The Dutch indoor and beach volleyball national team players are using lockdown as an opportunity to promote sport in schools across the Netherlands through the SchoolVolley+ initiative.
Developed by the Dutch Volleyball Federation (Nevobo), the SchoolVolley+ programme aims to support schools and out of school care by organising free volleyball clinics to encourage children to participate in sports and stay active. On Tuesday 12 May, the first of these clinics was conducted by famous Dutch volleyball player, Robin de Kruijf, and received huge media interest from across the country.
SchoolVolley+ kick-off with Robin de Kruijf
In future clinics, training will be conducted by the Nevobo coaches and clinic organisers, along with volleyball players and coaching staff from various clubs across the Netherlands. Clearly, all of the Dutch national team players are eager to be part of a programme that is committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle and the importance of sport for local communities. It just might be that incredible athletes such as Laura Dijkema, Nimir Abdel-Aziz or Alexander Brouwer attend a clinic to help children develop their volleyball skills.
Additionally, these clinics do not require a volleyball or beach volleyball court, as volleyball related exercises can be enjoyed in any suitable recreational area, such as parks and playgrounds. To ensure that these clinics have a long lasting positive impact on communities, teachers and neighbourhood sports coaches will be able to learn a variety of new exercises and games from the clinics to further encourage participation in sports.
Already, over 50 schools and out of school care facilities have applied for a clinic to be held during the remainder of the school year.