Written by Danique Leuverink | Published on May 20, 2026
At Zwaluwen Hockey in Utrecht, it's about more than just hockey. The club is young, vibrant, and constantly evolving. Chairman Jasper Kooijmans knows the club inside out: he started as a parent on the sidelines and progressed through roles such as coach, game supervisor, referee, and line coordinator to become chairman. This level of involvement typifies the club.
Zwaluwen Utrecht 1911 is an omni-sport club consisting of football, hockey, and tennis. The hockey department has existed for about sixteen years now and has around 950 members. With two fields, 19 senior teams, and 21 junior teams, it's quite a puzzle every week. Yet, according to Jasper, it's precisely this combination of busyness, involvement, and conviviality that makes the club unique.
"On Saturdays it's truly a family club, and on Sundays, it's more of a friends' club where both recreational and performance hockey have a place."
Maximising the use of a sports park in the heart of Utrecht
Its location in the middle of the city makes Zwaluwen special. During the day, schools play sports on the fields; afterwards, the club takes over. On Saturdays, the programme is packed from early morning until late afternoon, and on Sundays too, games are played from early till late. All facilities are used intensively and require smart organisation and solutions.
Engagement as a foundation
Despite the hustle and bustle, Zwaluwen remains primarily a club where engagement is central. Volunteers are indispensable, and according to Jasper, the club can still be grateful for their willingness to help. At the same time, the club sees that this is changing.
Board member Guus van Berkel knows how to enthuse people in a clever way. By making tasks small and manageable, the threshold remains low and people are more likely to say yes. This pragmatic approach ensures that engagement is maintained, even in a time when volunteering is less self-evident.
Hockey as a means to connect
The club does not stand alone. Precisely because of its location in the middle of the city, Zwaluwen feels a clear social responsibility. Together with, among others, the Hockey Foundation, the Anne Frankschool and SportUtrecht, a program has been set up where children are introduced to hockey in an accessible way: first during gym class, then after school and ultimately, where possible, within the club. There is also attention for parents and for financial barriers that can make participation difficult.
The ambition is clear: to grow in impact, not just in members. Zwaluwen wants to be a club that connects with the city in which it is located and where more children, from different backgrounds, can find their way to sports.
Quick action with SKOR
Zwaluwen got in touch with SKOR through the municipality. The club needed new foldable goals, nets, and accessories for the hockey goals. Due to intensive use, existing materials were worn or damaged.
"You just notice that they're thinking along with you about what you, as a club, really need."
The request was emphatically not a standard replacement, but a solution that can withstand daily use at a busy urban sports park. SKOR actively participated in this process and came on site to properly assess the situation.
Quality that can take a beating
For Zwaluwen, quality is not a luxury, but a necessity. At a busy sports park, materials endure a lot, week in and week out. This is precisely why Jasper is positive about the collaboration with SKOR. Not only because of the contact, but also because of the quality of the products.
Almost all goal nets have now been replaced, and new folding goals have also been installed. This means the club is ready for intensive use again, now and in the coming years.
About Zwaluwen Utrecht 1911
Zwaluwen Utrecht 1911 is an all-sports club in Utrecht with a young and rapidly growing hockey section. The club is known for its dedicated volunteers, warm club atmosphere, and the combination of camaraderie and sporting ambition. Due to its unique location in the heart of the city and its emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity, the club plays an important role in its community.
