To Youth Fund Local contact point Robert Horstink: low threshold for contact works page

Local contact person Robert Horstink: low threshold for contact works | 29 May 2019

Local contact person Robert Horstink: low threshold for contact works

"Sport is more than just a good workout. It's the key to integration and participation. That's why I think it's so important that every child has access to sports." Former international volleyball player Robert Horstink is the Sports & Exercise ambassador for the municipality of Voorst and the local contact person and intermediary for the Gelderland Youth Fund for Sports & Culture (JFSC). He tries to make it as easy as possible for parents to ask for help. "It could happen to you or me too."

Whatsapp works
When I started in Voorst, I went crazy doing PR for the JSF to help more children. I spread the word everywhere, reached out to clubs and schools, and contacted local newspapers. We also set up a WhatsApp number where people can ask questions. It works really well, and I would definitely recommend other local contact points. Sending a WhatsApp message is much easier than approaching someone.

Well-known face in the sports world
What also helps is that Robert, because of his job, visits schools a lot and is involved in sports activities. "That means people don't automatically associate me with debt and financial arrangements. You can talk to me for all sorts of reasons." His fame as a former international volleyball player also plays a role, of course. "I don't explicitly use it, but it does open doors. As part of the PR campaign, I visited primary schools with ambassador and former speed skater Stefan Groothuis. Our idea was to inform the school administrators about the possibilities and how easily they can involve us. At the very first school, the principal asked if we would also visit the upper grades. 'Because we don't often have two former Olympians at school!' After that initial improvisation, we've become very comfortable working together. In class, we explain what sports mean to us and how important it is to the municipality that all children can participate in sports."

Let the story be told
Parents often dread contacting the JFSC. "They hesitate for a long time and sometimes only come forward after others have convinced them. And even then, only because it's about the children, and they want to give them the best, despite the situation." Understanding, patience, and trust are therefore key for intermediaries, says Robert. "First, sit back and let people tell their story. Then the information you need for the application form will come naturally. And it takes a load off the applicant's shoulders."

Relationship with sports clubs is important
As a local point of contact, Robert also focuses on the receiving end: the sports clubs. “You have to maintain a good relationship with them. Especially for large clubs that use direct debit, the process through the JFSC is quite complex. And the treasurer is also a volunteer. I try to think along with them as much as possible and provide feedback. The reverse also happens: sports providers will help us out if the maximum amount isn't sufficient, for example. And I can always offer children a free trial lesson. This prevents the entire application from being finalized, only to find out later that the child doesn't enjoy the sport after all.”

Continually improving
Now that the JFSC's reputation is growing thanks to his own efforts, more intermediaries are actually needed in Voorst. "We were doing everything ourselves, but we need to let go of that. It's good to be able to consult with JFSC, for example, about accurate application overviews. The team is happy to think along with us about improvements. It's also great that they process the applications so quickly; sometimes we can approve them the same day." A key goal for the future is to expand into cultural activities, both in terms of budget and staffing. "Ideally with our own local contact person, because I don't know enough about cultural activities, and a familiar face works best." He can certainly recommend the work: "It's rewarding. I'm not in it for my own satisfaction, but it's worth it when you step onto a sports field and see the children in action for whom you've contributed."