Our history
Since 1935in De Pijp
Our story
1935 — Where it started
The Vereniging tot Bescherming van het Schoolkind (VBSK) was founded on November 5, 1935, in De Pijp. Born from a collaboration between organizations dedicated to the wellbeing of children, VBSK offered young people a safe place for development and connection outside of school. At the building on 241 Albert Cuypstraat, generations of youth passed through its doors. Over the years it hosted everything from music and creative activities to community gatherings and club life. Gradually, VBSK became more than just a building, it became a familiar and trusted meeting place for young people in the neighborhood.
1967 — The boxing school
In 1967, boxing school VBSK Albert Cuyp was founded. Boxing became the most recognizable and enduring activity within the association. Over the years, our boxing school has produced a large number of champions, including Pedro van Raamsdonk, Romeo Kensmil, Rocky El Falah, Gilbert Hallie, and Saïd Kwyassie. In a city with a rich boxing history, VBSK has established its own place within the Amsterdam boxing scene.
1980 — The "Cradle of Champions"
Especially in the 1980s, Boxing School VBSK Albert Cuyp grew into a well-known name within Dutch boxing. With a dedicated coaching team, major successes were achieved and young talents gained international experience. During this period, VBSK earned the nickname "Cradle of Champions." In the years that followed, VBSK continued to develop talent. Style awards, district championships, and national titles were won by fighters such as Fawad Feizi, Radmilo Soda, Innocent Anyanwu, Jerry Nijman, Digna Poelman, and many others.
2020 - A new generation
Today, VBSK Albert Cuyp is fully dedicated to boxing. The boxers of the past have become the trainers of today. The gym where they were once shaped became the place where they began passing on their experience to the next generation.
Along this line of continuity, the leadership also took on a new face. Digna Poelman, who started as a boxer at VBSK and later grew into a top-level fighter, was appointed head coach of VBSK Albert Cuyp in 2020.
In her role as head coach, she guides the sporting development of the club. Drawing on her experience in the ring at the highest level, she safeguards the quality of the training and mentors both trainers and boxers. What she learned in the ring, she now passes on to the next generation.
2025 - Building the future
Over the years, VBSK has continued to grow and evolve, and that development is still ongoing. Today, VBSK Albert Cuyp has become one of the largest boxing clubs in the Netherlands, still based at its trusted location on Albert Cuypstraat 241.
That progress has not gone unnoticed. Since November 2025, VBSK Albert Cuyp has been chosen by the Dutch Boxing Federation as Amsterdam's Regional Talent Center. It is recognition of the quality of training, guidance, and culture built within the club. As a talent center, VBSK plays an important role in developing boxers toward national selection.
To support this continued growth, the coaching staff has also been strengthened: alongside head coach Digna Poelman, Pete Taylor has joined as an additional head coach, further expanding guidance for both developing talent and elite-level athletes.
The story continues
What began in 1935 as a neighborhood place for young people has grown into a club with a clear identity and a strong foundation. When you walk into the gym today, you step into a story carried by generations of boxers and trainers, a story that continues to grow as long as people come here to learn, to train, and to pass it on.