Niels Hartman

Niels Hartman

Personal information
Full name	Niels Mark Pieter Hartman
Date of birth	(2001-01-17) 17 January 2001 (age 23)
Place of birth	Schoonhoven, Netherlands
Height	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Position(s)	Defensive midfielder, centre-back
Team information
Current team	Vermont Catamounts
Number	8
Youth career
2010–2013	Unión Estepona
2013	San Roque
2013–2017	Taraguilla
2017–2020	Algeciras
College career
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2023–	Vermont Catamounts	40	(2)
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2020–2021	Loughborough University	2	(0)
2021	Lynx	2	(0)
2021	HSC	5	(0)
2021–2022	Lynx	3	(0)
2022–2023	Loughborough Students	20	(3)
2024	Ventura County Fusion	0	(0)
International career‡
2023–	Gibraltar	7	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 16 December 2024 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 26 March 2024

Niels Mark Pieter Hartman (born 17 January 2001) is a footballer who plays as a defender or midfielder for Vermont Catamounts. Born in the Netherlands, he represents Gibraltar at international level. ^{[1] [2]}

Club career

Having moved to Gibraltar as a child due to his parents relocating for work, Hartman spent his youth playing at a number of Spanish youth teams, most notably Unión Estepona and Algeciras. ^{[3] [4]} In 2020 he moved to the United Kingdom to study mechanical engineering at Loughborough University, where he also played for their football team, however, the COVID-19 pandemic caused him to pause his studies and return to Gibraltar. ^[5] Upon his return, he completed the 2020–21 season at Lynx, before spending six months on an internship in the Netherlands, during which time he spent three months in the summer playing for local side VV HSC Sappemeer. ^[6] In October 2021, he returned to Lynx for the start of the 2021–22 season.

Upon the resumption of his studies, he re-joined Loughborough Students in summer 2022. After 3 goals in 20 appearances during a league campaign which saw the Scholars finish 3rd in the United Counties League Premier North, ^[7] he moved to the United States to play college soccer for the University of Vermont's side Vermont Catamounts. He played 20 games in his first season, scoring once.

In May 2024 he moved across the States to California to join USL League Two side Ventura County Fusion on a short term deal during the NCAA off-season, but did not make an appearance before returning to Vermont to complete his studies. ^[8] In his second season with Vermont, he played another 20 games, scoring once as the Catamounts won the NCAA College Championship for the first time in their history.

International career

Born in the Netherlands and raised in Gibraltar, Hartman was eligible to represent Gibraltar or the Netherlands. Upon receiving his British Overseas Territory passport, he made his international debut for Gibraltar against his birth country on 27 March 2023, appearing as a late substitute in a 3–0 defeat at De Kuip, just 30 kilometres away from his place of birth. ^[9]

Career statistics

International

As of 26 March 2024

Gibraltar
Year	Apps	Goals
2023	5	0
2024	2	0
Total	7	0

Honours

Vermont Catamounts

• America East Championship: 2024
• NCAA Division I Championship: 2024

Personal life

His sister, Iris, plays for the Gibraltar national netball team. ^[10]

References

1. "Wie is Niels Hartman, de Nederlander die tegen Oranje kan debuteren bij Gibraltar?" (in Dutch). sportnieuws.nl. 26 March 2023. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
2. "Deze Nederlander kan debuteren tégen Oranje: 'Misschien shirtje ruilen zonder dat van mij te geven'". ad.nl (Archived).
3. "Niels Hartman (22), met een opa en oma in Groningen, staat maandag als international van Gibraltar tegenover Oranje. 'Ik realiseer me nog niet goed wat ik allemaal meemaak'" (in Dutch). dvhn.nl. 26 March 2023. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
4. Niels Hartman LaPreferente. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
5. "Hartman staat met Gibraltar voor droomdebuut in De Kuip: 'Zing beide volksliederen mee'" (in Dutch). nos.nl. 26 March 2023. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
6. "Oud-HSC'er Niels Hartman voetbalt maandag met Gibraltar tegen Oranje: 'Het is echt een jongensdroom'" (in Dutch). rtvnoord.nl. 26 March 2023. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
7. Loughborough Students 2022–23 FA Full-Time. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
8. Thrilled to announce the first round of new signings from the NCAA Division 1 powerhouse Vermont University! Ventura County Fusion. 3 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
9. Netherlands vs Gibraltar UEFA.com. 27 March 2023. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
10. Niels Hartman – Men's Soccer University of Vermont Athletics. Retrieved 31 July 2023.

External links

• Niels Hartman at WorldFootball.net
• Niels Hartman at Gibraltar Football Association