WILLEMSTAD – The Van Straat naar Stadion neighborhood football competition, organized by Fundashon Bicentini, resumed this weekend following the winter break. The first round of matches for 2026 highlighted not only athletic performance, but also team discipline, personal growth and social engagement. Matches played across various neighborhood fields on Curaçao once again showed that the competition is about more than just football.
One of the standout matches of the opening round was the clash between Weto and Mahuma, which ended in a 3–2 victory for Weto. The team started strongly, taking early control of the game with an attacking style and high intensity. Mahuma showed resilience by scoring twice and fighting their way back into the match, but Weto ultimately secured the win. Weto’s striker scored all three goals, although the team emphasized afterward that the victory was the result of collective effort rather than individual performance. Players described the win as one built on confidence and teamwork.
The Van Straat naar Stadion competition places a strong focus on the overall development of young participants. Alongside on-field results, values such as fair play, respect and cooperation are central to the league’s philosophy. A bonus and penalty system actively rewards positive behavior and team responsibility, reinforcing that learning to handle defeat and working together are just as important as winning matches.
According to initiator Remko Bicentini, the restart of the competition demonstrates clear progress among the teams, both athletically and socially. He noted that young players are increasingly coaching one another, holding each other accountable and showing visible growth in discipline and teamwork.
With more matches scheduled in the coming weeks, 2026 is shaping up to be another season in which sport and social development go hand in hand. In neighborhoods across the island, teams are not only competing for points, but also building character, confidence and future prospects through football.