FC Dinxperlo teams up with police to tackle youth alcohol and drug use at sports park
FC Dinxperlo is taking a stand against alcohol and drug use among young people, ensuring a safer environment for its members. By partnering with local police and the municipality of Aalten, the club introduces clear rules and prevention measures to protect its community.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | FC Dinxperlo sports park, Aalten, Gelderland |
| Partners | Municipality of Aalten, local police |
| Target Group | Youth members and visitors |
| Measures | Updated alcohol/drug protocol, volunteer training, police cooperation |
| Goal | Prevention of underage alcohol/drug use, safer sports environment |
| Spokesperson (Club) | Ralph Nederlof, FC Dinxperlo |
| Spokesperson (Police) | Nick Hoytink, local police |
| Mayor’s Statement | Mayor Stapelkamp praises the initiative as a model for other associations |
Local municipalities and police in the Netherlands often collaborate with community organizations to address public safety and youth-related issues. The municipality of Aalten plays a supportive role in facilitating such partnerships to promote a healthy and safe environment for residents.
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FC Dinxperlo opts for clear agreements and prevention
Alcohol and drug use among young people is a well-known societal issue. FC Dinxperlo also faces this problem, but they refuse to accept it passively. The club is actively tackling alcohol and drug use at and around the sports park.
The club noticed that this was becoming an increasing problem, affecting the atmosphere, safety, and image of the association. It is particularly important for youth members and their parents that the sports park remains a place where everyone feels welcome and safe. For this reason, the club decided to address the issue openly and promptly, signing a cooperation agreement with the police of the municipality of Aalten to eliminate underage alcohol use and drug use in general at and around the association.
The club took the initiative itself and worked together with the municipality of Aalten and the police. A step-by-step plan has been drawn up, including an updated alcohol and drug protocol, education and training for volunteers and trainers, and meetings with the police and enforcement officers. This ensures that the issue is taken seriously and that joint responsibility is taken.
Ralph Nederlof, on behalf of FC Dinxperlo: “As an association, we bear responsibility for our youth members and for everyone who visits our club. By setting clear agreements and focusing on prevention, we ensure that the sports park remains a safe and positive place.”
Clear agreements, joint approach
The cooperation agreement outlines how signs of substance use will be addressed. Prevention is the priority, but there are also clear agreements in place for when rules are violated. The goal: a healthy culture where everyone knows what to expect.
Nick Hoytink, police: “Excessive alcohol use and general drug use can lead to nuisance, violence, or unsafe situations at and around the sports facility. Sports associations often notice the signs first. By working together, we can address problems more quickly and reduce the risk of nuisance or unsafe situations.”
An example for other associations
Other clubs in the municipality can join the agreement. This way, the entire sports community can benefit from the joint approach. FC Dinxperlo demonstrates that prevention and cooperation truly make a difference and that clubs can continue to fulfill their societal role as safe, positive places.
Mayor Stapelkamp: “I strongly commend the initiative of FC Dinxperlo. It’s good that the association dares to take a stand, which goes against the prevailing culture to some extent. It shows that associations are actively thinking along and taking preventive action to keep not only their club but also the living environment of our residents safe and healthy. Other associations can easily join in, and together we contribute to a strong, safe community. Who’s next?”