Playing for the Future: Webton Hengelo’s 24-Hour Marathon Volleyball Challenge

From Friday evening, December 20th, to Saturday evening, December 21st, the volleyball community of Webton Hengelo played non-stop volleyball for 24 hours. But this wasn’t just a test of stamina or a celebration of the sport, it was a mission with purpose. The goal? To raise funds for both Stichting Webton Topvolleybal and Let’s Keep The Ball Flying (LKTBF).

A Call to Action After a Sponsorship Ends

When Webton announced it would end its ten-year sponsorship of the club in early 2024, the impact was immediate. Top-level volleyball isn’t free. It requires commitment, time, and financial support. A solution had to be found quickly to safeguard the club’s future.

That’s when Elmar Heupers, former player and technical manager at Webton, and already involved with LKTBF projects, stepped in with an idea: organise a 24-hour volleyball marathon. A fundraiser, a celebration, and a challenge, all rolled into one.

The idea was embraced wholeheartedly. Players Sam Sjoers, Sven Duve, and Jelle Michorius from the men’s first team took on the lead, and with support from LKTBF, the marathon came to life.

Powered by Passion and Community Spirit

Throughout the 24 hours, the team faced a rotating cast of opponents, including the Dutch Youth National Team (Jeugd Oranje), various women’s teams, and local clubs. The event was not just physically demanding, but creatively engaging too. Teams added playful twists to level the playing field: a player had to wear thick winter gloves, another duo was tied together during the match, and creative challenges kept the atmosphere light-hearted and inclusive.

The marathon wasn’t only about performance. It embodied what LKTBF values most: connection. The players ran a youth clinic, held a session for asylum seekers, and also hosted a sitting volleyball clinic.All ways to create inclusive experiences, and build bridges through sport.

From a buzzing club party to a collective breakfast and charity auction, the entire event radiated club spirit. It brought together generations of volleyball lovers, young and old, competitive and recreational, all under one roof, all for a cause greater than themselves.

From a Local Idea to a Global Movement

The volleyball marathon concept isn’t new. Over 20 years ago, LKTBF Fingerprint Guus van den Elzen hosted a similar initiative at V.C. Saturnus in Uden. In 2022, he proposed to bring this model to the broader volleyball world, offering it as a ready-to-go fundraising toolkit to any club ready to make an impact.

LKTBF now offers clubs full support to organise their own marathon. From planning playbooks and promo materials to personal guidance from an experienced Fingerprint volunteer. In return, a minimum of 50% of the funds raised go to LKTBF’s global projects, helping rural communities access equipment, education, and opportunity through volleyball.

It’s a win-win: clubs gain visibility, connect with their community, and strengthen ties with partners, while LKTBF channels their impact to underserved regions.

Multiple Formats, One Purpose

Every club can shape their marathon in their own way. Student club Gepidae, for example, created a version where all teams played 90-minute matches against handpicked opponents. Pegasus Nijmegen followed the Hengelo-style full-day model. In every case, LKTBF was there to support with visual assets, guides, and a Fingerprint volunteer to bounce ideas off.

This flexibility ensures that the Volleyball Marathon can be tailored to each club’s size, style, and goals. Whether it’s a packed sports hall buzzing with spectators or a more modest community event.

Tired But Triumphant

After 24 hours, the Webton players were physically spent but the impact spoke for itself. The marathon raised over €6,000, split evenly between Stichting Webton Topvolleybal and LKTBF. This means that several thousand euros will go directly to LKTBF’s work in South Africa. Supporting training, equipment distribution, and access to volleyball programmes in underserved communities.

And the story doesn’t end there.

In the United States, LKTBF Fingerprint Richard Drake is preparing a massive edition with eight courts in action simultaneously. Back in the Netherlands, clubs like VV Utrecht and Sudosa-Desto are ready to launch their own marathons. A movement is growing, powered by volleyball, fuelled by unity, and guided by purpose.

Ready to Host Your Own Volleyball Marathon?

Whether your club is looking to fundraise, connect with your community, or support a cause bigger than sport, the LKTBF Volleyball Marathon is your chance to make it happen.

We’ll guide you every step of the way, with materials, mentorship, and the chance to make a global impact

👉 Visit www.lktbf.org/action to start your journey.