Marten Glotzbach is a prominent figure in Dutch football coaching and youth development, best known for his deep involvement with ADO Den Haag Women and its youth academy. His career combines passion for football, education, mentoring, and a steady progression through various coaching roles. Below is an in‑depth look at his background, major achievements, and what sets him apart in the field.
Early Life and Entry into Coaching
Although public information about Marten Glotzbach’s early life is limited, several core aspects are well documented:
- Glotzbach has been involved in local football in the Netherlands for many years, particularly in The Hague region.
- His foundations were in youth coaching working with junior teams and academies where he developed his philosophy of combining player development with personal growth.
- Alongside coaching, he has balanced other commitments, notably in education and local club volunteer or semi‑professional roles.
Coaching Roles and Career Progression
Glotzbach’s career shows a gradual but steady climb, with increasing levels of responsibility. Key posts include:
- Sportclub Monster (2012‑2013)
- In the 2012‑13 season, Marten Glotzbach was appointed head coach at Sportclub Monster, a newly formed club resulting from a merger of SV Polanen and VV Monster.
- His task was ambitious: combining two squads, creating cohesion, and raising the performance norm in a newly merged entity.
- Work with Westlandia, HBS, and local clubs
- Prior to and alongside his roles in youth development, Marten held various positions at local amateur / semi‑amateur clubs (including Westlandia). His time with HBS is particularly notable: he was assistant coach for the first team. However, scheduling conflicts led to him stepping down from that role.
- Long‑Term Involvement with ADO Den Haag Youth Teams
- Since the 2018‑19 season, Marten Glotzbach has been part of the youth setup at ADO Den Haag, first responsible for the MO16 (girls’ under‑16) team, then the MO17 (under‑17) team.
- In those roles he was instrumental in player development, helping numerous youth players progress through the ranks. He built strong relationships with female players already in the youth system and understood the club’s playing philosophy well.
- Head Coach of ADO Den Haag Women (First Team)
- A major milestone came in December 2024, when Marten Glotzbach was appointed as head coach of the Women’s first team at ADO Den Haag, a contract running until mid‑2026.
- His promotion from MO17 coach to senior head coach reflects recognition of his competence, familiarity with the club’s player pool, and ability to bridge youth and senior levels.
Achievements & Impact
While Marten Glotzbach may not have a record full of trophies (as often measured in men’s pro football), his achievements lie in development, culture, and longevity. Some highlights:
Youth Development & Producing Talent
- During his time as youth coach (MO17), he worked with many young players now in or moving toward the senior women’s setup. Because he was already familiar with their style, temperament, and capabilities, he was able to integrate or promote these talents with fewer adjustment problems.
- Twelve players who had worked with him in youth have been part of the senior squad attesting to both his developmental success and the continuity he provides.
Instilling Club DNA and Culture
- Glotzbach’s long association with ADO Den Haag’s youth program means that he deeply understands the values, playing style, and expectations of the club. This continuity helps reduce friction when transitioning from youth to senior teams.
- He is praised for combining “prestatiecultuur” (performance culture) with “het menselijke aspect” (the human aspect) meaning he values both results and the individual well‑being of players.
Professional Recognition & Promotions
- The appointment as head coach of ADO Den Haag Women’s First Team is itself a significant recognition. Moving from youth levels to senior level is a big leap in responsibility: managing more experienced players, higher expectations, media attention, and competition.
- His contract till mid‑2026 provides stability and indicates the club’s trust in his vision and ability.
Balancing Multiple Coaching Commitments
- At one time, he was also assistant trainer at HBS’s first team while handling youth coaching duties at ADO Den Haag. The logistical challenges of this dual role became significant, particularly after changes to match‑schedules. Eventually, he chose to step away from HBS to focus on ADO Den Haag and youth work. This decision reflects both his commitment and also careful prioritization.
Challenges & Responses
Any coach who works in youth and moves up to senior level faces challenges. Marten Glotzbach’s career shows how he’s navigated them:
- Time and scheduling conflicts: As noted, balancing commitments (youth teams, adult amateur teams) can become overwhelming. His decision to leave some roles shows an ability to recognize limits and focus on where he can make the most impact.
- Transitioning youth players to senior environment: The jump from youth football to senior level (in the women’s league) involves higher physical demands, psychological pressure, experience, and tactical complexity. By having worked closely with players from their youth, he mitigates many transition issues.
- Building culture while maintaining performance: Many clubs focus only on winning; youth systems may emphasize development over results. Marten Glotzbach’s approach attempts to balance both: raise competitive standards while not sacrificing learning, personal development, and teamwork. This sort of balance is hard to achieve but seems to be a core part of his philosophy.
Philosophy, Style & What Sets Him Apart
From what’s publicly known, several traits distinguish Marten Glotzbach in his field:
- Emphasis on human approach: Recognizing that players are not just performers but individuals with needs, goals, and backgrounds. He’s cited as someone who maintains a human side in his coaching.
- Long‑term development over short‑term success: Focusing on youth, skill building, and gradual improvement rather than just chasing immediate results.
- Understanding of the club’s identity (“DNA”): Because he has been within the same club (ADO Den Haag) for several years in different roles, he has intimate knowledge of what the club stands for, how it wants to play, and what culture it wants to maintain. That helps with cohesion between age groups and senior team.
- Adaptability and commitment: Whether stepping up to new roles (from MO16 to MO17 to senior team) or making tough choices about which roles to continue (e.g. leaving HBS assistance role), he shows calculated adaptability.
Recent Moves & Current Role
- In August 2025, Marten Glotzbach officially became the head coach of ADO Den Haag Women’s first team, taking over from Stephan Vos. His contract extends until mid‑2026.
- He has already begun preparations for the team, including leading them into matches, managing training schedules, integrating youth former protégés into the senior squad, and shaping the team’s style.
Legacy and Influence
While his name may not yet be as globally well known as some high‑profile coaches, Marten Glotzbach’s influence is significant in several respects:
- He is a model for coaches who wish to build from the grassroots and youth systems rather than jump into senior roles without that foundation.
- His focus on player welfare, development, and club culture makes him part of the newer generation of coaches who value more than just wins: shaping people, teams, and sustainable success.
- For many young female players in The Netherlands, someone like Marten Glotzbach who has helped them grow from youth to senior levels, within the same club, provides inspirational continuity.
What to Watch For in Coming Years
Given his trajectory, some potential future highlights and areas to track:
- Team performance under his leadership: How ADO Den Haag Women perform in national competitions (win‑loss record, league positioning, cup runs) will be key to measuring his performance at senior level.
- Promotion of more youth players: Will more MO17 or MO16 players make seamless transitions to senior squads? Success in this would reinforce his credentials as a developer of talent.
- Long‑term contract extensions: If the club continues to trust him beyond 2026, it would suggest that his approach is working and that the management believes in continuity.
- Impact beyond club level: Possibly roles in national youth teams, or as a mentor/trainer for coaches, given his experience.
Summary
Marten Glotzbach’s career is marked less by high‑profile titles and more by consistent, foundational work in youth development, education, and bridging youth and senior women’s football. His achievements include:
- Building strong youth systems at ADO Den Haag
- Producing players who progress to senior level
- Taking over the senior women’s head coach role, reflecting recognition and trust
- Balancing multiple roles, and making strategic choices for where he can contribute best
He demonstrates that success in football coaching isn’t always about big trophies it’s about development, culture, longevity, and steady improvement.
