Not only have Belgium and the Netherlands made an extraordinary contribution to the history of football, but for the past two decades both countries have considered football as a means of cultivating their social responsibility on various continents. As such, in 1986, the Royal Belgian Football Association (URBSFA-KBVB) founded the “Casa Holgar” home in the Mexican city of Toluca. The Belgian Pro League has joined forces with SOS Kinderdorpen to encourage children in Africa to practice sports through the “Sport 4 Change” project. And under the title of “Hillbrow Youth Development”, the Royal Belgian Football Association (URBSFA-KBVB), the Dutch government, Frank Rijkaard and local heroes are jointly teaching youth in the South African city of Johannesburg social skills and knowledge through football.
FIFA.
Belgium and the Netherlands were involved in the creation of FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association or International Federation of Association Football) and have a long and close relationship with the World Cup.
Hillbrow.
Johannesburg in South Africa is not only the venue of the World Cup final in July 2010, it is also a city with many slums and widespread poverty. A place where disadvantaged youngsters dreams of a better future, but often manage no more than mere survival.
Johan Cruyff Foundation.
. “Alone we can do a lot, but together we will win!” That’s the motto that, since 1997, has guided Johan Cruyff and his foundation in their work to get young people in motion. After all, sport is not only fun and healthy but also vital for every child’s development.
Meer Dan Voetbal.
In April 2004, Prime Minister Balkenende of the Netherlands called upon professional football to show greater social engagement and to work towards a society in which no-one is left on the sidelines.
Open Stadion.
“Be more than a club”: that’s the guiding principle of the Belgian Open Stadium Foundation. Football clubs in the first and second Belgian division bring many people together and generate emotions, and the Foundation encourages the clubs to use this energy for the benefit of society.
Champions For Children Foundation.
Clarence Seedorf is one of the most successful Dutch football players ever. He is the only Dutchman to have won the Champions League with three different clubs: Ajax, Real Madrid and AC Milan. However, Seedorf is more than just a successful footballer: he also devotes great energy to various social projects.
SOS Brasil.
Not only the professional clubs provide support for social projects, Belgian and Dutch clubs at lower levels also make a contribution to society and the community. To give one example, the Belgian club FC Excelsior Bouwel has been supporting a number of social projects in Brazil since 1995.
Casa Hogar.
The Casa Hogar was founded more than twenty years ago with money of the Belgian national football team to help the street children of Toluca. Since 1986, more than 250 children have enjoyed full boarding, food and education here.
SOS Children’s villages.
Not only the professional clubs provide support for social projects, Belgian and Dutch clubs at lower levels also make a contribution to society and the community. To give one example, the Belgian club FC Excelsior Bouwel has been supporting a number of social projects in Brazil since 1995.
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The Amsterdam ArenA has major plans to increase its capacity.
