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Rising costs and the Youth Fund | December 15, 2022

Rising costs and the Youth Fund

We're all facing it: high inflation and skyrocketing energy prices. The NOC*NSF conducted a study on the effect of this on sports participation. And what did it reveal? Rising energy prices have made sports too expensive for some Dutch people. About a fifth of the sports-loving population, faced with the associated price increases, has reduced their participation in sports or stopped altogether.Source: Nos.nl).

Less participation in sports and culture

Currently, more than 1 million people in the Netherlands cannot afford sports or cultural hobbies. That's a staggering 61% of all Dutch people (Source: Poverty and Social Exclusion 2021, Statistics Netherlands). As a result of the coronavirus crisis, more people than ever before have fallen into poverty. The current energy crisis and high inflation are causing even more people to face financial difficulties. For these people, participation in sports or cultural activities is often one of the first things to be cut. Yet, it's crucial that they too can continue to participate. Participating in sports or cultural activities contributes significantly to their development. It creates a positive feeling and increases self-confidence, provides enjoyment, and prevents social exclusion.

Growing number of applications

This expands the Youth Fund's target group. We're seeing this reflected in the growing number of applications submitted to us. So far in 2022, we've approved over 3,500 applications in North Holland, with September seeing the highest number ever. Families who were previously able to pay their dues are now unable to do so. It's good to know that the Youth Fund is also there for children from these families. Because no child should be left behind.