University Sports Centre

What University Sports Centre does

Stichting USC is an independent Dutch foundation (KvK 34113890, VAT NL8079.61.905.B01) operating seven campus-adjacent sports facilities across Amsterdam: Universum (Science Park), ASC (Amsterdam UMC/AMC), Amstelcampus, ClubWest (Osdorp), Tennis & Padel (Watergraafsmeer), School of Boxing (Bajeskwartier) and Body & Mind. The foundation serves primarily students and employees of affiliated higher-education institutions — University of Amsterdam (UvA), Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA), Inholland University of Applied Sciences, ROC van Amsterdam-Flevoland, Mediacollege Amsterdam and Hout- en Meubileringscollege Amsterdam — with a secondary audience of the general public and student sports associations coordinated through Stichting Studentensport Amsterdam (SSA).

The core offering is a modular subscription architecture built around three product families: the fitness subscription covering four gym locations with all group classes, the multi-sport "passe-partout" covering approximately 20 sports across six locations, and discipline-specific subscriptions for boxing/kickboxing, martial arts, climbing, and tennis/padel. These are delivered through the My USC web portal (my.uscsport.nl) and the My USC Amsterdam iOS/Android app, with facility access handled by QR-code or — historically — EasySecure IdentySoft biometric scanning. Students and employees authenticate via SURFconext to verify institutional affiliation and qualify for Cat. I and Cat. II pricing respectively, with Cat. III available to the general public at higher rates. Ancillary revenue streams include structured courses (climbing, fencing, martial arts, boxing, summer intensives), venue and climbing-hall rental, on-site food and beverage (Eetcafé Oerknal at Universum plus cafés at ClubWest and Amstelcampus), physiotherapy, sports dietitian consults and sauna access. Quality is independently certified through NL Actief membership (inspection of all four fitness locations) and Koninklijke Nederlandse Krachtsport Federatie recognition.

The revenue model is primarily recurring: annual "year" subscriptions carry an 11-month commitment before monthly cancellation becomes available, while "flex" subscriptions bill monthly via direct debit on a pro-rata-then-monthly basis, paired with usage-based passes (15x and 1x entries valid for six months and one week respectively), one-time course fees, transaction-based venue rentals and F&B revenue. A €16 three-session trial membership and a €3 no-show fee (waivable for a two-week reservation suspension) are used as funnel and behavioural levers. An Elite Sports Fund seeded with €45,000 on 31 August 2011 from unclaimed customer deposits subsidises UvA and HvA students competing in international student championships. Governance follows the standard Dutch stichting model, with a two-person managing board (Natasja Bikkel, Marco Hoekstra) and a four-person supervisory board chaired by Peter Bosman.

Name

University Sports Centre

Legal name

Stichting USC

Website

https://uscsport.nl

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Stichting USC is a Dutch foundation operating seven campus-integrated sports facilities across Amsterdam, selling tiered fitness, multi-sport passe-partout, boxing, martial arts, climbing and tennis/padel subscriptions primarily to students and staff of UvA, HvA, Inholland, ROC van Amsterdam, Mediacollege Amsterdam and HMC Amsterdam, with self-service via the My USC portal and app.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sports and Fitness Facility Services

NAICS

Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (713940), Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Collegiate & School Athletic Facilities (MPAKAEAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

University/College Club Sports Programs (MPAKACAK), Arenas & Indoor Sports Centers (MPAKAEAB), Individual-Sport Clubs & Teams (Cycling Teams, Athletics/Track Clubs, Swimming Clubs, etc.) (MPAKABAD), Club Sports Programs (EDALAIAB)

Keywords

• Fitness memberships
• Multi-sport facility
• Group exercise classes
• University sports services
• Martial arts training

