Gymnastics Association KNGU has appointed a new technical director. Jeroen van Leeuwen, who currently works as an operational manager at football club PEC Zwolle, succeeds Mark Meijer, who retired at the beginning of this year.
Meijer’s departure came after a turbulent period in which Dutch gymnastics had to deal with a major case involving transgressive behaviour. In 2020, many Dutch former gymnasts came out with their stories about abuse and transgressive behaviour.
Various coaches were accused, including Vincent Wevers and women’s national coach Gerben Wiersma. Both trainers have now left the KNGU, as has men’s national coach Bram van Bokhoven. Last month, general manager Marieke van der Plas announced that she will stop on 1 May.
First vacancy filled
With the arrival of Van Leeuwen, the KNGU has filled its first vacancy. He will be given the heavy task of rebuilding the top sports program of the association.
“Jeroen has broad and versatile management experience in recreational and top sport”, says Van der Plas. “He is driven, connecting and steady. Qualities that are necessary for the further expansion of our programs for top sport and gymnastics talent development.”
Van Leeuwen will start at the KNGU on May 1. “This switch feels double,” he says. “On the one hand, I find it difficult to leave the club after the season, especially now that the end of this year is not yet known.”
“On the other hand, the KNGU offers me a fantastic opportunity. At the gymnastics association I get the opportunity to combine three of my interests, recreational sport, talent development and top sport.”
