Marten Glotzbach is a Dutch football coach, educator, and mentor who has built a career combining his passions for youth development, sports, and academics. Although perhaps best known to many as the husband of Sarina Wiegman (head coach of the England Women’s National Football Team), Marten has his own distinct path: from youth football coaching roles, teachinFg economics, to more recent leadership in women’s football. This article offers a detailed look at his background, career milestones, personal life, and contributions to football and education.
Early Life, Nationality, and Background
- Nationality & Origin: Marten Glotzbach is of German descent, though much of his professional life has been in the Netherlands.
- Age / Year of Birth: He is approximately in his mid‑50s (born in 1969 based on multiple sources) which would make him about 55‑56 years old in 2025.
Exact details of his childhood (family parents, early schooling) are relatively private or not broadly published. What is clear is that his early interests combined both football and academic or economic studies.
Education & Academic Pursuits
- Marten studied marketing & commerce earlier in his career. Some sources say he earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing & commerce around 1994.
- Later, he furthered his education in economics or related studies. For example, in 2006 he is reported to have done additional studies (or certification) related to economics.
- He also holds coaching licenses and appropriate credentials to coach youth and met requirements common among Dutch coaches. While exact levels (UEFA A/B, etc.) are not always confirmed by all sources, his long involvement in youth and club coaching indicate solid formal coaching training.
Early Coaching & Youth Football Work
Marten’s coaching journey is long and rooted in youth and amateur football clubs in the Netherlands:
- He played in his early years at HBS (Den Haag). At a young age, he joined HBS, went through youth selections, and made his debut in their first team around his late teens.
- After that, he held coaching roles at various clubs: Quick, GDA, JAC, SVV Scheveningen, Westlandia, Sportclub Monster, among others. In many of these roles he was involved with youth teams or as head coach of lower‑division / amateur sides.
- At some point, he returned to HBS as part of technical staff where he became assistant coach to Ekrem Kahya. His role at HBS also included youth coordination, emphasizing his strength in talent development.
Role at ADO Den Haag & Women’s Football
One of the more prominent recent phases of his career has been with ADO Den Haag, especially in its women’s football program.
- Since around the 2018‑2019 season, Marten has been active with ADO Den Haag’s youth women teams, specifically MO16 (Under‑16 girls) and MO17 (Under‑17 girls). Through these roles he contributed to developing young female players.
- In December 2024, he was appointed as the head coach of ADO Den Haag Women’s senior team. The contract is set through mid‑2026. This represents a step up from youth coaching to senior women’s football
- His intimate familiarity with the club, having worked with many of the players during their youth development, is seen as an asset in this transition. He is viewed as someone who already understands the club’s culture, style, and priorities.
Dual Career Teacher & Mentor
- Aside from his coaching, Marten has long worked in education. He serves (or has served) as an economics teacher at Segbroek College in The Hague
- His role as teacher is not simply a “day job” but is intertwined with his coaching: he has been involved in running football schools or youth programs connected with educational institutions. This blending of sports and academics appears central to his ethos.
Personal Life & Family
- Marten Glotzbach is married to Sarina Wiegman, a highly successful women’s football coach. Wiegman has held top roles, including coaching the Netherlands Women’s National Team and then the England Women’s National Team.
- They have two daughters, Sacha and Lauren. The family is relatively private; their personal lives are not frequently exposed in the media.
- Through interviews it is clear that Sarina sees Marten as a major support, both professionally and personally. Marten has downplayed or kept out of limelight but his stability and experience are described as important for family balance.
Coaching Philosophy & Style
Based on public statements, interviews, and his work history, some elements of Glotzbach’s approach to coaching and leadership stand out:
- Player Development First: Marten emphasizes not just winning but growth. Youth players’ long‑term progress, both in skills and mentality, seems central to how he approaches coaching.
- Continuity and Familiarity: Because many of the senior women players at ADO Den Haag are ones he coached in younger age groups, there is continuity. That helps in team culture, understanding, style of play.
