At the signing, alderman Maarten van Asten, representatives of the KNVB, the youth academy of Willem II, and P&M youth football guidance were present. The evening concluded with a networking reception for board members of the participating clubs.

New Rules, New Energy

The renewal of the agreement comes at a logical moment, according to Julia van Wijk, coordinator of Sportplezier at Sportbedrijf Tilburg: “We noticed that the original agreements from 2013 had faded at many clubs, partly due to changes in the boards. With ‘Scoring Plus Points’ we sharpen everyones focus again. It is not a replacement, but a further development of what we have built together.”

The biggest substantive renewal is the introduction of 5 new Tilburg football rules. These are displayed on posters, billboards, and other communication materials at every club. Clubs are encouraged to actively inform or show the rules to their members, for example with green cards for sporting behavior and clear contact points within the association.

From Covenant to Club Culture

The covenant contains 3 pillars: strong and socially safe clubs, joint Tilburg football agreements, and active cooperation within the network. Sportbedrijf Tilburg and the KNVB assist clubs with training, materials, and campaigns, but the implementation lies with the clubs themselves. “It really belongs to the clubs,” emphasizes Van Wijk. “They are the bearers of Scoring Plus Points. We provide the frameworks, but it is the volunteers, coaches, and parents who make the difference on and around the field.”

Lars Drijvers, chairman of the youth committee and board member at the host club, immediately saw the impact of the campaign at his own club: “I was just smiling looking at the posters now hanging at our club. There are such striking examples among them that will surely spark conversation tomorrow. And that is exactly the intention: that we keep talking about what is and isnt okay on and around the field. Because ultimately, our members must understand themselves why certain behavior does not fit a sporting club culture. This helps a lot.”

One Goal: Fun and Safety

The ultimate goal of PVKT 2.0 is clear: a safe and enjoyable sports climate at all Tilburg football clubs. “We want to reduce the number of incidents and ensure that everyone feels welcome at the clubs,” says Van Wijk.

More Information

If you want to know more about the agreement and ‘Scoring Plus Points’, visit sportintilburg.nl.