Scoring Together: A Look Back at the 2026 Sander Boschker Tournament.

A tournament that’s all about teamwork, not winning.

Sander Boschker is a club legend. Anyone who has seen him play knows that he was more than just a good goalkeeper. He embodied a sense of connection to the club, to the city, and to the people around him. It is no coincidence that this tournament bears his name. The Sander Boschker Tournament is an annual soccer afternoon where players from FC Twente, residents of De Twentse Zorgcentra, and members of Scoren in de Wijk take the field together. Organized by the GOAL Foundation, an initiative that works year-round to bring sports and people with disabilities together. Sander himself was there again this time, just like always. No master of ceremonies, no speech from a podium, just out on the field among everyone else. Exactly what it’s always been about for him.

A big party.

Due to the rainy weather, the tournament was moved indoors to the gym. Setting up benches, hanging up streamers, welcoming residents. The team from Scoren in de wijk, Recreatie DTZC, and we at Cube, as the “strikers” of GOAL, helped make it a celebration indoors as well.

And then they came in the FC Twente players. They were a bit awkward at first, but as soon as the teams were divided into all the colors of the rainbow, everyone was laughing. The theme of this edition was “The Supporters,” with team names inspired by the fans who fill the stadium with color at every match: FC Anjagers, FC Herrieskuppers, FC Trommeldeers, FC Vlaggenzwaeiers, and FC Spandookspuiters. Fitting names, because the celebration was as if the stands had moved indoors.

It was as if the Champions League were at stake.

On Team Green: Jan as the starting goalkeeper, with Stav Lemkin as his backup. A duo that really made their presence felt. On Team Yellow, enthusiastic players ran practically the entire length of the gym after every goal (with FC Twente players chasing after them), as if they’d just won the World Cup final. On other teams: enthusiastic girls giving it their all, shy players slowly loosening up, and here and there someone who’d rather catch the ball than kick it. All equally good. Led by FC Twente talents in each team, everyone felt for a moment as if it were the Champions League. In the end, FC de Ball'njon'gs walked away with the win. After that? Hugs, dancing, photos, and a conga line.

A local charity: The GOAL Foundation.

The fact that this tournament takes place every year is thanks to the work of Stichting GOAL. They bring sports and people with disabilities together, not just on this afternoon but throughout the year. We support GOAL because we believe in what they stand for. A local charity that makes a tangible difference in the lives of people in our region.

We are also the digital partner of FC Twente, where we’re working on the club’s digital landscape. Two distinct areas of focus that came together beautifully this afternoon. Cube was born and raised in Twente, and if there’s one place where soccer is in the air, it’s here. The fact that an initiative like this also serves a social purpose makes it easy for us to say yes wholeheartedly. Not because we have to, but because it’s the right fit.

One uniform, one afternoon, together on the field.

For owner Job (who was also one of our coaches that afternoon), it was a proud moment: all the FC Twente players, all the residents, and all the teams in the gym wearing Cube shirts in various colors. There was no difference between star and fan. One uniform, one afternoon, together on the field.  Along the way, conversations also arose with players, actually one of the best bonuses of the day. They got to know us better and gained insight into who is behind the digital landscape that keeps their club running smoothly. We saw the talent behind the entire FC Twente ecosystem. And although they probably don’t see much of the software development behind the scenes, we can safely assume they’re avid users of the FC Twente app ;).

One last Sander Boschker tournament for Ricky.

For Ricky van Wolfswinkel, this was his final Sander Boschker Tournament. Earlier that week, he announced his retirement. Ricky is the kind of person who always gives it his all at moments like this. He’s always in good spirits, always cracking a joke, always working to make it a celebration. Exactly what this tournament needs, and exactly how he came across on the court. 

And on Sunday, that winning streak continued.

For the fans among us: there’s this sort of unspoken tradition that FC Twente always wins after the Sander Boschker Tournament. Folklore or pattern, it doesn’t matter. Last Sunday against Sparta, it certainly held true again. Twente won. And Cube was once again featured in the stadium as the match sponsor. Scoring twice together in one week.

The Sander Boschker Tournament isn’t about the biggest spectacles or the most compelling stories. It’s simply a wonderful initiative that takes place year after year, in a place where soccer and community come together. An afternoon filled with smiling faces, won matches, and celebrated goals. That’s exactly what it’s all about.