To the Youth Fund Sports & Culture Zeeland page

Zeeland | March 27, 2025

Meet Meerkracht Mark 

Via the Youth Fund to the Zeeland Youth Academy and then moving on to the Eredivisie – it could very well be

Mark Vermue, a senior citizen from Vlissingen, submits an average of 36 applications for support to the Youth Fund each year. He is employed by Neighborhood teams Vlissingen and is also a Cruyff Foundation Coach for the Cruyff FoundationGetting people moving and giving them a fun day is second nature to him.  

Vermue does his work with pride, passion, and enjoyment. "Last Tuesday, we set up several bouncy castles in the sports hall and offered free sports lessons. In four hours, we welcomed over 150 children and their parents. You could just see how happy and grateful everyone was – I think that's fantastic." He completed the CIOS (Central Organization for Social Work) and will soon be starting a post-bachelor's program to become a lifestyle coach. He is involved in organizing various sporting events in the municipality of Vlissingen. Since 2023, he has also been a Meerkracht and Cruyff Foundation Coach.  

Sports prevents isolation

For Vermue, sport, besides health, offers a bit of social connection. He plays soccer, works out, and paddleboards. "Through sport, you develop your talents and meet new people. You get out of the house for a bit, away from that familiar couch or desk. What sport brings me, it can bring to others too. It gives me so much energy to get children and the elderly moving and to give them a fun day."

Not on summer vacation

“Many children I meet through the activities of Neighborhood Teams Vlissingen and the Cruyff Foundation cannot go on summer vacation due to financial worries at home. They are so incredibly happy that they can participate in our activities (neighborhood days) or those of the Cruyff Foundation (Culture@Cruyff Courts) can play sports or games." Vermue also wants these children to play sports and games outside of organized events. That's why he decided to sign up as a "Meerkracht" (Power of the Youth Fund for Sports & Culture).

Youth Fund is a 'surprise'

"When I tell parents that their children can also participate in sports regularly, they're often surprised: is there a party that pays the membership fees? Really? It's a small effort for me to apply for support from the Youth Fund, and their gratitude is immense." Sometimes there's a language barrier, says Vermue, and then the application takes a bit more effort, but generally it's quite simple. He recommends all Cruyff Foundation Coaches to also become a Meerkracht (More Power). "You help children to keep moving regularly and become part of a team or club!"

With an average of 36 applications per year, Vermue is one of the most active Multiple forces that the Youth Fund has (13,427 in total). And of all the Cruyff Foundation Coaches who are also Meerkracht members, he is the most active.

Zeeland talent

Thanks to registrations with the Youth Fund, Vermue sees opportunities growing for children and young people in Zeeland. “I immediately see the impact of structured participation. For example, a girl I registered is now taking singing lessons. Her teacher says she's incredibly talented. Imagine seeing her on TV in a few years! And in the Zeeland Youth Football Academy (JVOZ), there are many boys who were given the opportunity to play for a club through the Youth Fund – who knows, maybe they'll one day become big names in Dutch football; wouldn't that be great?”

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