How can inappropriate behavior occur in the sports environment? And how can we work together to ensure that sports are safe for everyone? These questions were central during a preview of the film The Pupil on Monday evening, October 6, 2025, in Arnhem.
Published on: October 13, 2025

In a packed hall at Pathé Arnhem, councilors, sports administrators, policymakers, club supporters, and stakeholders got acquainted with the film The Pupil. The film shows how inappropriate behavior can arise in sports and what the impact is on athletes and their surroundings. 

Ongoing attention is important 

Helga Witjes (deputy Sports Province of Gelderland), Rosa Jansen (chairwoman Victim Support Netherlands), and Bob Roelofs (councilor Sports municipality of Arnhem) opened the evening. They emphasized that ongoing attention to a socially safe sports environment is important. 

A call to all of us

The Pupil is a call to all of us to actively contribute to a culture of respect and safety. To associations to further focus on prevention. But also to bystanders to be alert and report signals.

Helga Witjes

Province of Gelderland

Open-hearted panel discussion   

After the film, a panel discussion followed, led by moderator Sonja Booms. Participants Toon Gerbrands (former director AZ and PSV), Jiska Dijk (Victim Support Netherlands), Renald Majoor (Foundation The Silence Broken), and Andrew Ernster (Sports Company Arnhem) shared important insights and experiences from sports practice. The central question was what sports clubs and municipalities can do to prevent inappropriate behavior and how they can better assist victims. Clear examples were mentioned that they can work on and what sports clubs can do to better help victims. 

One of the attendees aptly expressed the feeling of the evening: “This film touched me right in the heart and woke me up. We must do everything we can to prevent inappropriate behavior; I am also responsible for that. The panel mentioned good examples, and I cant wait to get started on that.” 

Actively contributing to respect and safety 

The message of The Pupil goes beyond sports alone. This film is a call to all of us to be alert, support each other, and actively contribute to a culture of respect and safety. After October 30, 2025, the film will be available for everyone to see in various cinemas in the Netherlands. 

Working together for a safe sports environment  

Together with our partners, we are committed to a sports environment where everyone feels welcome and safe. From young to old, at every level. Do you want to work on socially safe sports? Check out the offerings from our support partners Gelderse Sport Federatie and Topsport Gelderland.