Doing Sports
In Groningen

There are around 50 student sports associations in Groningen, all affiliated with ACLO. ACLO Sports Centre is the largest student sports organisation in the Netherlands, offering a wide range of sports and activities for students.

You can choose from an annual, six-month, or summer membership. With an ACLO membership, you have access to a variety of classes, courses, sports clubs, and facilities, including tennis, squash, and football.

There are many outdoor public sports facilities in Groningen, where you can enjoy your own workout. For an overview of outdoor sports facilities, have a look here. Some sports associations also offer outdoor classes, often depending on the season. 

0-4 years old

You may want to take some active classes with your young child. There are baby swimming classes, yoga classes and other activity meet-ups for young children. You can find an overview of baby swimming classes on the Sport050 website. Yoga classes for young children are offered through Het Zonnekompas.

For recommendations in your area or from other international families of other baby activities, try asking the Expats in Groningen group on Facebook.

4-12 years old

Once children are at school, they will start receiving the Sporthopper, a folder with an overview of introductory courses for all sports offered to primary school children. You can choose sports classes from this folder and register through Sporthopper for the classes. The classes are offered very cheaply so that children can try out a number of sports. The Sporthopper is offered in September and again in January.

If your child has chosen a sport, it is very common in the Netherlands for children to join a sports club. The most popular sports for children below the age of 12 are football, gymnastics, dancing and hockey. There are many sports clubs in Groningen that offer classes for children, in almost every sport imaginable. Sport050 has an overview of sports clubs for children per age category. Asking other parents at school is a good way to find out which clubs are nearby, popular or suitable for your child.

Swimming lessons

In the Netherlands it is compulsory for children to obtain a swimming diploma. Swimming diplomas can be obtained at level A, B or C. All children need to obtain at least level A.

Children can start swimming lessons from 4 years old, and often start between 5 and 6 years old. There are many locations for swimming lessons. Sport050 has provided an overview of most swimming pools in Groningen (Dutch language page only). The municipal swimming pools also offer swimming lessons themselves, but these sometimes have waiting lists. There are also many private organisations offering swimming lessons, at the municipal swimming pools or at their own pools. Asking other parents at your child’s school is a good way to find out about recommended swimming classes in the area.

Do you not only want to play sports but also watch the professionals in action? Then Groningen is the place to be. From football to ice hockey and everything in between, the city is home to a variety of professional clubs. Want to know which teams to watch and where to find them? Look at our page, Best Sporting Events in Groningen.