N.E.C. Nijmegen is leveraging its historic return to Europe for a social cause. The club will wear the GezondRijk Nijmegen logo on the back of their shirts during all eight European matches this season.
General director Wilco van Schaik sees the European campaign as a powerful platform. "Our return to Europe is proof that with the right choices and the support of the city, you can go far," he says. The club is playing in European competition for the first time since the 2008/2009 season, following a third-place finish in the Eredivisie this spring, the highest league position in its history.
The shirt placement is the most visible step to date within the GezondRijk Nijmegen social strategy, which launched in early 2025. Project coordinator An Nijkamp stresses the long-term goal. "The health disparities between neighbourhoods in Nijmegen are large, and you don't solve that with one action," Nijkamp explains. The programme runs activities for every life stage, from N.E.C. United for young youth to Football Memories for older people. Partners include KlokGroep, Nexperia, ProToGa, Rabobank and GX.
N.E.C. Has been conducting social activities in and around Nijmegen for approximately eighteen years. The club aims to use the attention, pride, and energy from the European matches to promote health equity in the city's neighbourhoods. The initiative coincides with a mixed period on the pitch. The last five league matches have yielded two wins, one draw and two defeats (LDWWL). Following a 3-0 defeat at Cambuur last Saturday, an away fixture against Juventus is next on Thursday, kicking off the European campaign. Fans can view the full schedule and current squad on the site.
The focus is now on the European adventure, where each match also serves as a statement for the city. The club is combining sporting ambition with its deep-rooted social commitment to the region.
Background and full detail: NEC Nijmegen
