Urban sports facilities usage fees discussed by sports clubs: Insights on effects from social inequality to volunteer participation decline
In the city of Neuss, several sports clubs are grappling with financial difficulties due to increasing costs and potential fee hikes.
Willi Mohren, the business manager of TuS Reuschenberg, has reported a maintenance backlog in the clubhouse. The club, which bears a significant responsibility for its district sports facility, may have to pass on full usage fees to children and recreational sports, causing membership fees to almost double.
Sven Schumann, Chairman of SV Rosellen, has mentioned the potential for regular membership fee increases due to usage fees and restrictions on sports facility investments. He emphasises the need for regular decision-making on membership fee increases to address these issues.
The Managing Director of NSV, Siggi Willecke, discusses two proposed fee models that could result in additional costs of up to 18,000 euros or 40,000 euros per year. These potential costs could impact high-performance sport and courses for non-swimmers.
Mario Meyen, Chairman of TG Neuss, expresses concern about the potential discontinuation of performance basketball. He also mentions that around ten percent of TG Neuss members may cancel their membership in the event of a fee increase, which would be approximately 500 members. The membership fee for TG Neuss may increase by two to three euros per member per month due to these costs.
SVG Weissenberg, another club in the city, has invested money in the Hubert-Schafer-Sportpark, including energy-saving floodlights and new artificial turf. However, these investments may require the club to give up free offers and cooperation with kindergartens and schools.
Nadja Arvanitidis, Treasurer of DJK Rheinkraft Neuss, voices concerns about the additional burden on sports clubs and members due to usage fees, potentially leading to existential threats for some clubs and unaffordable sports offers for families with children.
BV Weckhoven may budget an additional 10,000 euros for usage fees due to the planned increase. Holzheimer SG may incur additional costs of 7,000 to 10,000 euros, which could be covered with a membership fee increase.
Hermann-Josef Baaken, Chairman of TSV Norf, expresses the need for city support and renovated sports facilities instead of fees that could lead to increased membership fees. He highlights the important contribution of sports clubs to the common good and health.
The city of Neuss has statutes concerning fees for certain uses, including sports facilities, but it does not specify which clubs are involved or favoured. The search results do not provide a direct list or specific names of clubs in Neuss that are considered for or favoured regarding fees for the use of sports facilities.
Siggi Willecke also mentions the potential loss of desire for voluntary work in sports clubs due to increased fees and financial burdens. The Treasurer of DJK Rheinkraft Neuss highlights the impact of Corona, inflation, and the energy crisis on sports clubs and their members.
These financial challenges facing sports clubs in Neuss underscore the need for careful consideration and collaboration between the clubs, city officials, and members to ensure the continued provision of vital sports services and facilities for the community.
