Interview Wilco van Schaik – N.E.C embraces innovation
In the fast-paced world of football, N.E.C. always aims to stay ahead, especially when it comes to fan experience at Goffertstadion. We spoke with Wilco van Schaik, CEO of N.E.C. Nijmegen, about their bold move to introduce FastID for stadium access starting in early 2024. Wilco shares how FastID's technology is changing the way supporters enter the stadium, the benefits it brings and why he believes it’s shaping the future of the sport.
In the fast-paced world of football, N.E.C. always aims to stay ahead, especially when it comes to fan experience at Goffertstadion. We spoke with Wilco van Schaik, CEO of N.E.C. Nijmegen, about their bold move to introduce FastID for stadium access starting in early 2024. Wilco shares how
FastID’s technology is changing the way supporters enter the stadium, the benefits it brings and why he believes it’s shaping the future of the sport.
Why did N.E.C. choose FastID as their new access solution?
Wilco: “At N.E.C., we were looking for a way to welcome fans efficiently and smoothly into the stadium. Speed and recognition were key. With paper tickets, there’s the risk of them being passed around and the entry process takes longer. When we discovered FastID, we knew it was the perfect fit. It’s fast and easy for supporters, who simply use their own phones. Plus, their personal data stays on their own device.”
How exactly does FastID work for supporters?
“It’s really simple. Fans go through an ID check beforehand, which puts their ticket right on their phone. Since their identity is confirmed, they can enter the stadium using facial recognition or a QR code if they prefer. Just a quick look into the camera and they’re in. People are genuinely amazed at how quick and seamless the process is.”
What are the main benefits of FastID for N.E.C. and the fans?
“The biggest one is speed. Fans get in much faster, creating a great mix of hospitality and efficiency. We also know exactly who’s in the stadium, which improves safety. And again, the data stays with the supporter, it’s not shared.”
What are your expectations for the future of technologies like FastID in football?
“I truly believe this technology has a future in football. I expect that in a few years, most clubs will adopt it—especially as government regulations may start requiring more control over who enters stadiums, given ongoing issues in Dutch football. If you combine that oversight with the speed and hospitality we’ve found with FastID, you’ve got the perfect mix for the future. We’re proud to be one of the first clubs to bring this innovation into our stadium.”
In a world where we rely on digital services every day, protecting your online & digital identity has never been more important. Traditional passwords are no longer enough and central databases remain prime targets for cyberattacks. FastID offers a smarter, safer alternative by keeping your identity data only on your phone: fully under your control. With biometric authentication, no passwords and no vulnerable central storage, FastID delivers a fast, secure and privacy‑first way to verify who you are online.
Digital identity is evolving rapidly and becoming central to how organizations manage access, verification, and user data. With developments like the European Digital Identity Wallet, individuals are gaining more control over their personal information, while digital identity is set to become a standard across both physical and online services. FastID plays an active role in this shift by enabling secure, unified access management across systems, locations and users.
A new era of digital identity is coming to Europe. The EUDI Wallet will give citizens full control over their data and access to services across borders by 2027. FastID is actively building the secure and inclusive foundation behind it.
