ROTTERDAM, 2 March 2026 – Rotterdam has launched a new Sport and Culture Credit (Sport- en Cultuurtegoed) from 1 March 2026, giving children in low-income families automatic vouchers via their Rotterdampas. The municipality says the change is designed to make participation easier for more than 20,000 children across the city.
The key shift is simple: instead of a separate application process, the credit appears automatically on the child’s pass if the parents have a Rotterdampas at the low tariff.
Who can use the sport and culture credit
The Sport and Culture Credit is for Rotterdam children aged 0 to 17 in families with a low income, where the parents have purchased a Rotterdampas at the low tariff. Eligible children receive the credit automatically as vouchers on their Rotterdampas, which can be used for lessons and activities such as football, boxing, dance, singing, or drawing.
One income check, then automatic vouchers
Rotterdam says parents now only need to have their income assessed once, when applying for the low-tariff Rotterdampas. After that, the Sport and Culture Credit is automatically added to the child’s pass. With the voucher, children can go straight to a participating sports or culture provider. The city says there is no longer a separate application step, which was required under the previous set-up.
What the vouchers cover and the maximum amounts
Each child receives two vouchers per pass year for sports and culture activities, plus one voucher for necessary club clothing or an instrument. The maximum reimbursements listed are:
- Sports activities: €350
- Culture activities (group): €350
- Culture activities (small groups up to 3 participants): €600
- Club clothing: €80
- Instrument hire or purchase: €100
Providers are expected to create a suitable activity package for the vouchers. Once a voucher is used, Rotterdam pays the amount directly to the provider.
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The municipality’s aim
Alderman Abigail Norville (poverty reduction, debt assistance, language and benefits) frames the scheme as a way to remove barriers for families, and to help children explore and develop through sport and culture.
“We want to make it much easier for children and their parents to take part in sport and culture. In that way, we hope all Rotterdam children can make use of the great offer in our city. Because every child deserves to develop and discover new things. Sport and culture also create connection, and you build skills you can use for the rest of your life.” – Abigail Norville, Rotterdam alderman
Ambassadors will still help families find the way
Rotterdam says intermediaries will remain important under the name “ambassadors”. They work closely with families and are positioned as key in reaching parents and children for whom participation does not come automatically.
What happens to the Jeugdfonds support
The new credit replaces the current route via the Youth Sports and Culture Fund (Jeugdfonds Sport & Cultuur). Children who are already participating through the fund can continue as they are used to.
The municipality says the Sport and Culture Credit will become relevant for those children when they change club, or when a new season starts and fees need to be paid again.
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Where to find more information
More information is available here: www.sportencultuurtegoed.nl
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