September 4, 2023

Youth Fund Sports & Culture sees families asking for help increase by 20 percent  

Growing poverty affects child development 

Amsterdam, September 4, 2023 – The Youth Fund for Sports and Culture is seeing a significant increase in the number of applications from families who, due to poverty, cannot afford membership fees or tuition for a sports or cultural club. In the first half of 2023, 49,541 children and young people paid for memberships, an increase of no less than 20 percent compared to the same period last year. This demonstrates a growing need for assistance with children's access to sports and cultural activities. With the "Choose a Club" campaign, which launches today, the Youth Fund for Sports and Culture is once again drawing attention to this problem. And this is more urgent than ever.   

Especially important now 

A survey by NU.nl in July 2023 revealed that the costs of sports club memberships, among other things, are becoming unaffordable for a growing number of parents. Families with children, in particular, are no longer able to make ends meet with the social minimum. This causes stress, isolation, mental health issues, and declining health, among other things. Currently, an average of two to three children per class are growing up in families with financial worries, preventing them from participating in football, street dance, judo, swimming, or music lessons. Based on the caretaker government's plans for next year, the number of people in the Netherlands living below the poverty line is expected to remain the same.

That's why it's crucial now to ensure that all children and young people, regardless of their financial situation, can join a sports or cultural club. "Being a member of a club is essential for a child's development. It keeps them active, makes friends, builds self-confidence, and has fun!" says Petra Bosman, director of the Youth Fund for Sports & Culture. Being part of a club also promotes social equality and even leads to better academic performance.  

Indispensable solution for children 

The Youth Fund for Sports and Culture pays the membership fees and tuition for children growing up in families with limited funds for sports and cultural activities. In this way, the Youth Fund for Sports and Culture offers support, giving thousands of children and young people the opportunity to join a club and grow together.  

Remy Bonjasky is an ambassador for the Youth Fund and explains its importance. “I do it for children who are struggling. I think it's important to pass on what I've experienced and learned along the way to the next generation. I want to help children who are less fortunate in their search for themselves and their health. I really want to do my part to encourage these children and make it clear to parents that sports are truly good for every child.” 

Kwame Agyapong-Ntra (40), intermediary of the Youth Fund Sport & Culture and better known as Master Kwame, knows better than anyone how important sports can be for a child. “At the age of 9and I moved from Ghana to Amsterdam Zuidoost. Someone gave me two tennis rackets for my birthday. Cheap plastic ones that broke quickly, but my brother Kofi and I loved them. Neighbor Tine saw us and got us new rackets and balls. In no time, the whole neighborhood was playing tennis. Tennis has given us so much: team spirit, teamwork, and discipline. Kwame now helps hundreds of children with his homework institute and was named Amsterdammer of the Year in June.  

Intermediary Davud Altin also learned the importance of participating in sports as a child: "From the age of 12, I was allowed to participate in sports through what was then the 'Youth Sports Fund.' I played soccer and later judo; I even received the necessary equipment, such as soccer cleats!" He developed a great love for sports and now inspires children himself as a sports teacher.  

About 'Choose a club'

The 'Choose a Club' campaign is being launched today, at the start of the new sports and cultural season, and will run until September 30. The aim of the campaign is to let parents know that they can choose a club through www.kieseenclub.nl can easily apply for help with paying for their child's sports or cultural activities.