Many talented top athletes dream of a great career, but that is ultimately reserved for only a few. To provide Brabant residents with financial support, there has been a Brabant Talent Fund since this year. Dozens of athletes have now applied, including tennis player Bobbi Platenburg (16) from Oss and discus thrower Merijn Coenen (19) from Breda. “It is a step in our path to the top.”
The Brabant Talent Fund is an initiative of BrabantSport and the municipalities of Oss, Den Bosch, Eindhoven, Roosendaal and Breda. Brabant athletes between the ages of 15 and 30 can submit an application for, for example, the financing of equipment, training camps and competitions. This concerns amounts between 500 and 1,500 euros, with a committee assessing the requests.
Bobbi Platenburg fell in love with tennis at a very young age and now plays many national and international tournaments at the age of 16. Traveling and training in different places in the Netherlands costs a lot of money. “We are in contact with sponsors and family members contribute financially. The more financial options, the more you can compete with the top abroad. I can make big steps there and I am becoming increasingly interesting for parties to invest in me,” says the Ossen native from a tournament in the Czech Republic. “Thanks to the support of the Brabant Talent Fund, I can pay for another tournament. Another step in my development.”
He is still at school, but in addition to his school hours, Platenburg plays tennis full-time. As a 16-year-old, his first goal is the top 1000 of the world rankings in the category up to and including 18 years. In the long term, he dreams of participating in Grand Slams. “And ultimately I hope to reach the top ten in the world. That is a huge challenge, but if I work hard and continue to develop, I will give myself a chance.”
“I strive to reach that level.”
Discus thrower Merijn Coenen also submitted an application and was able to use the financial support to finance a large part of his three-week training camp in Portugal. “I receive a little money from the association, I see it as a bonus. There is prize money at competitions, but with two world top players as competitors in the Netherlands alone, it is difficult to earn that. I strive to reach that level and training internships are important.”
In his younger years, Coenen played football, but after three years he opted for athletics. Discus throwing turned out to be his specialty and he works on it six days a week. “I do everything for the perfect throw, even though it doesn’t actually exist. When you get close to perfection, it gives you the same feeling as a football player who scores an important goal.”
Last year, the Breda native took part in the European Under-20 Championships; In 2027 he wants to go to the European Championship under 23 years. His main goal is clear: the Olympic Games. “It is hard work and the sport costs a lot of money, but I am committed to it. Suppose I am later at the Games, then that will be a dream come true.”
