AZ Alkmaar has signed young defender Timme Elffers until mid-2028. The 17-year-old Elffers completed the entire youth development of the club. "It feels great. I'm super happy", Elffers reacted to the signing of his first contract. "I've naturally completed the entire youth development. I'm happy to receive the trust from the club and to experience this beautiful moment." The defender looks back with great pleasure on his years in the youth development. "That's been a long time ago, but when I think back, I immediately smile. It has really brought me a lot." The development of Elffers did not go without obstacles. Just the difficult moments have shaped him into the player he is now. "It's been a rollercoaster", he says. "In Under 14, I ended up on the bench and also in Under 15 and Under 16, I played less. That was a tough period. In Under 17, I got dispensation and could play in a lower team. From that moment on, my development really went up and I made big steps." That's also what Head of Youth Development Paul Brandenburg sees. "Timme has developed strongly over the past few years as a central defender. He is technically skilled and has a good insight into both defending and attacking. The potential we always saw in him is coming out more and more. I expect there to be even more in it." Where Elffers played in midfield in his younger years, he has now found his place behind. According to Brandenburg, the position of central defender has brought his qualities even better to the fore. "He has developed mainly in making the position his own within our playing style and player profiles", Brandenburg says. "In addition, he has become stronger and more powerful, takes more initiative and plays with more confidence." Elffers also knows well what his strong points are. "I think I'm an intelligent and dominant player, with a lot of footballing ability." With his first contract in hand, the defender is looking to the next steps within the club. "My goal is to continue this upward trend", Elffers says. "I want to play as much as possible in Under 19 and hopefully be active in the UEFA Youth League. Then I want to make the step to Jong AZ and eventually make minutes in the first team." Brandenburg has confidence in this development. "Timme is a calm young man with a beautiful personality. He takes the top sport seriously, works hard and is always positive. These are characteristics that are important to continue to develop yourself."