Flanders’ football community is set to witness a transformation as Voetbal Vlaanderen aims to double the number of supporters for youth and amateur football by 2028.
The ambitious initiative is part of the organization’s newly unveiled 2025-2028 policy plan, which also prioritizes increasing the number of certified trainers and fostering a culture of sportsmanship and respect.
The plan was developed based on extensive feedback from nearly 4,000 stakeholders, including clubs, trainers, parents, referees, and players.
With this input, Voetbal Vlaanderen is committed to strengthening the foundation of football across the region and ensuring sustainable growth for years to come.
Currently, Flanders boasts close to 357,000 registered footballers, marking a 28% increase over the past decade.
The governing body intends to build on this momentum by implementing strategic measures to enhance the experience of players, fans, and officials alike.
Strengthening Community Engagement
A key objective of the initiative is to enhance fan experiences at youth and amateur football matches. By 2028, Voetbal Vlaanderen hopes to see a substantial rise in spectator engagement, reinforcing local football culture and creating a stronger sense of community among supporters.
The organization plans to launch campaigns and programs that encourage families and local communities to actively support their teams.
In addition to boosting attendance, Voetbal Vlaanderen is committed to improving the overall environment in which football is played. A strong emphasis will be placed on promoting fair play and combating racism and discrimination in the sport.
Investment in Coaching and Training
Recognizing the vital role of quality training in player development, Voetbal Vlaanderen is set to increase the number of certified trainers across the region.
By providing enhanced educational opportunities and resources, the organization aims to elevate coaching standards, ensuring that young players receive professional guidance from an early age.
“Our ambitions are vast: more boys and girls playing football, enhanced fan experiences, greater fair play, and reduced racism,” said Philippe Rosier, General Director of Voetbal Vlaanderen.
“We know this must be achieved by our 2,900 clubs and referee corps, but they will not be alone. We will intensify our guidance and administrative support for them in the coming years.”
Enhancing Administrative Support
To assist clubs and referees in implementing these objectives, Voetbal Vlaanderen plans to provide additional administrative support.
By streamlining processes and offering guidance, the governing body aims to ease the burden on clubs, allowing them to focus more on player development and community engagement.
With the 2025-2028 policy plan in motion, Voetbal Vlaanderen’s vision for the future of youth and amateur football in Flanders is clear.
By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, investing in training, and strengthening community involvement, the organization is taking significant steps to secure a brighter future for football in the region.
As the plan unfolds, stakeholders across the football community will be keenly watching its impact on the sport and the broader community, with the hope that Voetbal Vlaanderen’s goals will bring lasting positive change.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
