From now on, clubs will have to enter the Sporthuis Reusel sports hall themselves with a key. The canteen will also remain closed. Owner Optisport cannot find staff and so sports clubs are forced to cancel the third half. The clubs are not happy and move to other sports halls.
The Sports House currently has no staff who can be present during sports club training. The manager of the canteen has retired and his only colleague has also left. As a solution, Optisport proposed that clubs from now on take responsibility for the sports hall themselves. That means: entering through a side door with a key. The canteen remains closed.
Disappointment
The associations don’t like that. Together they decided to move to other sports halls in the area. But that also brings difficulties. “If it works, it is quite an adjustment to train at completely different times and locations,” says a volunteer from the korfball club.
She also finds it a shame that it is no longer possible to have a drink in the canteen after training. “It is a great loss for the youth and seniors.”
The clubs now have to arrange emergency response officers themselves. In fact, that is already their responsibility, but it was not always possible to find someone. In any case, an emergency response officer must be present in catering establishments, so that could provide a solution.
Manager not happy either
Optisport itself is not happy with the situation. “We are looking for new staff, but that is easier said than done,” says manager Daniël Ossenblok. “Because we knew it would be difficult, we came up with the current solution so that sports can still be played.”
If it were up to Optisport, the canteen would reopen as soon as possible. “I am hopeful about the applicants,” says Ossenblok. But he also wants to think about the future. “It will happen more often that we have too few staff. People get sick or find another job. Then we have to work together to ensure that sports can still be played.”
In conversation
Ossenblok is discussing this with the municipality. He would also have liked to talk to the associations. “I set aside three days for discussions, but only one association showed up. I think that’s a shame. I would also much rather see the business running. Now the lights are off in the evening.”
He hopes to find a solution together with the sports clubs. “Maybe we can ensure that we keep the canteen running together with the associations or we can arrange emergency response courses.”
The associations would also benefit from a solution. “Many clubs depend on the hall,” says the korfball volunteer. “I dare not say how long this situation can be maintained.”