The Vrije Universiteit Brussel has begun construction of the Martial Arts Expertise Centre (VEC) on the Main Campus in Etterbeek. As well as academic functions for education and research, thanks to funding from Flanders, the VEC will be a place where martial arts practitioners can train and be guided by VUB experts to realise social impact for young people in Brussels. The Flemish Boxing League is a partner in the project and will organise its elite sports operations in the VEC.
The umbrella term “martial arts” covers many disciplines, and the harder variants in particular are very popular among young people. Those in vulnerable situations are often involved in these sports. There are several youth organisations in Brussels that use martial arts as a means of achieving broader social objectives.
Research shows that martial arts can be a good way to reach young people in socially vulnerable positions and strengthen their personal and social development in areas such as free time, school and work. However, realising this social added value does not happen automatically: targeted methodologies are needed. The Sport & Society research group at VUB has been researching the social added value of sport and how this can be optimised for many years. They will – with other VUB scientists – be responsible for specific guidance and training programmes for the organisations that will work in the VEC, enabling them to better help and empower young people.
A response to lack of infrastructure in Brussels
A study by Perspective Brussels and VGC Sport found a shortage of quality martial arts infrastructure in Brussels. The many martial arts operations often have to train in small school gymnasiums or other spaces that are not suitable for the purpose.
The VEC meets this need with two martial arts rooms that can be used together or separately and a small grandstand. One room will be equipped with a fixed and mobile boxing ring and punchbags, the other with mats for martial arts such as judo, karate and taekwondo. The bright and pleasant martial arts rooms will be built adjacent to VUB’s existing sports infrastructure, meaning parking spaces, showers, changing rooms and reception can be shared.
Construction will begin soon after further fine-tuning of the design and the aim is to be able to start operations at the centre by summer 2025.
Flanders, VGC and Flemish Boxing League give significant financial boost
A budget of €4 million is planned for the realisation of the VEC. The Flemish government is providing €725,000 from its decree on local sports infrastructure and will continue investing in high-quality facilities and premises.
The VEC will also receive a subsidy of €700,000 via the Flemish Brussels Fund. This will ensure decent infrastructure for the centre’s operations and that it is supported by VUB experts to realise its social objectives for young people in Brussels. The Flemish Community Commission (VGC) has recently allocated a €100,000 investment grant for sports equipment.
The Flemish Boxing League is an important partner, giving €250,000, and will organise its national training sessions and training for elite and youth teams at the VEC. The presence of other sports infrastructure and sports science expertise on the VUB campus is also an added value.
As the VEC is a place of teaching and an interdisciplinary living lab for research, VUB will provide the remaining funding through academic funds and Sport Management funds. The VEC is one of many VUB projects in which academic expertise is used to strengthen the link with Brussels.
