Thorbecke Talent School: the gym became a play paradise

Open day Thorbecke Talent School

Events & Workshops

A steady partner, a big day

Thorbecke Talent School has become one of those partners where you no longer just "drop in," but truly build together. And you could feel that in every way during the open house for all the new group of backers from the region. For such a large school, it's a massive undertaking: more than sixty teachers, multiple external parties, and energy everywhere at once.

We were there on behalf of LSR Streetwise (with Showcase Basketball at its core) among big names like Lucia Martas and Feyenoord. Not just to "show something," but to let people experience what we do: interaction, experience, and above all, a place where young people feel comfortable expressing themselves.

The gym became our play paradise

How could it be otherwise: we got a spot in the gym... and not just any corner. We practically had an entire room to ourselves. And as soon as the doors opened, the gym transformed into a true playground.

You could see it right away: parents who came to watch, lingered. Children who initially felt a bit out of place were, five minutes later, eager for "one more round." And the teachers? They didn't just watch—they became part of the vibe.

Three stations, one vibe: play, choose, grow

Freerunning with Redouan.

Come in and get moving right away: Redouan had set up a super fun freerunning course. Not too difficult, but challenging. Perfect for turning that initial "new school" excitement into action.

Life-size Connect-Four basketballs (at Showcase Basketball)

My station was a favorite: life-size Connect-Four basketballs. A simple concept, but it always works. Because suddenly you're not "playing basketball," you're puzzling, laughing, coaching, and secretly winning, too.
And the best part: the parents participated just as enthusiastically. That moment when a parent thinks, "I'll join in," and then fully commits to the competition—that's gold.

Writing with Kershaw: What do you feel about 'high school'?

At Kershawn, students could write down their feelings about the transition to high school. Exciting, curious, proud, uncertain—anything was allowed. And that's exactly what we want: not just skills, but also space for feelings and identity.

Parents took along did Bart and the 'why' behind what we do
Bart was there specifically for the conversations with parents. Because yes, it's wonderful when your child has top-level sports ambitions. But parents also ask the question that matters:

– What if it doesn't work?
– What remains of that drive then?
– And how do you use sport as a tool for growth, choices and character?

There sits our social impact. We don't just build "talent," but resilience, creativity, collaboration, and self-confidence—skills that will always benefit you.

The moment it all came together: a real jam

There was one moment that I will not forget.

There was a girl in line for Connect Four. You could tell by everything: style, posture, energy—this was a breakdancer. She even recognized me from a previous show. That kind of recognition immediately creates a bridge.

We played for a bit, laughed, and then I spontaneously put on a breakdance track. What happened next: a mini-jam ensued. And as if it were meant to be, Patrick (the PE teacher at the VMBO side) was standing upstairs... and it turned out he used to be a b-boy.
In no time, we were jamming there for 10 to 15 minutes. More and more people gathered. Parents, students, teachers—everyone got sucked in.

And then a mother said something that stuck: this was her big dream—a school that embraces different disciplines, where sports and culture reinforce each other. It couldn't be better.

Why This Works (and Why It Sticks)

What we saw that day was simple:

1. Experience attracts: people stay longer if they can experience something.
2. Choice creates ownership: freerunning, basketball, writing—everyone finds their way in.
3. Community arises naturally by staying close to yourself: one jam and you are connected.

Some parents spent an hour and a half in the gym. Not because they had to, but because there was so much to do, and because the atmosphere was great. The appeal of the PE teachers also played a role: when they're on, the group follows along.

We look ahead: new generation of LSR Streetwise

The open day felt like a launch pad. We're already looking forward to welcoming the new LSR Streetwise class to Thorbecke Talent School. If this is the energy they'll have upon entering, it promises to be a year full of growth, creativity, and once-in-a-lifetime moments.

Want to see more or create something yourself?

Would you also like such an interactive gym experience at your school? events of opening—where sports, urban culture and personal development come together?

Visit our partner Thorbecke Talent School

What energy do you want students to feel when they enter your school or event—and do you dare to turn that into an experience?
Take a look at our website and discover what is possible.