N.E.C. Selection Visits Construction Villages
On the morning of 22 August, part of the N.E.C. selection visited several construction villages (Bouwdorpen) in Nijmegen and the surrounding area. The long-standing cooperation between the Bouwdorpen and the club’s social branch continues to be a success. Hundreds of children in Duuk, Beuningen, Oosterhout and Hees could not believe their luck when they saw the players helping to build and handing out signatures.
At the stroke of 09.00, the official opening of the Building Villages took place in Duuk. Managing director Wilco van Schaik addressed the children, after which they stormed the site to take the constructions to the next level. The players on site were equally enthusiastic and provided the children with an extra pair of hands. Although not all the footballers were equally handy with their hands, it was greatly appreciated that they made a useful contribution. Besides the players, mascot Bikkel was also on hand, and he also provided all the children with an autograph and photo.
After building and drawing, there was another activity the players participated in. These included several inflatable activities, including an obstacle course. After Dirk Proper and Rijk Janse competed against each other, the children were also allowed to try their luck against their big heroes.
Bouwdorpen is an annual initiative in Nijmegen and the surrounding area. The organisation provides all children with a fun end to the summer holidays. During this five-day activity, hundreds of enthusiasts build the most unique and creative structures using pallets, nails and hammers. Various other activities are also organised between the building. N.E.C. Maatschappelijk (Social) is a loyal partner of this event and visits the construction sites every year.
An Nijkamp, project coordinator at N.E.C. Maatschappelijk, is also full of praise for this project.
“We have a major social role in Nijmegen and for that reason we want to give something back to the city through projects like this. Construction villages is a fantastic initiative that fits exactly with our social ambitions. We are aware of the impact we have with our name, and players to children of this age in our municipality. By supporting this project, we thereby try to strengthen the bond between N.E.C. and the neighbourhoods. Our goal from N.E.C. Maatschappelijk with this partnership is to give the children an unforgettable and unique experience and thus create supporters for the future.”
An Nijkamp, Project Coordinator at N.E.C. Maatschappelijk
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