Visit KAA Gent

Buffalo's swap the soccer field for the workplace during a special team-building event

On November 10, 2026, KAA Gent players and staff got a glimpse into daily life at UZ Gent, Hamann, and ArcelorMittal Belgium.

The team-building event gave the players and staff members a unique glimpse into the world beyond soccer. It gave them a better understanding of the people, the hard work, and the dedication required every day to keep local businesses and organizations running.

From hospitals to logistics and the steel industry

The A-team was divided into three groups. Each group spent half a day or a full day visiting a different work environment and experiencing it firsthand.

At ArcelorMittal Belgium, the players gained a unique insight into one of the largest industrial companies and major employers in the Port of Ghent, with a strong international presence. During the tour, they visited, among other things, the continuous casting plant, the “ hot strip mill ,” and the galvanizing lines. The day concluded with an interactive discussion on the role of direct feedback in personal growth and collaboration, during which the soccer world and the industrial sector shared their experiences with one another.

“At ArcelorMittal in Ghent, there are many colleagues who are big fans of KAA Gent. It is therefore particularly nice to welcome the players and staff to our facility and show them just how much craftsmanship, commitment, and teamwork go into our production every day. This exchange works both ways: we can learn from elite athletes just how important ambition, collaboration, and open feedback are to continuously improving as a team.” — Matthias Vandamme, CHR ArcelorMittal Belgium

At Hamann International Logistics, a Structural Partner of KAA Gent, the world of transportation and logistics takes center stage. After a presentation about the company and a tour, the players were introduced to the day-to-day operations of the various departments. The program also included several hands-on activities, allowing them to get a firsthand look at the work behind the logistics processes.

“As a loyal Structural Partner of KAA Gent, we’re pleased to give the players and staff a behind-the-scenes look. Logistics, just like soccer, is all about teamwork, trust, and effective collaboration. We hope they’ll go home with a fresh perspective on our industry.” — Wim Libaers, Managing Director, and Yves Speliers, Operating Director

At UZ Gent, a loyal partner of Blauwwit, the Buffalos got a firsthand look at how the hospital operates. After a presentation about the hospital and a tour of the Princess Elisabeth Children’s Hospital, the players and staff split into pairs and visited various departments. There, they learned about pediatric logistics, kidney dialysis, nuclear medicine, patient care, and operating room logistics, among other things.

“As a hospital, we have strong ties to Ghent and its residents. We are pleased to be partnering with KAA Gent, as this allows us to combine elite sports with top-quality care. It is an asset to continue focusing on initiatives that bring our employees, patients, and fans together.” — Prof. Vermassen

More than just team building

KAA Gent is a soccer club of and for Ghent. Its connection to the city, the region, its businesses, and its residents is an important part of the club’s identity.

With this team-building event, the staff wanted to take the players out of their usual surroundings for a while. It’s an opportunity to meet new people, get to know other sectors, and gain an appreciation for the dedication of the many people who give their all every day.

“We want to take our players out of their comfort zone every now and then. By taking a look behind the scenes at organizations in our own city, they discover how many people and how much collaboration it takes to achieve results every day. We also apply those insights to our own operations.” — Rik De Mil, coach of KAA Gent

Because whether it’s on a soccer field, in a hospital, at a logistics center, or at an industrial site, behind every strong organization are people who, together, make a difference.

KAA Gent would like to thank UZ Gent, Hamann International Logistics, and ArcelorMittal Belgium for their hospitality and for opening their doors to our players and staff.