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Breda | August 25, 2025

Ali: Exercise is important for your happiness

Ali Lammou is a youth worker for Surplus in Breda South-East. From the community center in Brabantpark, he has been mentoring young people in their development for years. Since the Youth Fund's inception, he has also been a "Meerkracht" (More Power) and helps dozens of children participate in sports or cultural activities every year. "The Youth Fund is exactly what we need in our work: hassle-free support that immediately makes something possible for a child."

Trust as a starting point

The most important thing in this work is the bond of trust. Young people see me as a permanent fixture in their neighborhood. They know: I can go to Ali for help. And so do the parents. I've known some of them since their child was in sixth grade. They come with their siblings, hang out at the panna court, or simply drop in. The accessibility and openness here are invaluable, because it allows us to identify issues early on. Sometimes I literally ring people's doorbells to chat and explore how we can help. That personal relationship also gives people the confidence to talk about financial worries. And then we can have the conversation: what does your child need, and how can we accommodate it?

In co-production with young people

We truly collaborate with young people. They express their interests and needs. Especially around the so-called "Grote Sprong" (Great Leap), the transition to secondary school, we see that young people are spending less time outdoors and less time exercising. Our job is to keep them moving and motivated. We consider the possibilities. Do they want to play soccer, dance, or box? Sometimes, new activities arise from this, such as a clinic or a neighborhood tournament, which can then lead to a regular class. We've created accessible spaces in the neighborhood: a panna court, a water station so they don't have to go home, a 3x3 basketball court, even a digital dance floor in the park. Young people contribute ideas, help organize, and we provide support. That ownership is what makes it so powerful.

Go to the sports club

In my neighborhood, many children would never join a club or association without the Youth Fund. The fees for membership and supplies are often simply too high. Especially for families already facing significant financial challenges, such an application makes a real difference. The Youth Fund is a huge help for parents in these situations. They don't have to pay anything upfront, it's quickly arranged, and I help out where needed. I usually handle the application; sometimes one of us accompanies them to the store to buy supplies. By making it as easy as possible, it significantly reduces the burden on families, allowing them to fully participate.

By making it as easy as possible, it takes a huge amount of worry off the family and allows them to fully participate.

Persevere and grow

My role certainly doesn't stop with the registration. I stay involved. For example, if a child starts kickboxing, I'll visit the lessons. After a while, we'll talk: is this still a good fit, or would you like to try something different next year? This way, children discover different sides of themselves. They truly blossom, with more self-confidence. And sometimes you even see truly special talents. There are quite a few boys from the neighborhood who have progressed through a club to professional football. They're great role models for the kids here. It shows what's possible when you start something and persevere.

Broader than sport

For me, sports aren't a goal in themselves, but a means to an end. I had a girl here who had just moved to the Netherlands and consciously chose hockey, which was surprising. She was eager to meet new peers, even outside her own neighborhood. Through her team, she connected with peers from different backgrounds, exactly what she was looking for. And that's what sports do: they connect, they open up worlds, they make you feel part of something bigger, even outside your own bubble. For young people, that means so much: socially, physically, and mentally. Sports, dancing, and movement are essential for their health, self-confidence, and happiness.

Facts about Ali

How old are you? 45 years

What is your favorite sport? I am a big football fan and I enjoy playing table tennis, also with the young people here in the community centre.

What is favorite song? Ooh, tricky, “We Are The Champions”?

What are you proud of in relation to your role as Meerkracht? I'm proud of the appreciation you receive. Sometimes it only comes later, when the children are a bit older. Then they come back to me and have so many memories of the time they spent here and the activities they did with us.

What do you do if you win 1 million? I'm putting that into my foundation for poverty reduction in Morocco. The aid we provide there is very broad, ranging from groceries to housing. And now we're trying to install an artificial turf field.

What do you wish for children in Breda? I want children to grow up carefree, to have security, including financial security, and to grow up without worries.