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Noord-Holland | 5 September 2022

VV De Wherevogels: 'Everyone is truly welcome here'

"Of course, performance is important, but we find the social feeling and the camaraderie much more important. Everyone can come play football. Whether you're 3 or 80. And whether you're a good player or have never played before, you're equally welcome and important here." The board members of the Purmerend football club de Wherevogels take a different approach than many other clubs. Peter and Paulien believe in inclusion. "We don't want to exclude anyone."

A football club in Purmerend, North Holland. Over 600 members and almost 200 active volunteers. So far, nothing new. But the Wherevogels approach the game a bit differently than many other clubs. Peter: "We have two main pillars that underpin the club. Fun and respect are the starting point, and inclusivity is the second aspect. Everyone should be able to play football. And we mean that literally." Paulien adds: "We consciously don't want to exclude anyone from the club. We welcome everyone and treat everyone with the attention they deserve. That goes far. For example, all teams have the same facilities and opportunities. All unpaid, motivated coaches, and youth players up to 19 all wear the same uniforms and club gear. We rent club clothing to all youth members. Everyone receives the same support. This also means our first teams don't get preferential treatment. No specific sponsors or perks. Truly, everyone is important here."

Talent and fun

"That's sometimes a difficult message to communicate," says Paulien. "Children are used to something different at other clubs. There, a lot of attention is often paid to talented children and their performance. Of course, we also want our teams to win and perform well, but not at the expense of the joy of playing football. Going onto the pitch with that fun and relaxation in mind; that's what we believe is important. Especially in our performance-driven society. This strategy and choice sometimes requires some explanation for new youth members and their parents. There's performance football and recreational football. Some people think we don't care about talent or winning, but that's not true. We also value other things, namely fun and respect for everyone. Some children are afraid they won't be able to play at a high level at our club, but fortunately, in practice, it turns out otherwise."

People with disabilities are also welcome at the Wherevogels. Peter: "Of course! They'll be part of a program and team we call Special Forces. And it all ties in seamlessly. Of course, that requires some effort from the organization, but because we all embrace the idea of inclusivity, we make an extra effort."

A big social heart

Peter has been involved with the club for twenty years. "And he still enjoys it immensely! It's a fantastic club with a strong social heart. Where people look out for each other and feel connected to each other. Where children grow up together and thus have a safety net. But that doesn't happen automatically. As a board, we sometimes have to work hard on that, together with all the active volunteers. One challenge we face, for example, is that it's sometimes difficult to involve parents in their child's football. That doesn't happen automatically.

We invite them personally, provide information about club life, and engage them, but even then, it's sometimes difficult. The realization that they have to referee, coach, wash, or drive to away games doesn't sink in for all parents. Not everyone grew up with a club and knows that experience from home. The idea that it also comes with obligations is sometimes new. Sharing this message takes a lot of time and energy. But it's an important one. Precisely because we want to be open to everyone."

Contact and relaxation

Paulien: "The club also gained many new members through the municipality, social services, and the Dutch Refugee Council. We have a significant number of non-Dutch-speaking people and people who fled war to the Netherlands who play football with us. That presents challenges, but it's also wonderful to see what football can bring: contact, relaxation, and conviviality. It's a social experience that's essential, especially for this group. We brought in an interpreter and put a lot of effort into communication. That's how we try to create a place for everyone."

Peter explains that there's also a group of children who are members and can play sports through the Youth Fund. "That's a given for us. Everyone is welcome. For example, we've kept the prices in the canteen modestly low so everyone can buy a bag of candy or a drink on the weekends. We don't want anyone to feel left out or unable to participate. Parents who aren't members themselves can also come and play a game with us on Saturdays. Vets Just For Fun is the hour everyone can come and play. No strings attached. Many people appreciate that. And that's where new connections and friendships are made."

For Paulien, sports are much more than just exercise. "It's also fun; a social experience. You make friends, you learn to win and lose, you learn what it means to be part of a team. That comes with responsibility; you have to keep your promises, help each other, and trust each other. Becoming stronger, both physically and mentally, is also an aspect. Children gain more self-confidence and grow as people. So, in my opinion, it's incredibly important that you experience and learn this as a child, in a relaxed and fun way."

Stand next to it

The club also clearly has a community function. People feel at home here and regularly drop by. Even if they don't actively play football themselves, they feel welcome. Peter explains: "We start with toddler football. These are two-year-olds with a ball. Fantastic. And we finish with Walking Football. These are the older ones for whom running no longer comes naturally. And everything in between. There really is a place for everyone here. Approaching and treating each other with respect and openness is something we consider normal here. Coaches are also taught: don't stand above them, but alongside them. On the field, we are all equal." Paulien: "The youngest youth teams present a player with the Player of the Week trophy every week. That way, everyone gets a chance to shine. The trophy goes to school and is shown to grandma and grandpa. It's small things, but it makes everyone feel valued."

The website also includes a clear link to the Youth Sports & Culture Fund. Peter: “We want parents to know that this option is available. That support and assistance are available. We're always thinking along with them about solutions. For example, we collect the membership fees ourselves; we don't have it handled by an external company, which we find too incompetent. This way, we stay in touch with our members. Communication is short, making it easier to make arrangements. So everyone, truly everyone who shares our values and principles, is welcome here. And so you can just enjoy playing football. Because that's the best thing there is!”

More about football through the Youth Fund

Website VV De Wherevogels