Impact Dash Board
We view basketball as a tool for community-building and measure the positive impact on people—growth, connections, and satisfaction—through clear KPIs.
I came from Canada not knowing anybody in the Netherlands, through Court City I quickly built relationships that made me feel like I had a family on the other side of the world. Many of the members (as well as the owners) have helped me through some of hardest times in my life, and it’s because of Court City that I want to come back to the Netherlands!
An incredible gem of an organisation that has provided an amazing space for such a special community to form. Even from purely a basketball standpoint its fantastic, anyone can join and anyone can play. All levels are welcome and constantly encouraged. I joined when I was very new to basketball and I attribute much of my current love for the game to Court City (not to mention my own basketball skills). I have always received enormous amounts of teaching and encouragement from everyone in the community. I have been able to learn so much from those more experienced than me in a perfect environment that fosters uplifting competitiveness. Over last year I would always look forward to the next session, the next run and it has really well and truly made my year. Being at Court City has without a doubt been the highlight of my year. I am extremely grateful to everyone who has made this organisation and community what it is and hope with all of my heart that they can continue being a Beacon of Basketball for the people of The Hague.
I think Court City has great impact in community building: especially for international people who don’t have a great social environment yet and health: sports have incredible impact on physical and and the latter increases mental health too.
The Full Story
About Us
WHO WE ARE
Building Social Capital Through Basketball
In an increasingly digital and fragmented world, meaningful human connection is becoming harder to find.
At Court City, we believe basketball is more than a sport. It is a platform to connect people, build trust, and strengthen communities. Our mission is to rebuild social capital through basketball.
THE CHALLENGE
A World More Connected, Yet More Isolated
Technology has made it easier than ever to connect digitally. Yet many people spend more time consuming content and less time building real-world relationships.
At the same time, social media and online information spaces increasingly separate people into like-minded groups, reducing opportunities to interact with those who think, live, or look different from ourselves.
As a result, opportunities to build meaningful relationships and trust are declining.
The Decline of Social Capital
We define social capital as the relationships and trust that connect people to:
🤝 Friends and peers
🌍 People from different backgrounds
🧭 Mentors and trusted adults
🏡 Local communities
These connections help people feel supported, understood, and included. When social capital declines, loneliness, isolation, and social fragmentation increase.
OUR VISION
Rebuilding Social Capital Through Basketball
We use basketball as a vehicle to create communities where people can build
① Belonging
It means feeling welcomed, valued, and accepted for who you are. Whether someone is joining for the first time or has been part of the community for years, we strive to create an environment where every individual feels seen, respected, and connected.
② Reliance
Reliance is about knowing that there are people around you who will support, encourage, and help you when you need it. Through basketball, participants build meaningful connections with teammates, coaches, mentors, parents, and community members who can become sources of guidance, inspiration, and support.
③ Inclusion
Inclusion is not simply about bringing diverse people into the same space. It is about creating opportunities for them to interact, collaborate, and build genuine relationships. Through our programs, people of different nationalities, ages, abilities, experiences, and backgrounds come together around shared goals and shared experiences.
HOW WE
MEASURE IMPACT
We believe community impact should be measurable.
Therefore, every Court City initiative tracks both Reach and Impact.
Reach
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Number of participants
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Number of events
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Number of partner organizations
Belonging
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Feels welcomed in this community.
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Made friends in this community.
Reliance
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There is someone in this community I can rely on when I need help.
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There is an adult, coach, or mentor I respect and can learn from.
Inclusion
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Interacted with someone from a background different from my own.
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Worked together with people I would not normally meet.
OUR INITIATIVES
Adults: International Pickup Basketball Community
We connect individuals of nationalities, professions, ages, genders, and basketball skills through the game, prioritizing respect and improvement over winning.
Adults: Community Tournaments
Our tournaments unite local players who haven't yet played together, fostering new connections and strengthening neighborhood ties.
Kids: Mini Hoppers
Local sessions focus on confidence, teamwork, and inclusion, encouraging children and inviting parents to participate, enhancing family and community bonds
Kids: Inclusive Game Events
These events connect children from diverse backgrounds, fostering understanding and friendship through shared goals and teamwork.
Corporate: Team Building Workshops
Basketball-inspired activities enhance communication, collaboration, trust, and inclusion within teams, with no prior basketball experience needed.
Partnership: Corporate
We support community initiatives through sponsorships, ESG programs, employee volunteering.
Partnership: Government & Public Institutions
We together to promote social cohesion, inclusion, youth development, community wellbeing.
Partnership: Schools & Community Organizations
We opportunities for diverse individuals to connect and grow.