De Graafschap signs regional sport partnership for 2026-29

De Graafschap and Achterhoek in Beweging have signed a cooperation agreement covering the 2026-29 period. The deal, completed in Doetinchem, brings together the club and a regional platform involving ten Achterhoek municipalities and their partners.

The organisations intend to use sport and physical activity to promote a healthier, more active and inclusive region. De Graafschap will contribute through the community programmes run by De Graafschap Verbindt, its women’s and girls’ football activities, links with local amateur clubs and its youth academy.

Achterhoek in Beweging will provide expertise, programme-development support and access to its regional network. It will also help connect the club’s initiatives with municipalities, sports associations, talent pathways and other partners inside and outside the Achterhoek.

General director Marco Bogers said in De Graafschap’s announcement that the club has a responsibility beyond football and wants to use its reach to encourage more people to become active while giving talent opportunities to develop. Pascal Kamperman, director of Achterhoek in Beweging, said the organisations had already worked together since 2014 and that the new three-year agreement would bring their networks closer. Both parties expect the formal partnership to help existing initiatives expand, gain visibility and reach more people across the region.