Headquarters

HQ city

Amsterdam

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Fitness Subscriptions: Annual (year) and flex (monthly cancellable) fitness memberships covering 4 USC gym locations and all group classes. Annual plans lock members for 11 months then transition to monthly cancellation. Flex plans are month-to-month. Pro-rata first payment, then automatic monthly direct debit.
2. Passe-partout Subscriptions: Annual and flex passe-partout memberships covering nearly 20 sports across 6 USC locations, including fitness at 4 gyms and group classes. Annual and flex variants. Pro-rata first payment, then monthly direct debit.
3. Boxing / Kickboxing / Martial Arts Subscriptions: Specialised annual and flex memberships for boxing, martial arts, and related combo plans (boxing+fitness). Pro-rata first payment, then monthly direct debit.
4. Entry-based Passes: 15x entry and 1x entry passes for specific sports or the passe-partout, valid for limited time periods (6 months for 15x, 1 week for 1x). Pre-paid, non-recurring.
5. Trial Membership: One-time trial membership at €16 for 3 sessions across the passe-partout sports. Available only to non-members who have never held a USC membership or used a trial membership before.
6. Course Fees: Fees for structured courses (e.g., climbing, fencing, martial arts intro, boxing beginners) charged upfront per course period. Paid in one instalment. Courses include beginners, intermediate, and intensive summer formats.
7. ASC-only Subscription: Reduced-cost membership for training exclusively at USC ASC, available to category II and III members. Unlimited gym access 6 days per week including all group classes at ASC.
8. Facility / Hall Rental: Revenue from renting USC halls and facilities to third parties (schools, companies, student associations). Hourly rates vary by group type: students €10/hour, education €11/hour, others €17/hour for the climbing hall.
9. Personal Training: Book a USC Trainer sessions: members can book personalised training with a USC trainer for custom training plans or exercise explanations.
10. Food & Beverage (Horeca): Eetcafé Oerknal at USC Universum and café offerings at ClubWest and Amstelcampus generate food and beverage revenue.
11. Health & Wellness Services: Physiotherapy, (sports) dietitian, and sauna services at USC Universum. Sauna access included with sports membership.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

University Sports Centre operates 7 multi-sport facilities across Amsterdam offering gym access, more than 60 sports activities, group classes, martial arts, climbing, tennis, padel, and structured courses. Members purchase annual or flex subscriptions, entry passes, or course fees and manage everything via the My USC web platform and mobile app. Pricing is tiered across three categories with the lowest rates for students of affiliated educational institutions (UvA, HvA, Inholland, ROC van Amsterdam-Flevoland, Mediacollege Amsterdam, HMC Amsterdam).

