ROTTERDAM, 31 October 2025 – During the national Foster Care Week (Week van de Pleegzorg), from 29 October to 5 November, the municipality of Rotterdam is joining forces with foster care organisations and sports clubs to raise awareness of the urgent need for more foster families.
Image: From left: Frank Vijg, director of the Excelsior Foundation; in the centre, a foster father and son with two foster parents; on the right, Deputy Mayor Ronald Buijt. Photo: Arnout Verhey Fotografie
Many children find a sense of belonging at their local sports club — but some need more: a real home, even if only temporarily. The initiative highlights how sports communities can play a key role in making foster care more visible and accessible across the city.
Excelsior Foundation donates match tickets
A leading example of this collaboration comes from the Excelsior Foundation, which has donated tickets for the Excelsior vs Heracles football match on 8 November. “The Excelsior Foundation wants to connect people, both on and off the pitch,” said director Frank Vijg. “Through this free ticket campaign, we aim to draw attention to foster children and show our belief in the power of community. We hope more Rotterdammers will feel inspired to make a difference in a child’s life, even temporarily.”
On 30 October, the tickets were officially handed over to foster families at Van Donge & De Roo Stadium. Deputy Mayor Ronald Buijt (Youth, Elderly and Care) attended the event and remarked: “In Rotterdam, we believe every child deserves safety, care and love — even when they cannot live at home. Foster parents provide that chance. Together with our sports clubs and residents, I encourage everyone: take the step, sign up, and help give a child a home.”
Growing shortage of foster families
Across the Netherlands, hundreds of children are waiting for a safe place to stay. At the end of 2024, foster care organisations were still searching for suitable homes for nearly 900 children. Buijt added: “The municipality of Rotterdam aims to tackle this shortage in partnership with local organisations. We call on sports clubs, schools, companies and residents to think along — and join in where possible.”
Appreciation for foster parents
The municipality expressed deep gratitude to all foster parents who provide children with warmth and stability. “Foster parents are the quiet heroes of our city,” said Buijt. “You give children not only a roof over their heads but also structure, warmth, and hope. Thank you for the difference you make every day.”
Rotterdam residents interested in becoming foster parents can learn more at pleegzorg.nl/rijnmond, where information and guidance materials are available.
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