PEC Zwolle

Founding and Early Years

PEC Zwolle was born on 12 June 1910 from the merger of two clubs in the city, Prins Hendrik and Ende Desespereert Nimmer ("And Never Despair"), giving the club its PEC acronym. The original club went bankrupt in 1990, was refounded as FC Zwolle, before reclaiming its historic name in 2012.

Club Evolution

Nicknamed "Blauwvingers" (Bluefingers), a traditional nickname for Zwolle residents whose origin remains uncertain, the club plays at MAC³PARK Stadion, with a capacity of 14,000.

Great Managers

Ron Jans (2013-2017) remains the most significant coach in club history, winning PEC's only-ever KNVB Cup in 2014 (5-1 over Ajax) and the Johan Cruyff Shield the same year, before leading the club into the 2015-16 Europa League play-offs.

Iconic Players

Jaap Stam, a future mainstay of Ajax, PSV, Manchester United and the Netherlands, came through the club's ranks, alongside historic goalkeeper Piet Schrijvers.

Major Achievements

PEC Zwolle won their only KNVB Cup in 2014, along with three second-division titles (1977-78, 2001-02, 2011-12), and reached the 2015-16 Europa League play-offs, a rare continental run for a club of their size.

The Club Today

Coached by Henry van der Vegt, promoted into the role for his first head-coaching experience, PEC Zwolle finished 15th in the 2025-26 championship and stayed up in the Eredivisie.