How the Paper Dome Contributes to Amsterdam’s Social Return on Investment (SROI) Program in a Sustainable Way

19 November, 2025

In the heart of Amsterdam Zuidoost, a striking dome-shaped building has stood since the beginning of this year: the Paper Dome. It is the cultural and sports hub created for and by local youth — a place where they can play sports, develop themselves, and connect. “Our goal is to make a positive impact on the neighborhood and on the development of local youth employment participation,” says Leijn Louwerse on behalf of 3X3 Unites.

3X3 Unites opened the Paper Dome in March of this year. “The Paper Dome is a place where young people are given opportunities in a neighborhood where that’s not always a given,” says Rutger van IJzendoorn on behalf of Consulting Conclusion. “The Paper Dome fulfills a long-standing need and offers an accessible, safe space where various initiatives and young people come together.”

The Paper Dome is the result of close collaboration between 3X3 Unites, the City of Amsterdam, and Conclusion Consulting. Together, the three parties are contributing in a sustainable way to the Social Return on Investment (SROI) program in Amsterdam. Through this program, organizations that take on government contracts are encouraged to contribute to social issues such as equal opportunity and supporting people with limited access to the labor market.

3X3 Unites has been committed to supporting vulnerable youth for many years. Using 3x3 basketball as a tool, they empower young people to take control of their lives and pursue their dreams. After completing their training, these young people can earn part-time jobs within the social domain of the municipality where they live.

First indoor location for 3X3 Unites

The Paper Dome is 3X3 Unites’ first indoor location, where young people can play sports year-round, participate in training programs such as the 3X3 Leader Course, and set up other initiatives driven by local youth. While developing the Paper Dome, 3X3 Unites received support from Conclusion Consulting. “We know the young people and have a wide network, while Conclusion Consulting excels in project management,” says Leijn.

According to Rachel van den Brink from Conclusion Consulting, the Paper Dome has become a true hub for the youth of Amsterdam Zuidoost. In addition to offering 30 hours of activities per week, she also points to the adjacent OBA location, which includes a library and youth center. “This is now a place where we can offer young people opportunities and support their development.”

Strong ties between the City of Amsterdam, 3X3 Unites and Conclusion Consulting

The relationship between the City of Amsterdam and 3X3 Unites has been strong for years. And Conclusion Consulting and the City of Amsterdam are also familiar partners. “As a city, we find it important to bring young people together and create spaces where they can play sports. For that, we need organizations like 3X3 Unites,” says alderman Sofyan Mbarki. “We can’t do it alone. 3X3 Unites has already achieved so much over the past years, so it’s great that we’re now doing this together.”

As part of the Social Return on Investment objectives set by the City of Amsterdam, Conclusion Consulting was able to invest time and resources to expand its collaboration with 3X3 Unites and maximize the Paper Dome’s impact on the local community.

“We focus on sustainable entrepreneurship and want to make an impact together with our partners,” says Rutger. “The Paper Dome is a tangible example of that.”

In addition to increasing the Paper Dome’s social and community impact, 3X3 Unites and Conclusion Consulting share additional goals:

Further developing local role models (3X3 Leaders) in Amsterdam Zuidoost to the next level of professionalism.
Training youth from the neighborhood to become professionals who can help improve local programs. This creates local job opportunities and enables young people to give back to their own community.
Supporting the development of the city’s infrastructure by building 3X3 Legacy Courts and redeveloping an indoor sports facility in the heart of Zuidoost.

Social cohesion

Cassidi is a 3X3 Leader and part of the Paper Dome start-up team. “The Paper Dome is so much more than a place where young people play sports. It’s a place that brings young people together and teaches them about entrepreneurship. It’s simply a place we needed in this neighborhood — somewhere youth can feel safe, be themselves, and grow.”

And 3X3 coordinator Leijn adds: “Through our pioneering collaboration, the Paper Dome strengthens social cohesion and reduces inequality of opportunity.”