ABN AMRO and Youth Sports & Culture Fund form partnership

Substantial boost

More than 7% of children and young people in the Netherlands grow up in poverty, according to figures from the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis. Because of this, it is not a given for everyone to do sports or take part in cultural activities. But regular participation in sports or culture gives a substantial boost to the physical, mental, social, and creative development of children and young people. So for years, ABN AMRO has been organising activities through ABN AMRO Foundation to introduce disadvantaged children to sports and culture.

The mission of the Youth Sports & Culture Fund aligns closely with this. The Fund pays the fees for children from families with limited financial resources, and also pays for any equipment and clothing they may need. If children get inspired through the activities organised by ABN AMRO Foundation and want to join a sports or cultural club but their family can’t afford it, the Fund can help.

Week of discovery

The partnership between ABN AMRO and the Youth Sports & Culture Fund will kick off with the Week of Discovery from 16 to 20 September. The event will unlock new experiences in sports and culture for more than 3,000 children who would not normally have this opportunity. 865 volunteers from ABN AMRO Foundation will be helping to run the activities. In the context of the partnership, ABN AMRO and the Youth Sports & Culture Fund will also conduct research into the barriers parents face when seeking financial assistance. The results of this research will be presented at the end of October.

The collaboration with the Youth Sports & Culture Fund is a valuable addition to the network of partners ABN AMRO works with to provide a fair start for all children. ABN AMRO and its partners also promote equal opportunities for women and for athletes with disabilities.

Petra Bosman, Director of the Youth Sports & Culture Fund: “The Youth Sports & Culture Fund is very pleased with the partnership with ABN AMRO. Every child in the Netherlands has the right to join in with sports and cultural activities, even if money is tight at home. The activities organised by ABN AMRO introduce children and young people to sports and culture. These unique moments allow them to experience how amazing sports and culture can be. Some children discover they have a passion and talent for these activities, so it’s wonderful that the Youth Sports & Culture Fund can support them by paying their membership or tuition fees!’’

Sander Bestevaar, Head of Partnerships, Events & Foundations at ABN AMRO: “At ABN AMRO, ‘Banking for better, for generations to come’ guides us in everything we do, and we believe every child deserves a fair chance to develop. It’s good for the child, their family, and society as a whole. The activities of the Youth Sports & Culture Fund align perfectly with this, and we look forward to continuing our efforts together to ensure equal opportunities for all children in the Netherlands.”