Support for children to participate in sports and culture in South Holland is urgently needed | September 1, 2025
Support for children to participate in sports or culture in South Holland is urgently needed
The number of applications to the Youth Fund for Sports and Culture in South Holland is lagging behind last year. So far this year, 5,856 applications have been submitted, compared to 6,169 in the same period last year. Most applications received so far are from new families. Now that the sports and culture season has begun, many repeat applications are expected.
Today, the Youth Fund is launching the "Simply Possible" campaign. The fund aims to let parents know they can ask for help paying for sports clubs or cultural activities, such as music or dance lessons. This way, children in South Holland can participate just like their peers.
Nationally, the Youth Fund helps approximately 86,000 children participate in sports and cultural activities every year. Football remains the most popular sport. Especially now, with the start of the new school year and the sports and cultural season, the Youth Fund is highlighting the existence of this support, so that more children can visit their favorite club.
Sports and culture are becoming less and less suitable for budgets
Although the number of registrations this year is slightly lower than last year, the demand for long-term assistance is increasing. Meerkracht employee Desiree Schakel of the ZO! Zuidplas Foundation explains: “Some of the population lives in poverty. Swimming lessons, soccer, or music lessons are becoming increasingly difficult to afford due to rising housing costs. Even when both parents work, the costs are sometimes unaffordable. Clubs and associations are also raising membership fees, which can make all the difference. Many parents still find it difficult to ask for help and sometimes think they don't qualify. With this campaign, we hope that more parents will find their way to us so their children can participate, just like their friends.”
The new sports and cultural season
Now that the new sports and cultural season has just begun, the Youth Fund in South Holland is expecting additional requests. Membership invoices will arrive soon, which is often the moment parents ask for help. The fund hopes this campaign will raise parents' awareness of the Youth Fund and encourage them to ask for help in a timely manner.
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