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
Urban Rookies launches its own fund managed by the King Baudouin Foundation
We are proud to announce the launch of the Urban Rookies Fund, powered by
Constant Vanden Stock, managed by the King Baudouin Foundation. This fund
marks a major step in our commitment to support young talents from urban
environments through sport, education, and personal development.
Thanks to the support of the King Baudouin Foundation, we can now receive and
manage donations in a transparent and sustainable way. Every contribution – large
or small – directly strengthens our impact in the communities that need it most.
Support the Urban Rookies Fund, managed by the King Baudouin Foundation,
with a tax-deductible donation.
Through the donation campaign set up by the King Baudouin Foundation, you can
make a secure and easy contribution to the Urban Rookies Fund. Annual donations of €40 or more are eligible for a 45% tax deduction (in Belgium).
You can choose between a one-time donation or a monthly contribution. The account
number and structured communication are automatically filled in via these links.
Please note: tax certificates are only available for donations without
compensation.
At events such as our gala evening, it is of course possible to raise funds for Urban
Rookies. However, please note that donations linked to a benefit or compensation
(such as a dinner, auction, or raffle) are not eligible for a tax certificate.
Would you like to make an additional contribution during or after the gala, without
receiving anything in return? That’s perfectly possible through our official donation
campaign – and you will receive the applicable tax benefits. The proceeds from the
event itself can also be transferred in full to the Urban Rookies Fund, managed by
the King Baudouin Foundation.
Education and sport as levers for Brussels youth: Urban Rookies and Kids & Family give Brussels youth a much-needed boost
Over the past few months, Urban Rookies (supported by the Constant Vanden Stock Foundation) and the non-profit Kids & Family joined forces to support 16 Brussels-based youngsters — both in school and in their sports clubs.
The goal? To combat school dropout and give young people the tools to fully develop their talents.
Thanks to a combined approach of sports-driven motivation and educational guidance, all the young participants successfully completed their school year. A key step toward greater self-confidence, perseverance, and future opportunities.
“The collaboration with Urban Rookies is bearing fruit. The additional support we receive from the Foundation is most welcome and allows us to offer more opportunities to children who want to grow through education and sport,” explains Khadija El Mayhaoui, Director of Kids & Family.
The CEO of Urban Rookies, David Steegen, also highlights the importance of this partnership:
“Kids & Family’s expertise is essential to making this initiative a success. We aim to extend this kind of collaboration to other municipalities in the Brussels-Capital Region.”
Do not hesitate to support Urban Rookies: BE05 0016 3881 2875
Brussels is full of young talent. It’s our responsibility to help them thrive — at school, on the field, and in life.
On Friday, July 18th 2025
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
