Mission test
Urban Rookies Powered by Constant Vanden Stock:
First Fundraising Gala a Great Success
On Saturday, November 30th, the Urban Rookies (powered by Constant Vanden Stock) team organized its first fundraising gala at the Edmon Machtens Stadium of RWDM.
The evening was a great success.
The gala evening began with a tribute to the Vanden Stock family, the inspiration behind the new foundation.
Julie and Claire Vanden Stock, the granddaughters of Constant Vanden Stock, each received a portrait of their father, Roger Vanden Stock, created by renowned photographer Stefan Van Fleteren.
Roger Vanden Stock, the former president of RSC Anderlecht, was, along with his wife Kiki, the founder of the RSCA Constant Vanden Stock Foundation, the predecessor of Urban Rookies.
During the gala, the first initiatives of the foundation to combat school dropout in Brussels through sport were presented to the 136 guests in attendance.
VUB Professor Dimo Kavadias introduced his study, which mapped the youth in Brussels. Our first partners, Stade Everois, FC Ganshoren, Brussels Volley, and the nonprofit Kids & Family were also introduced to the guests.
LATEST NEWS
Latest News
Urban Rookies & the Fondation Boghossian join forces!
Thanks to the mediation of our strategic advisor in Philanthropy, Marie Martens, we have become a
member of the renowned Fondation Boghossian, which translates its humanitarian commitment into
various initiatives.
Here you will find more information about the Fondation Boghossian.
Last Tuesday, our CEO, David Steegen, had the honour and pleasure of presenting “Urban Rookies
powered by Constant Vanden Stock” at a networking evening organized by the Fondation
Boghossian.
In the beautiful and iconic Villa Empain, a symbol of Brussels Art Deco, over 200 guests attended an
unforgettable Master Class on Philanthropy by the world-renowned Afro-American Soprano, Barbara
Hendricks.
“The reaction to ‘Urban Rookies’ was well received by the attending audience. A healthy dose of
curiosity was our part. I am convinced that the Master Class and collaboration with the Fondation
Boghossian will open many doors that will benefit our initiatives and our youth,” said David Steegen,
CEO of “Urban Rookies powered by Constant Vanden Stock.
Urban Rookies Powered by Constant Vanden Stock:
First Fundraising Gala a Great Success
On Saturday, November 30th, the Urban Rookies (powered by Constant Vanden Stock) team organized its first fundraising gala at the Edmon Machtens Stadium of RWDM.
The evening was a great success.
The gala evening began with a tribute to the Vanden Stock family, the inspiration behind the new foundation.
Julie and Claire Vanden Stock, the granddaughters of Constant Vanden Stock, each received a portrait of their father, Roger Vanden Stock, created by renowned photographer Stefan Van Fleteren.
Roger Vanden Stock, the former president of RSC Anderlecht, was, along with his wife Kiki, the founder of the RSCA Constant Vanden Stock Foundation, the predecessor of Urban Rookies.
During the gala, the first initiatives of the foundation to combat school dropout in Brussels through sport were presented to the 136 guests in attendance.
VUB Professor Dimo Kavadias introduced his study, which mapped the youth in Brussels. Our first partners, Stade Everois, FC Ganshoren, Brussels Volley, and the nonprofit Kids & Family were also introduced to the guests.
On Saturday, November 30th 2024
"If you don’t treat the youth well, you have no future." Johan Cruyff
Cruyff often emphasized the importance of education for the future of youth & sports.
The Brussels-Capital Region is one of the youngest regions in Belgium and Europe.
This offers many advantages. A large part of the talented youth from the Brussels-Capital Region can be mobilised to combat aging in other regions.
Unfortunately, nearly 8% of young people in Brussels leave education prematurely.
The “Urban Rookies Powered by Constant Vanden Stock” Foundation wants to contribute by tackling school absenteeism in Brussels through sports.
Specifically, this means that “Urban Rookies” will collaborate with sports clubs from various disciplines and provide solutions for young athletes to keep them in school and engaged with their clubs so they can grow into respectful and responsible citizens.
Follow-up in education will be organized together with experts.
