Johan Neeskens Legacy Grant: applications now open

Johan Neeskens stood for commitment, teamwork and putting the collective above individual success. - Foto: KNVB Media

Today, on April 13th, KNVB WorldCoaches proudly announces that the call is now open for the first edition of the Johan Neeskens Legacy Grant. This is an annual grant created to honour the enduring legacy of Johan Neeskens. Not only remembered as one of the Netherlands’ greatest footballers, wearing the iconic number 13, Johan Neeskens is above all celebrated as a person and coach who deeply believed in the power of football to support others and create positive social change.

Throughout his career, Johan Neeskens stood for commitment, teamwork and putting the collective above individual success. Off the pitch, and later as an ambassador and instructor for the WorldCoaches programme, he embodied humility, generosity and passion. He was a strong advocate for using football as a tool to help young people grow, build confidence, and develop essential life skills, especially in communities where opportunities are limited.

WorldCoaches all over the world can apply for this grant, which they can use to organise an event that utilizes the power of football for social impact, continuing Johan’s legacy. With the Johan Neeskens Legacy Grant, KNVB WorldCoaches continues this vision by investing in coaches who share these values and are committed to making an impact, both on and off the pitch. 

Read the application criteria below or view this document.

About the Johan Neeskens Legacy Grant

The Johan Neeskens Legacy Grant consists of EUR 4,900, a symbolic amount referring to Johan Neeskens’ 49 appearances for the Dutch national team. The grant is awarded annually to a WorldCoach or a group of WorldCoaches (maximum five participants) who will organise an event using football as a tool to benefit children and/or young people facing social challenges.

The supported event must take place in 2026 and focus on creating meaningful social impact. Projects may address issues such as social cohesion, inclusion, gender equality, bullying or other community-driven challenges.

By supporting these initiatives, KNVB WorldCoaches aims to strengthen the role of coaches as role models and changemakers, empowering them to contribute to the personal development of young people, both as football players and as individuals.

Who can apply?

The Johan Neeskens Legacy Grant is open to WorldCoaches who meet the following criteria:

• The applicant is a WorldCoach who has completed at least the introductory level
• The activity will be implemented individually or with a group of maximum five participants
• The proposal clearly uses football as a tool for social impact
• The proposal is written in English (use of translation tools is allowed)
• The proposal includes a budget outlining how the EUR 4,900 grant will be spent
• The applicant is able to receive the funds via international bank transfer or through a WorldCoaches partner, if applicable
• The event will be implemented in 2026

Application requirements and evaluation

Applicants are invited to submit a detailed proposal describing their planned event, including information such as the location, target group, social issues addressed, involved stakeholders and expected impact on the community.

The selected proposals will be assessed by a jury, which will select the winning proposal based on impact, relevance and quality. Applications are open until May 31st, 2026, by sending an email with all the required information to worldcoaches@knvb.nl.