Written by Maud Vreman | Published on January 8, 2026
At vv LTC in Assen, football hasn't just been about the Saturday match for a long time. It's a club where a lot happens behind the scenes, supported by a dedicated group of volunteers who are there almost daily. Jan is one of them. For years, he has been involved in facility and materials management.
"If things run smoothly here, everyone benefits," he says. "Coaches can train and don't have to worry about anything."
A community club with a recognizable reality
vv LTC is a typical community club. Most members come from the immediate vicinity and primarily choose the club that is close by. According to Jan, there are hardly any significant differences between clubs anymore. What hasn't changed is the role of volunteers. The club runs on a core group, largely older members, who are responsible for maintenance, cleaning, and materials. Jan can be found there almost every day.
“With a team of about seven, we keep everything running. It works, but it does require structure.”
At the same time, he sees that, as with many associations, volunteer work is under pressure. Younger members are less available, and involvement is no longer a given. That is precisely why he tries to make things easier for them. "I prepare everything for the trainers. Then you hope that it comes back neatly. That works better than constantly correcting."
From fragmentation to overview
For years, materials were bought from different suppliers. Balls from one brand, goals from another, nets from somewhere else entirely. This caused unrest and confusion.
"Then at some point you no longer know where something comes from. And if something breaks, the searching begins."
In addition, something else was going on. Some balls simply disappeared. Jan wanted more overview, one clear line, and materials that are recognizable club property.
The move to SKOR
The collaboration with SKOR arose from that need. One point of contact, one supplier, and someone who understands how an association works. "The contact was immediately pleasant. No sales pitches, but just a willingness to think along with us."
What started with balls and goals quickly grew into a broader collaboration. Now, nets and other materials also come through SKOR. "If I need something, I email them. I get a price, present it to the treasurer, and then we arrange it. That brings peace of mind."
Practical experience that counts
For Jan, quality is not just about the product, but also about its use. He inflates all the balls himself, and this allows him to immediately notice a difference in their lifespan.
“Many problems don't come from the ball, but from too little air. If you keep track of that, they will last much longer.”
With one line of buoys and clear agreements, management has become more streamlined. And because the buoys are recognisable as club equipment, they disappear less quickly.
Why the collaboration continues
For Jan, the collaboration with SKOR is not about one order or one product, but about trust and continuity. “You know where you stand. If there’s an issue, it gets resolved. Without any hassle.”
For a club that largely relies on volunteers, that might be the most important thing. “When everything runs smoothly, everyone can do what they came for: play football.”
About vv LTC
vv LTC is a football club from Assen with a strong community function and a close-knit group of volunteers. The club has multiple artificial and natural grass pitches and is known for its down-to-earth approach, involved members, and focus on a well-maintained accommodation where football is central.
