Isa (19) aims to make her mark at NAC Women after Belgian adventure: “There wasn’t really a place for me.”
NAC Women are on a roll. The Breda side boast a deep and high-quality squad, meaning there was little need for reinforcements during the winter break. Until Isa Warps (19) came knocking on the door of the Rat Verlegh Stadium.
“In the end, they still felt that I could make a certain contribution to the team,” she says.
Two years ago, Warps was still playing football with boys at Nuenen.
“But physically, I couldn’t keep up anymore, so I had to move to a women’s team,” she explains.
Scout Toon van Griensven noticed the attacking midfielder’s potential.
“He thought I had talent and brought me to Genk Ladies.”
Isa Warps is de nieuwe aanwinst van NAC Vrouwen. © Joris Knapen / Pix4Profs
A strong start in Belgium
Her adventure in Belgium began promisingly. Warps impressed with the reserve team and regularly came off the bench for the first team in the Belgian Super League last season.
“I always trained with the first team. But just when I had worked my way up, I started struggling with some injuries.”
Little feedback
During pre-season this year, Warps got a few more chances and left a good impression.
“But suddenly I was constantly sent back to the reserve team. Even my teammates didn’t understand it. I received very little feedback.”
Gradually, she was pushed towards the exit.
“Something unpleasant happened after that, which made things a bit difficult for me for a while. I fell behind again and basically had no future prospects left at Genk. I could have stayed to finish the season, but I wouldn’t have learned anything from that. Still, it was a great experience in Belgium — I learned a lot.”
Back to the Netherlands
This winter, Warps decided to contact Van Griensven again, who reconnected her with NAC.
“At first, NAC told me they already had enough players, especially in the positions I can play — number ten or on the wing.”
Shortly before the transfer window closed, NAC changed its mind, and Warps signed a contract until the end of the season.
“They still believe I can contribute something to the team.”
With her international experience, Warps adds something unique to NAC’s squad. She did, however, need a bit of time to settle in.
“I picked up two minor injuries — to my knee and foot. As a new player, it’s tough to be stuck in the gym instead of training on the pitch. But now I’m fully fit again, and I hope it stays that way,” she laughs.
“My first impressions are really good. NAC is a club where you can develop very well, surrounded by great players.”
Waiting for her debut
While waiting for her debut, Warps hopes to become an even more complete player at NAC.
“I’m technical and like through balls and deep runs. With my height (1.78 meters), I also have some physical strength. Tactically, I still want to improve. I hope the coach can help me with that and give me feedback when I get minutes.”
“NAC told me I have to prove myself so that the coach can’t look past me. The competition is strong, but I see that as a great challenge,”
says Isa Warps, NAC Women’s midfielder.
