A house of light.

At House of Nûr — house of light — girls between 10 and 20 can find a safe space to play futsal. The project launched in April 2025 and has kept growing ever since.

The girls have become a close-knit football club with their own identity and team kits, guided by Nowruz and youth workers from Don Bosco Apeldoorn during training.

They also join creative workshops — such as photography — and informal outings, like a day at Walibi Holland. A safe place to enjoy sport, and who knows: maybe future professional players.

Updates From the project

Return visit to Presikhaaf University in Arnhem On 30 August the girls of Presikhaaf University came to Apeldoorn. On 1 November it was our turn: House of Nûr travelled to Arnhem for an outdoor match on the Cruyff Court, followed by a meal together and plenty of time for the girls to talk and get to know each other. Thank you for the invitation, Presikhaaf University!

See the post on Instagram →

House of Nûr is back From Thursday 10 September the girls play futsal again every two weeks, from 18:00 to 19:00 at Gymzaal Burgersveld in Apeldoorn. For all girls aged 10 to 15, free of charge, and no football experience needed. Sign up through the youth workers of Don Bosco, or simply drop by with a parent or carer. See the post on Instagram →

Presikhaaf University visits Apeldoorn The girls of Presikhaaf University from Arnhem were our guests in Apeldoorn. On the pitch it was a real contest, but always with the focus on what matters most: sportsmanship, fun and connection. Afterwards we mixed the teams on purpose and everyone sat down together at Don Bosco De Maten to eat, drink and get to know each other. See the post on Instagram →

District Spot House of Nûr officially opened The girls received their self-designed SC Nowruz × Jugador kits, played a friendly match against Team Rabobank/NOC*NSF, and celebrated with a shared dinner at Don Bosco De Maten. The afternoon closed with a symbolic €35,000 cheque from Rabobank — a meaningful contribution to the project and the girls.

From 8 girls to a vibrant community House of Nûr began in collaboration with Don Bosco Apeldoorn, with the mission to build an empowering movement for girls aged 12–18 in Apeldoorn. What started with eight girls has grown into a weekly gathering of 15 to 20, with football at its heart alongside creative programmes such as a photography workshop and shared outings.

Official Partners

Gemeente Apeldoorn Official partner of House of Nûr.

NOC*NSF Official partner of House of Nûr.

Rabobank Official partner, including a symbolic €35,000 contribution at the official opening.

In the Press

House of Nûr: a safe futsal space for girls in Apeldoorn

Research by the Municipality of Apeldoorn found that girls clearly needed a safe place to play sport without being pushed aside by boys — the foundation for House of Nûr.

“The girls don’t just come to play sport. Social connection matters just as much. We create a safe environment with room for real emotion — there’s laughter, and there are tears.” — Yasser Ishraqi, Chairman SC Nowruz

→

Success Factors What makes it work

A hygienic and safe indoor environment is essential — girls train in a sports hall where they feel comfortable and secure.

Professional role models aged 20–22 from Don Bosco are present at every training, offering social support and keeping the atmosphere positive.

The partnership with SC Nowruz gives girls who are ready a pathway into the official women’s competition.

Activities beyond football — outings, designing kits, photography and video — strengthen group identity and deepen bonds.

Involving socially committed people and giving them a meaningful role means they draw real satisfaction from their contribution.

You don’t need thirty girls to make an impact — four girls receiving real quality is just as valuable. Just begin, the rest follows.

House of Nûr.

A house of light.

A spaceto shine.

A space
to shine.