Dutch sports federations revamp club support and volunteer engagement

The Royal Dutch Swimming Federation (KNZB) restructured its club‑support model after a reorganisation eliminated its three central account managers. By partnering with provincial sport‑service organisations, the KNZB now places a regional account manager in each province to act as a local contact point, coordinate queries on facilities, volunteers, training and safety, and refer clubs to the appropriate expertise. The new system shortens response times and restores trust with clubs that previously felt the federation was inaccessible.

Separately, the Royal Dutch Draughts Federation (KNDB) released findings from its latest Clubmonitor survey, which measured motivations and challenges for club volunteers. Respondents rated their enjoyment of volunteer work at 7.5 out of 10 and cited helping the club, being asked, and personal satisfaction as top reasons. Areas identified for improvement include member engagement, strategic vision and better onboarding, with volunteers expressing a desire for more recognition and clearer development pathways.