Naadam Festival - Mongolia
Cultural and sports immersion: wrestling, archery, horse racing.
July 10–12 · 2026
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Sport. Culture. Travel.
About the project
Beyond the pitch delivers immersive, affordable sports and culture travel experiences worldwide.
From Football in South America, to Gaelic Football & Hurling in Ireland, and Mongolian Wrestling - we explore authentic global sports cultures.
Live sports, cultural discovery, and storytelling merge to create shared human experiences.
Our Community
Join sports lovers who explore the world through the eyes of local fans, players, and neighbourhoods.
Experiences
Local Match Access
Exclusive access to Football, Gaelic Football, and more - guided by locals for a true matchday experience.
Sport × Culture
Blend food, music and sport into one unforgettable journey celebrating local passion.
The Full Journey
All-inclusive travel packages for small groups: accommodation and curated experiences tailored.
Join the community
Join our community
Engage with sportfans worldwide through unique travel and storytelling experiences.
Immersive adventures
Curated journeys mixing sport, travel and culture.
Celebrate diversity
Highlight local culture, heritage and inclusion in every experience.
Meet the Founders
Marc van der Werf
I’m Marc, the founder of Beyond the Pitch. Born and based in the Netherlands, I’ve built my career in tourism, working on global projects for some of the world’s largest airlines and leading international ground-transportation initiatives across the world. Along the way, I discovered something meaningful: sport is far more than entertainment — it’s a universal language that connects people, cultures, and communities.
With a degree in Sports Marketing and a lifelong passion for exploring new cultures through food, language, and local experiences, I felt inspired to create a platform that brings all these elements together. That idea grew into Beyond the Pitch.
Martijn
My name is Martijn, and football has been at the center of my life for as long as I can remember. I played professionally for around ten years, starting in the academy of PSV Eindhoven and later continuing my career across several first- and second-division clubs in the Netherlands. Today, I’m still active at the third level of Dutch football.
After stepping away from the highest professional level, I felt a strong desire to share what football has given me: the energy of performing for a crowd, the joy of entertaining people, and the unique connection that sport creates between players and fans. Combined with my passion for discovering new cultures, Beyond the Pitch gives me the perfect opportunity to bring these worlds together.
FAQ
Who can join?
Anyone passionate about sports and culture! Our journeys welcome solo travelers, couples, and small groups who want authentic experiences beyond typical tourism.
What's included?
All trips include match tickets and local expert guides who bring the culture to life. Other inclusions (accommodation, meals, activities) depend on the destination and package.
How much does it cost?
Prices vary by destination and trip length. All costs are transparent and shared upfront - no hidden fees. Contact us for specific pricing.