Nederlandse Loterij, the Dutch state lottery, has donated €4.84m (£4.1m) to the national football association, KNVB.
The check was given to Jan Dirk van der Zee, Director of KNVB Amateur Football, ahead of the TOTO KNVB Cup final. The money will be used by the sports governing body to unlock more opportunities for players on the amateur and level.
Expressing his gratitude to the lottery, van der Zee commented: “Just like previous years, it is a wonderful amount from the Dutch Lottery. This allows us to further develop the football offer and give the football canteen as the place of togetherness and connection more face.
“That is why this year we are jointly calling for attention to the symbol of our unique football landscape. During the National Football Weekend, we will announce the football canteen of the Netherlands.”
Extra funding for the best canteen
The Football Canteen is a nationwide competition organised by both the Dutch Lottery and the KNVB to find the best café-style area at an amateur football clubhouse, based on a community vote.
Participating clubs have the chance to get an extra €2500 for winning first place, with entries landing second and third place winning €1000 each. Key factors being judged include atmosphere, history, hospitality, and snacks selection.
Those wanting to participate can do so by registering on KNVB’s website, with both footballers and supporters alike being able to cast their votes until 4 May.
As van der Zee noted, winners will be announced during the National Football Weekend, which takes place between 6 and 9 June.
Arjan Blok, CEO of Nederlandse Loterij, added: “This is for all those unique amateur clubs that bring together more than a million footballers and volunteers every week.
“From the first team to the veterans, from referees to field masters and canteen managers – they make it possible for football to be played anywhere in the country. And the Dutch Lottery contributes to that. Because to stimulate sport and exercise, we pass on part of our proceeds to sports federations and associations every year.
“We can do that thanks to everyone who participates in our games and thus supports the sport. So: thank you players!”
As an interesting sidenote, KNVB is actually one of the founding members of Nederlandse Loterij. The lottery uses its proceeds to support the Netherlands Olympic Committee/Netherlands Sports Federation – an umbrella organisation home to 77 national sports bodies and thousands of sports associations.