Heracles Goldstars donate €2,100 to inclusive youth football programme

Heracles Almelo’s Goldstars Walking Football group has presented a €2,100 cheque to the Heracles Foundation. The presentation took place during the match between Heracles and RKC Waalwijk, with Huib Rouwenhorst and Esther Frederiks handing over the donation on behalf of the Goldstars.

The full amount will go to the Heracles Passend Voetbalteam, an inclusive football programme for young people with disabilities in Almelo and the surrounding area. The initiative gives participants the chance to play football together, enjoy the sport and experience being part of a team. Heracles said the contribution supports its aim of providing equal opportunities for local youngsters with disabilities.

The money was generated by the Almelo City Cup, an international walking football tournament held last spring. Through its “Oldstars for Youngstars” campaign, the Goldstars used the event and its associated activities to raise funds for the programme, linking the older players’ participation in walking football with support for a younger generation.

The Almelo City Cup is scheduled to return for its 11th edition from 25 to 27 May 2027. Gold Stars Heracles and Heracles Almelo will again organise the tournament, bringing together walking football teams from the Netherlands and abroad. A lottery is also planned for the 2027 event, with its proceeds to be allocated to a charitable cause.