Change of chairmanship at BC Drop Shot: Robert Hoogland hands over the chairmanship to Georgy Sonneville

During the General Members' Meeting on March 31, Robert Hoogland handed over the chairmanship of BC Drop Shot to Georgy Sonneville, after more than four years of leadership.

With the appointment of Georgy Sonneville as the new chairperson during the General Members' Meeting, a new chapter begins for BC Drop Shot.

At the same time, Martijn Vonk was enthusiastically and convincingly appointed as the club’s new treasurer. Fresh board members who can govern on a stronger foundation that Robert Hoogland, together with the current board members, has helped to establish.

Looking back: a chairperson with passion for the sport

In his farewell speech, Robert Hoogland, after more than four years as chairperson, looked back with satisfaction. The strategy of investing in growth proved to be a bullseye: with a growth of about 30%, BC Drop Shot is now among the larger badminton clubs in the country.

Hoogland expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the many volunteers within the club. The youth committee, with its own approach, achieved impressive growth. The tournament committee was praised for its creativity and its contribution to the club’s financial health. The volunteers who transform the hall into a premier league-worthy arena for every match were also not forgotten.

Points of attention for the future

However, there was also room for reflection and caution. The development of a sports hall into a padel hall requires vigilance. In addition, according to Hoogland, it is crucial to carefully consider the capacity of the premier league team and the connection with other levels within the club in technical policy. “The gap between the premier league and the rest is still too large,” he stated, which puts continuity under pressure. “The club, together with its members, will have to make choices about what the ‘shared DNA’ of the association is or should be,” Hoogland advised.

The increased costs, such as those for shuttles, also pose a real risk. Despite committed sponsors and significant investments, a national championship—a personal ambition of Hoogland—remained out of reach.

A stronger foundation

Although he will not finish the current season himself, Hoogland is optimistic. “If the new board continues on this path, this season will end beautifully.” BC Drop Shot is in a good financial position and, thanks to membership growth and events, has a solid foundation for further growth.

Hoogland, now a member of the club for 41 years, concluded with a wink to the future: “I certainly hope to experience the 100th anniversary in 2047.”