BOSA 2026: The dilemma of sports clubs and the future of the scheme

The BOSA scheme (Stimulating Construction and Maintenance of Sports Facilities) is vital for many sports clubs. It offers financial support for the construction, maintenance and purchase of sports equipment, so that the infrastructure of amateur clubs remains up to date. However, this arrangement is not without its challenges. In this blog, we dive deeper into the problems that associations face, what will change in BOSA 2026 and why this is very important for the future of sports clubs in the Netherlands.

‍

‍

What is the BOSA scheme?

‍

The BOSA scheme is a government subsidy scheme intended for sports clubs and foundations that are committed to the development and maintenance of sports facilities. This includes renovating fields, renewing changing rooms or purchasing new material. Only sports clubs that are affiliated with an NOC*NSF or POS-registered sports association can submit applications.

‍

‍

The problem statement: digitization and uncertainty

‍

In January 2026, the tragedy was complete again: the BOSA scheme was completely exhausted within a few hours. What follows is a chaos of digital queues, malfunctions and a suddenly closed counter. Many associations, which had put hours of work into their application, saw their plans go up in smoke. This also happened in 2025, when the portal was already closed in April because the available budget was oversubscribed by as much as 155%. This can be incredibly frustrating for many directors and treasurers who often have to do the association's administration in addition to their full-time work.

‍

‍

The volunteer's story: pressure and uncertainty

‍

When you speak to sports clubs, you often hear the same story:

• Directors who perform their roles in addition to their regular work.
• Treasurers who spend hours struggling through spreadsheets in the evenings.
• Clubs that don't want to make a profit but want to keep sports accessible to everyone.

‍

Instead of certainty, the current system offers uncertainty. Requests cannot always be submitted on time due to system overload. This puts extra pressure on volunteers, who already have enough challenges. The BOSA scheme should actually relieve them, but instead it creates more stress and postponed plans.

‍

Volunteers are the backbone of our community life. An arrangement that makes them dependent on accidental timing or unreliable digital systems is simply not sustainable. The consequences are visible: uncertainty, delays and increased pressure on members' contributions. This affects the social foundations of clubs, while sport is about connection, fun and health.

‍

‍

What will change in BOSA 2026?

‍

Fortunately, there is some improvement on the way before 2026, even if only partially. The changes are as follows:

‍

1. Sustainability: Subsidies for sustainability measures are no longer offered under BOSA, but will fall under the separate Dumava scheme from June 2026.
2. Subsidies for New Construction, Maintenance and Materials: These remain covered by the BOSA scheme, with a subsidy rate of 20%.
3. Extra Subsidy for Sustainability Initiatives: Clubs that take measures that improve accessibility, climate adaptation or circularity can now apply for a 30% subsidy.
4. Two application options: Subsidies can be requested both in advance and afterwards, which offers some flexibility.

‍

Tip: Timing remains crucial! The digital system and waiting times remain a risk. It is very important to submit the application on time and correctly so as not to fall by the wayside.

‍

‍

Why this matters

‍

What NIKKI sees every day is the enormous pressure that administrators and volunteers feel when faced with a system that does not support them, but rather burdens them. Instead of offering certainty, the BOSA scheme causes uncertainty. The idea behind the scheme is good, but the implementation is letting the clubs down.

‍

The consequences are more than just administrative delays. The social foundation of sports clubs is being affected. It is essential that we continue to push for improvements so that the scheme meets the real needs of sports clubs. On the contrary, sport should be a place of health, fun and connection. Volunteers should not suffer as a result.

‍

‍

The RVVB's position: A sustainable solution is necessary

‍

From the RVVB (Board of Association Directors), we find the current system unsustainable. An arrangement that is intended to help associations should not be a source of stress where technology, speed and random timing determine who will be helped and who will not be helped. What is needed is clear:

‍

• Structurally more budget: Make sure that applications are possible throughout the year, instead of creating a “race against the clock”.
• Substantive assessment: Focus on the content of the request and not on “who clicks first”.
• More predictability and peace of mind: Directors and volunteers need a reliable system.

‍

Sports clubs are the backbone of the Dutch sports culture. They deserve a fair, reliable and structurally supported arrangement that helps them achieve their goals without unnecessary pressure.

‍

‍

What can you do?

‍

Do you want to contribute to a better regulation for sports clubs? Then support the RVVB petition so that we can make our voice heard in the House of Representatives. Together, we can provide more peace, predictability and space for the volunteers who strengthen the foundation of Dutch sport every day.

‍

Sign here the petition and support sports clubs in the Netherlands!