza oven) and drink (cocktails, mocktails), we’ll have a buzzing outdoor bar. During the qualifiers, we’ll also be taking a trolley onto the field for the first time. There are so many possibilities!
What are your real specialties in the kitchen? What can we look forward to at VCC?
I really enjoy fusion cooking. I have Indian and Sri Lankan roots and love spicy food, but I also enjoy European cuisines. In other words, I can appreciate all kinds of food. I think it would be great to offer a wide variety of dishes at the club. Good food brings people together – and VCC is the perfect place where cultures unite.
Finally – is there anything else you’d like to add?
Now that I’ve been coming to VCC for over 10 years, I’m convinced that what makes VCC special is the people who care so much about the club. I’ve visited many clubs in the Netherlands, but I’ve never experienced the same club spirit as I have at VCC. This season, I hope to translate that feeling into improvements in hospitality. Everyone is part of our hospitality. Every gesture – big or small – contributes to the VCC feeling.
