Opening court: Haarlem
What was the reason for building a new 3x3-court?
‘There had been a need for a good 3x3 court in Haarlem for a very long time. Haarlem has dozens of basketball courts, but there was always something wrong with each court or the maintenance left something to be desired. The new court is located next to the sports hall of basketball club Onze Gezellen, with whom we want to strengthen our cooperation. Our hope is that more courts like this will be built in Haarlem in the future.’
What has been improved with the new court?
‘The basketball court had been used as a parking lot for Onze Gezellen for years. Now there is a fantastic 3x3 court with the correct dimensions, a good playing surface, a nice basketball hoop and a fence around the court. It is now the place in Haarlem where the basketball community comes together.
‘The court is occupied from early in the morning until late at night. Young people literally cycle from the other side of the city to come to the court. I think that shows just how great the need was for a good 3x3 court in Haarlem. I regularly receive messages asking when a second court will be built.’
What role did 3X3 Unites play in the construction of the new court?
‘Three years ago, we made it clear to the municipality of Haarlem that there was a need for good outdoor sports facilities. I then went out a few times with representatives of the municipality to look at other courts and get inspiration. Throughout the process, both we and our partners were always kept involved in the plans and designs. Now that the new court is in place, it is partly up to us to make sure that activities are also organised there.’
Which partners and organisations contributed to the realisation of the new court?
‘On behalf of the municipality of Haarlem, Matthijs de Boorder and Geert Boots, both sports policy advisers, worked hard to make the new court possible. Our long-standing partner Nijha, a supplier of sports equipment, provided the basketball hoop, and the playing surface was installed by Griekspoor.
What was the official opening of the new court like?
‘Very successful. We organised the opening together with Onze Gezellen. The basketball club’s chairman, Hein van Scherpenberg, gave a speech. There was also a clinic for children under 10 and under 12 led by Maarten Bouwknecht, as well as a 3x3 tournament for players under 15 and under 18. Around 80 members of Onze Gezellen were present, and 120 people in total.
‘The opening of the court was a great first step towards expanding our cooperation with Onze Gezellen. We had been in contact in the past, but only a handful of members came to 3X3 Unites activities or tournaments. Now, for example, we want to look at what we can offer the young people who are on the waiting list at Onze Gezellen, and we want to organise activities together with the club for the youngest players and for girls.’
What does the new court mean for the 3x3 community in Haarlem?
‘The new court is the place where our community comes together, and we are already seeing that. It is great to have a place where the facilities are in order and where people can really play basketball. With 3X3 Unites, we want to expand our activities at the new court. We have already held the first session of the 3X3 Leader Course there.
‘It is not just 3X3 Unites but the entire basketball community in Haarlem that is extremely happy with the new court. It is being used so much that people are already really looking forward to a second court.’
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