Where Champions Are Made: The Hague
Editorial
It will come the time in which the history of Dutch beach volleyball will be split in two periods – before and after the Sportscampus Zuiderpark. The country has long had a strong tradition in the sport but the construction of the state-of-the-art facility in the Hague, in 2017, has ushered the Netherlands into a new era.
And it’s really simple to understand why. Immediately turned into the house of Dutch beach volleyball following its inauguration in 2017, the gigantic facility houses several others sports in its 12 sports halls and offers perfect conditions for athletes to work on their crafts.
Blocker Stefan Boermans, who recently won a World Tour event in Gstaad and took silver at the EuroBeachVolley with partner Yorick de Groot, has started using the venue two years ago, moving from a training facility nearby at the beach in the Hague. And he couldn’t be any happier about it.
Stefan Boermans“It’s by far the best beach volleyball facility in our country. And I’d say it’s one of the best in the entire world. I’ve been at some great facilities around the world and have seen photos of others, and I’d say the training conditions we have there are just as good. We’re very fortunate to have it.”
Dutch Player
Dutch beach volleyball teams have all they need and more at their disposal at the Sportscampus Zuiderpark. The structure for the sport includes six indoor and three outdoor courts, multiple changing rooms and physio rooms, a gym, a video room and even a small kitchen and a lounge, where athletes can eat and rest between training sessions.
One of the things that sets the facility apart from others around the world is its ability to host not only training sessions but also national and international events. Since its inauguration, the venue has been the stage of Dutch Tour and World Tour events and has also housed the final round of the 2018 EuroBeachVolley.
Stefan Boermans“I’m yet to play a tournament at the Sportscampus Zuiderpark but I’ve been there for the EuroBeachVolley, the World Tour and the Dutch Tour events in recent years. I wasn’t playing at the level I am now, so I was more a supporter than anything and I hope the facility can host another international event soon so I can play in what’s now my home court.”
Dutch Player
Another massive benefit brought by the facility is the possibility to integrate senior and youth national teams, generating some exchange between established and up-and-coming athletes. That should bring long-lasting positives for beach volleyball in the Netherlands.
Stefan Boermans“This facility will have a positive impact in Dutch beach volleyball for many years. Taking Yorick and I as an example, we’ve improved so much just from being able to practice with Brouwer/Meeuwsen and Varenhorst/van de Velde this past year. The Netherlands is a country of tall people and by putting that together with the solid program we have and this facility, I’m, sure there’s a lot more to come.”
Dutch Player