Soccer Team Signs One-Year-Old After Audition Goes Viral
Maybe you're one of the three-plus million folks who saw Baerke van der Meij putting away his toys with some well-placed boots. Adorable, right? Dutch Eredivise side VVV saw it too, and saw a future strike.
They've signed young Baerke to a long-term deal, and invited him to the arena for a training session.
"The toddler's favourite position has not yet been determined. However, we can speak of a right-footed player with a very good kicking technique, perseverance and, importantly: football genes via his grandfather (a former professional soccer player)," said a VVV Venlo press release.
The contract is only symbolic and a nice little gesture, and it expires when he's 11 year old — right around the age that most of us started to grasp that we were never going to be pro athletes.
D utch footballer signed to professional contract - aged one [Telegraph]
2026 Home Run Derby Props: Three Best Bets for Monday Night
Ranking Three No. 2 Wide Receivers Better Than Stefon Diggs
Why MLB's Move of the Home Run Derby to Netflix Hurts Fans
Conor McGregor Lets UFC Momentum Slip Away at UFC 329
Why the Trail Blazers’ Ja Morant Gamble Could Pay Off
- UFC 329 predictions: Best bets for Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway
- Spain vs. Belgium Best Bets: Three Picks for Friday's World Cup Quarterfinal
- MLB Picks Today: Jack Flaherty, Aaron Nola Strikeout Props for Phillies vs. Tigers
- France vs. Morocco Best Bets: Top Picks for World Cup Quarterfinal Clash
- Big 12 Sleeper Picks: Three Teams That Could Win the Conference in 2026
- Scottish Open Predictions: Top Bets, Longshots and First-Round Picks
- MLB Picks for Today: Why the Marlins and Yankees Offer Betting Value

