Amsterdam, Netherlands – The municipality of Amsterdam has severed ties with Stichting Verenigd Jeugdhulp, a major provider of intensive youth care, following revelations that funds earmarked for vulnerable young people were diverted to an amateur football club. The decision, announced on March 20, 2026, stems from concerns over the financial practices of Boomerang Zorg, a company operating under the umbrella of the Stichting.
The Stichting Verenigd Jeugdhulp received over 10 million euros in 2025 from the city of Amsterdam to provide care for approximately 66 clients, many of whom have experienced challenging backgrounds, including involvement with the criminal justice system. Though, an investigation uncovered that Boomerang Zorg transferred 323,000 euros to AGB, an Amsterdam-based amateur football club, in 2023.
Funds Intended for Youth Day Programs
Boomerang Zorg initially claimed the funds were intended for daytime activities for the young people in their care, centered around sports and games. However, a court ruling determined there was no evidence to support these claims, failing to demonstrate what these activities consisted of or which young people participated. The municipality only discovered these transactions in January 2025, prompting an integrity investigation.
Amsterdam officials submitted 41 questions to Boomerang Zorg regarding the spending of the youth care funds and their collaboration with other organizations. According to the municipality, Boomerang Zorg only answered eight of those questions. The organization countered that providing complete answers required further clarification on the context of the inquiries.
Connections to Football Club Director
The investigation also revealed a concerning connection between a director of the amateur football club and a home care organization that Boomerang Zorg heavily relied upon for services. This director had previously been removed from his position in 2023 by a court after being found to have siphoned funds from the home care organization to companies in which he or his family held interests.
The municipality further alleges that Boomerang Zorg failed to disclose ongoing legal proceedings, a requirement for care providers to ensure transparency. Ismael Imaalitane, Director of Boomerang Zorg, stated that the organization did not inform the municipality because the collaboration with the football club had ended before the legal case began, acknowledging this was “an incorrect assessment” in retrospect.
Impact on Youth Care Services
As a result of these findings, the municipality has terminated its contract with the entire Stichting Verenigd Jeugdhulp. While the city has stated it will not immediately investigate the integrity of the Stichting’s other company, Multi Plus Zorg, the decision leaves the future of care for dozens of vulnerable young people uncertain. The Stichting will remain responsible for providing care until alternative placements can be secured, a challenging task given the limited availability of suitable options.
Boomerang Zorg expressed regret over the contract termination and voiced concerns about the continuity of care for its clients, emphasizing the complex needs of the youth they serve.
The municipality of Amsterdam has indicated it will critically review its own oversight mechanisms in light of this case and strengthen its monitoring procedures. However, officials have not yet commented on whether they will pursue legal action to recover the misused funds or file formal charges.
This situation highlights the critical importance of rigorous oversight and accountability in the allocation of public funds, particularly when those funds are intended to support vulnerable populations. The case raises serious questions about the responsible stewardship of resources and the potential for exploitation within the youth care system.
The municipality is now focused on ensuring a smooth transition for the affected young people and finding appropriate alternative care arrangements. The long-term implications of this scandal for the youth care sector in Amsterdam remain to be seen.
What’s Next: The municipality of Amsterdam is expected to announce further details regarding the transition plan for the affected youth in the coming weeks. Archysport will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available.
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