Sports are supposed to promote health, but many sports clubs are actually unhealthy environments. After all, who doesn’t associate a football clubhouse with a beer? In some areas, like Flevoland, a healthy lifestyle isn’t even considered a topic by many sports clubs.
Usually, there is no smoking ban near the outdoor fields or at the building’s entrance. Many people believe drinking alcohol along the football pitch is allowed, even though the KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Association) has banned it at all football clubs. The clubhouse itself doesn’t help either: the deep fryer often takes center stage. A portion of fries or a meatball sandwich with a beer after the match is seen as completely normal.
Some sports canteens have tried offering healthier food options. These attempts often fail: compared to fried foods, fresh options spoil quickly and take more time to prepare. Fewer than 1 in 5 clubhouses sell fruit. A common complaint from canteen managers is that there is no demand for healthy food. Athletes supposedly crave greasy snacks, not healthy meals, after a game. This makes it financially difficult for canteens to offer healthier choices.
In contrast, the cafés in gyms usually align better with a healthy lifestyle: smoothies, fruit, and protein shakes are often available. Alcohol is rarely served, and smoking areas are limited or nonexistent.