Practicing sports in clubs connects young people and provides a framework for youth from all possible backgrounds. Moreover, Brussels sports clubs embrace the super-diversity that is characteristic of Brussels. Young people from different backgrounds come together in clubs, they win and lose together, and they learn to deal with authority and mutual respect.
“1/3 of households in Brussels live in poverty. I owe a lot to my city. My multilingual education — whether in school, on the street, or in the football clubs where I played — has enabled me to develop my skills and build a fascinating professional career by embracing super-diversity as a Brussels resident and becoming a responsible citizen.
David Steegen, CEO Urban Rookies
THE MISSION
“Brussels is home to the most diverse, youthful, and rapidly growing population in Belgium. However, nearly 8% of our youth drop out of school before the age of 16, and a third of households in Brussels live in poverty.
I owe everything to my city. My multilingual upbringing—whether at school, on the streets, or in the football clubs where I played—allowed me to develop my skills and embark on a fascinating professional journey.
Brussels taught me to embrace diversity, navigate victories and defeats, and become a responsible citizen. Now is the time for me to give back to my city, our Capital, by combating school dropouts in Brussels.
“Urban Rookies” is a non-profit organisation founded on the legacy of Constant Vandenstock to fight against school absenteeism in Brussels. Through our dedicated mentoring program, developed in collaboration with local sports clubs, we strive to keep children and youth engaged in education.”
“Urban Rookies” is a non-profit organisation founded on the legacy of Constant Vandenstock to fight against school absenteeism in Brussels. Through our dedicated mentoring program, developed in collaboration with local sports clubs, we strive to keep children and youth engaged in education.”
Mission
“Brussels is home to the most diverse, youthful, and rapidly growing population in Belgium. However, nearly 8% of our youth drop out of school before the age of 16, and a third of households in Brussels live in poverty.
I owe everything to my city. My multilingual upbringing—whether at school, on the streets, or in the football clubs where I played—allowed me to develop my skills and embark on a fascinating professional journey.
Brussels taught me to embrace diversity, navigate victories and defeats, and become a responsible citizen. Now is the time for me to give back to my city, our Capital, by combating school dropouts in Brussels.
“Urban Rookies” is a non-profit organisation founded on the legacy of Constant Vandenstock to fight against school absenteeism in Brussels. Through our dedicated mentoring program, developed in collaboration with local sports clubs, we strive to keep children and youth engaged in education.”
“Urban Rookies” is a non-profit organisation founded on the legacy of Constant Vandenstock to fight against school absenteeism in Brussels. Through our dedicated mentoring program, developed in collaboration with local sports clubs, we strive to keep children and youth engaged in education.”
Urban Rookies powered by Constant Vanden Stock.
THE INSPIRATION
The Inspiration
Mister Constant Vanden Stock (1924 – 2008), born and raised in Brussels, is an iconic figure in the history of Belgian football and a highly successful businessman. He played for Royal Union Saint-Gilloise and RSC Anderlecht, coached several teams, and served as the technical director of the national team.
As the esteemed President of Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht, Mr. Vanden Stock elevated the club to the pinnacle of European football, leading RSCA to participate in seven European finals, winning three, and claiming two European Super Cups.
Above all, Monsieur Constant was a dedicated philanthropist, supporting numerous organizations and underprivileged individuals in Brussels, often anonymously.
His son, Mister Roger Vanden Stock, and his wife Kiki Vanden Stock, established and expertly managed the RSCA Constant Vanden Stock Foundation. Urban Rookies, powered by Constant Vanden Stock, is the natural successor to the RSCA Constant Vanden Stock Foundation.
The Program
The program
Urban Rookies, powered by Constant Vanden Stock, selects children and youth referred by our partner sports clubs.
Each selected Urban Rookie is paired with a dedicated mentor who will support them at their sports club and school for a duration of three years.
The mentors from our Foundation collaborate closely with experts, schools, and sports clubs to inspire and motivate each Urban Rookie, ensuring they remain engaged in their education while continuing to enjoy their sporting activities.
The Partners
the partners
our team
our Team
agenda
AGENDA
Fundraising & Charity event
The Constant Vanden Stock Awards
coming soon…
29 septembre 2024 @Belgium Stadium
coming soon…
THE AMBASSADORS
THE AMBASSADORS
