3X3 Unites a key part of Rabobank investment in partner health: “Makes us proud”

2 February, 2026

3X3 Unites proudly announces a new development in its partnership with Rabobank. Thanks to the bank’s support, 3X3 Unites will be able in the coming years to get even more young people moving through 3x3 basketball, offer them opportunities to develop their talents, and make a meaningful impact on their lives. “We are really looking forward to the next phase of this partnership and the additional impact we will create together,” says Mark Schuurman, founder of 3X3 Unites together with Jesper Jobse.

This deeper collaboration is part of a broader investment by Rabobank. Over the next two years, the bank is allocating nearly 80 million euros to the theme of health, with special attention for children and vulnerable groups. “The ambition is to organize more accessible activities together in neighborhoods and public squares, and to encourage young people to be active, discover their talents, and develop an active and healthy lifestyle,” Rabobank states. “Because we are a cooperative without shareholders, we are able to give part of our profits back to society. We do this in a targeted way: where the need is greatest, and where initiatives such as 3X3 Unites help young people grow physically, emotionally, and mentally.”

Further details of the partnership will be announced ahead of the outdoor season. Last Wednesday already marked a very special moment, when 900 Rabobank leaders were introduced to 3X3 Unites and the power of 3x3 basketball during their leadership event. Led by Olympic champion Dimeo van der Horst, Karin Kuijt, Jacopo Bertotti, and 3X3 Leaders from various local communities, participants took part in a special 3x3 life skills clinic. From the streets to the top truly came together here, reflecting the motto of 3X3 Unites.

During the clinic, 300 basketballs were used for life skills exercises in groups of three. As a result, Rabobank employees did not only learn basketball skills, but also skills they can apply in everyday life. The 300 basketballs will now be used by 3X3 Leaders in the neighborhoods where 3X3 Unites builds its communities. “In this way, we can continue to expand our community both nationally and locally, and directly empower young people,” Mark says.

The next step in the collaboration with Rabobank builds on last year, when 3X3 Unites already joined forces locally with Rabobank Amsterdam. Together, they created a 3x3 court on the A10 highway during the city’s 750th anniversary celebrations. The local bank also contributed to the realization of the renewed Paper Dome, the athletic hub in Amsterdam Zuidoost. In addition, Rabobank was a sponsor last year of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour and the 3x3 Women’s Series Amsterdam.

“For ten years, we have been making an impact on the lives of young people by offering opportunities, breaking down inequality, and building close knit local communities where new perspectives emerge. This next phase of the partnership with Rabobank feels like a reward for what we have already achieved and is a huge boost to create even more impact with and for young people,” Mark says.

He adds that 3X3 Unites cannot wait to continue building together with Rabobank. “We share the same values; we both believe in the cooperative mindset and want to be present as much as possible at the local level,” he says. “Being able to enter into this new partnership in the year we celebrate our 10 year anniversary makes us especially proud.”

Check other news of 3X3 Unites