- Balancing Human Aspect: In statements, he notes importance of treating players as people, caring about their happiness, not only performance. This is seen in his comments about wanting the team members to feel good, happy with their roles.
- Professionalism and Integrity: Given that some players he coached in youth are now in the first team, decisions have to be made in fairness; for example, when family relations overlap (his daughter is part of the squad), he has stated that he will always make decisions in the interest of the team.
Recent Appointments & Current Role as of 2025
- As already noted, December 2024 is a major turning point: promotion to head coach of ADO Den Haag Women’s senior team. His contract is through mid‑2026.
- He continues to operate with responsibilities for team development, tactical work, match preparation, and team culture in the senior women’s squad. This role represents a full‑time commitment toward professional women’s football.
Challenges & Notable Moments
- One challenge is moving from youth coaching to senior level, which involves greater scrutiny, higher stakes, media attention, and differing demands (fitness, competition, results).
- Another is balancing his teaching role (economics at Segbroek College) with coaching responsibilities. Reports suggest that during transitions, he has managed both, but the senior coaching role may demand more time.
- Working at a club where many players are from his youth squads — while positive — also comes with expectations, especially in seeing results.
Public Profile, Recognition & Media
- Marten Glotzbach is not always in media headlines, especially compared to his wife. However, new appointments (head coach role) have led to more press coverage.
- Interviews in Dutch media have emphasized his supportive role in the domestic women’s game, his connection to players, professionalism, and solid knowledge of the club. His voice is particularly heard in contexts of women’s football development, youth training, and education.
Known Uncertainties & Areas with Less Public Information
- Exact details of early life (place of birth, parents, childhood) are sparing in reputable sources.
- Some sources conflict or exaggerate: for example, a few sites give ambiguous or erroneous information about his nationality or early education. It’s always good to cross‑check.
- Net worth, salary details are not reliably reported. Some tabloids or blog‑type outlets speculate, but these should be treated cautiously.
Why Marten Glotzbach’s Story Matters
- Contribution to Women’s Football: With increasing attention on women’s football in Europe, coaches who work at youth and senior levels are crucial. Marten’s long involvement with youth female players provides continuity and helps build strength in the sport.
- Model of Dual Career: Combining teaching with coaching shows that it is possible to have dual impact — education and sports — rather than specializing solely in one. This model can be inspiring for others in football or education sectors.
- Supportive Partnership: His relationship with Sarina Wiegman is often cited as an example of partnership where both individuals pursue demanding careers, but support each other. That dynamic resonates in media and among those interested in sports families.
Summary & Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Marten Glotzbach |
| Born | ~1969, of German descent; currently ~55‑56 (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | German / living & working in Netherlands |
| Professions | Football coach, youth development, economics teacher |
| Major Roles | Youth coach in various Dutch clubs; teacher at Segbroek College; Head Coach of ADO Den Haag Women (appointed Dec 2024) |
| Education | Marketing & Commerce; Studies in Economics; formal coaching credentials |
| Spouse | Sarina Wiegman |
| Children | Two daughters: Sacha and Lauren |
| Coaching Style | Emphasis on development, player welfare, team culture, long‑term growth |
| Current focus | Leading senior women’s team at ADO Den Haag; balancing education & coaching; contributing to women’s football growth |
Conclusion
Marten Glotzbach’s life and career showcase a blend of dedication, humility, and expertise. While many might recognize him through his association with Sarina Wiegman, his own contributions — in youth coaching, education, and now leadership in senior women’s football — are significant. He represents a bridge between classroom and pitch, youth development and competitive sport, and personal life and professional commitment.
As the women’s game continues to grow in profile and competitiveness, figures like Glotzbach, who bring experience, character, and long‑term vision, are likely to become more visible and appreciated. Whether through the players he mentors, impact in his club, or the balance he maintains in life, Marten Glotzbach’s story is one that matters — for football, for education, and for those who believe in quieter, impactful leadership.
