Guide for internationals
Sports for children in Groningen: a guide for international families
How clubs for children work, why the swimming diploma matters, and classes your child can try this week.
How children's sport works here
- ClubsMost children play sport at a club (vereniging), in a team or group by age. You pay a fee per season.
- Try firstMost clubs let children train along a few times for free. Ask for a proeftraining.
- Parents helpClubs run on volunteers: parents drive to away matches, wash shirts or do a bar shift now and then.
In our overview, 22 clubs and providers in Groningen have classes or trainings for children and young people. Sports for children
The swimming diploma
In a country full of water, swimming lessons come first.
Dutch children learn to swim at a swimming school and earn diplomas A, B and C, the Zwem-ABC. It's about water safety as much as swimming: children also swim in clothes and learn to get out of the water on their own.
- 35%of Dutch children have all three diplomas (Mulier Institute, 2022).
- 13%of children aged 6 to 16 had no diploma at all in 2022, up from 6% in 2018.
- 13swimming classes for children in our overview this week. Swimming in Groningen
Lessons until diploma C can add up to hundreds of euros. Ask the municipality about help with the costs.
Classes for children this week
Groups where beginners are welcome or a trial is possible, one per sport.
- Today17:45 Nunchaku 8 - 11 jaar beginnersMartial arts · JiritsuTrial possible
- Tomorrow17:00 Skateboarden Groep 1 (instroomgroep)Skateboarding · skatepark ColosseumBeginners welcome
- Tomorrow17:30 Jeugdvoetbal onder 7 jaarFootball (soccer) · VV HarenTrial possible
- Wednesday09:15 Puppy 2Swimming · Zwemschool Aqua GroningenTrial possible
- Wednesday14:30 Kleuterballet 4 jaar nieuwDance · Balletschool Wanda KuiperInternationals welcome
- Wednesday16:00 BMX Groep 1 (instroomgroep)Cycling · skatepark ColosseumBeginners welcome
- Wednesday17:00 Jeugd kickboksenKickboxing · Sportcentrum BaliliTrial possible
- Saturday10:30 JeugdcursusClimbing & bouldering · BjoeksBeginners welcome
- Sunday10:30 Basis JeugdVolleyball · Beach Volley Club GroningenTrial possible
Help with the costs
Families with a low income can get help with sports fees for children through the Jeugdfonds Sport & Cultuur; on many club pages you can see whether the club works with it. Residents of the municipality with a low income can apply for a Stadjerspas, which gives discounts on sports, including a few free swims a year.
And you?
Waiting at the side of the pitch every week? Find something for yourself nearby, at the same time.
Questions
- What is the Dutch swimming diploma?
- Dutch children learn to swim at a swimming school and earn diplomas A, B and C (the Zwem-ABC). It covers swimming and water safety, including in clothes. About a third of Dutch children have all three.
- When do children usually start a club sport?
- Many clubs have groups from about age 5 or 6, sorted by age. The season starts in September, but most clubs take children during the year; ask for a trial training.
- Do children need to speak Dutch?
- Training is usually in Dutch, but children pick it up fast and coaches show what to do. Tell the coach your child is new to Dutch.
- Is there help with the costs?
- Families with a low income can get help with sports fees for children through the Jeugdfonds Sport & Cultuur. Residents with a low income can apply for a Stadjerspas, with discounts on sports.
Checked on 25 Oct 2026
Everything on this page comes from the clubs' and organisations' own pages. Times and fees change; the club's own site has the last word. Is your club welcoming to internationals, or do you train in English? Let us know.