Product overview

University Sports Centre (USC) operates a multi-location sports facility network across Amsterdam serving educational institution students, staff, and the general public. The core offering is a modular subscription architecture centered on fitness, multi-sport passe-partout, and discipline-specific memberships (boxing, martial arts, climbing, tennis/padel). Supporting services include structured courses, venue rentals, and health services (physiotherapy, dietitian). All services are managed through the My USC member portal and mobile app. USC targets students with tiered pricing based on institutional affiliation, offering the most affordable rates for UvA, HvA, Inholland, and ROC van Amsterdam students.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Fitness Subscription Annual or flex monthly fitness membership providing access to 4 USC gym locations (Universum, ASC, Amstelcampus, ClubWest) with unlimited group classes included; available year (11-month commitment, then monthly cancellation) or flex (monthly cancellable).
• Passe-partout Subscription Multi-sport membership covering approximately 20 sports across 6 USC locations including fitness, yoga, martial arts, boxing, climbing, bouldering, basketball, squash, and more; available as year, flex, 15x entry, or 1x entry passes.
• Boxing (+ Fitness) Subscription Boxing membership at USC School of Boxing and ClubWest including all kickboxing trainings and Rumble group class; Boxing + Fitness variant adds access to 4 USC gyms with group classes. Available in year and flex variants.
• Martial Arts Subscription Martial arts membership covering 10 disciplines (Brazilian jiu jitsu, gongkwon yusul, jiu jitsu, karate, kumdo, MMA, nunchaku, fencing, shorinji kempo, taekwondo) at Universum; includes all martial arts trainings, free dojo training, and Rumble group class.
• Climbing Courses Structured climbing instruction programs including beginners course (leading to NKBV Klimvaardigheidsbewijs Indoor Toprope certification), half advanced course (levels 5a-5c), and indoor pre-climbing course; also custom climbing lessons and group intro sessions.
• Tennis & Padel 2 padel courts and 8 hardcourt tennis courts (4 covered) at USC Tennis & Padel at Sports Park Middenmeer in Watergraafsmeer; available via membership or single court rental with guest play option and racket rental at front desk.
• Climbing Hall Rental Rental of the Universum climbing hall (19m × 6m × 14m, ~500m² climbing surface, 18 ropes levels 3-7b) for groups including students, education, and corporate events; includes gear and shoes; minimum 8, maximum 24 persons.
• Venue/Hall Rental Rental of USC sports halls, studios, courts, and facilities for external organisations, associations, companies, and groups; includes sports halls, studios, squash courts, beach volleyball fields, dojo, fitness studio, and event spaces.
• Physiotherapy & Sports Dietitian Healthcare services at USC locations including physiotherapy, sports dietitian consultations, and sauna access at Universum, ClubWest, and Amstelcampus; sauna is included with sports membership.
• Summer Courses Intensive summer sports courses offered in July and August; 6 lessons over 3 weeks covering padel, bouldering, archery, and other sports for skill development during summer break.
• My USC Member Portal Online member management platform enabling subscription purchases, class reservations, schedule viewing, membership cancellation, profile management, and no-show fee management; accessible via web portal and mobile app.
• Eetcafé Oerknal (Food & Beverage) On-site food and beverage outlet at USC Universum serving members and external visitors; complementary café offerings also operate at ClubWest and Amstelcampus locations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 20,000+ members annually across 60+ sports activities
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Stichting Studentensport Amsterdam (SSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSSA is the umbrella body for student sports associations in Amsterdam and represents the interests of student sports. USC has close ties with SSA, which provides financial and policy support to student sports associations and organises events (Oliebollen Futsal, sports gala, Batavierenrace, GNSK). SSA board members are students who contribute to student sports governance alongside their studies. SSA and USC jointly manage the Elite Sports Fund.
• NL ActiefcoreOthersNL Actief is the Dutch sector association for sports and movement centres. USC is a member, making it a recognised sports and movement centre. All four USC fitness locations are subject to NL Actief inspection covering professional staff, safety, hygiene, working procedures, and customer focus. Membership signifies adherence to national quality criteria.
• SURF / SURFconextcoreTechnology or IntegrationSURF provides SURFconext, a single sign-on service used by UvA, HvA, Inholland, and ROC van Amsterdam students and employees to log in to My USC. This verifies their institutional affiliation and eligibility for discounted Cat. I/II membership rates. USC receives full name, email, affiliation type, and status from SURF.
• University of Amsterdam (UvA)coreOthersUvA is a founding institutional partner of USC. UvA students qualify for Cat. I membership rates; UvA employees for Cat. II. The UvA and USC share a mission to contribute to student wellbeing through sports. USC supports UvA student sports associations and research projects on sports behaviour.
• Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA/AUAS)coreOthersHvA/AUAS is a co-founding institutional partner of USC alongside UvA. HvA students qualify for Cat. I rates; HvA employees and alumni for Cat. II. Multiple HvA campuses house USC locations (Amstelcampus, ClubWest, ASC). USC supports HvA student sports associations.
• Studenten Sport Nederland (SSN)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSSN is the national student sports body. SSA (Amsterdam's regional body) works closely with SSN. USC, through SSA, sends students to international student championships (EUCs, WUCs, Universiades) under SSN's auspices.
• Topsport AmsterdamminorOthersTopsport Amsterdam verifies elite sports status. Elite athletes verified through Topsport Amsterdam can access USC facilities at no cost (Cat. I) or very low cost (others).
• Koninklijke Nederlandse Krachtsport Federatie (KNKF)minorOthersKNKF is the Royal Dutch Strength Sports Federation. USC holds quality recognition from KNKF alongside NL Actief membership, signalling compliance with national standards for strength and fitness training.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• SportCity: Dutch mid-market fitness chain with multiple Amsterdam locations offering group classes and flexible memberships. Competes with USC for non-student members seeking premium-but-affordable fitness in Amsterdam.
• Basic-Fit: Largest low-cost fitness chain in Europe with extensive Amsterdam presence; competes with USC for Cat. III (general public) members through €20-25/month unlimited-access gyms. While commercial rather than university-affiliated, it sets the pricing benchmark USC's non-student tier must match.
• Fit For Free: Low-cost Dutch gym operator with multiple Amsterdam sites targeting price-sensitive consumers. Direct competitor for USC's Cat. III members and an aggressive pricing benchmark.
• David Lloyd Leisure: European premium family fitness and racquets club operator with multiple locations and broad amenity mix (fitness, tennis, swimming, group classes). Comparable to USC in racquet and group-class offerings, though at a higher price tier.
• Anytime Fitness Netherlands: 24/7 global franchise with multiple Amsterdam gyms targeting convenience-oriented members. Adjacent competitor for Cat. III members prioritising accessibility over USC's group-class breadth.
• TrainMore: Amsterdam-headquartered Dutch fitness brand focused on premium boutique-style gyms at affordable monthly rates; competes with USC on group-class experience and location density.

Direct peers

• TU Delft Sports Centre: Dutch university sports centre offering fitness, classes and recreational sports to TU Delft students and staff via subscription. Functions as a system peer within the Dutch academic sports network alongside USC.
• Erasmus Sport: University-affiliated multi-sport centre serving Erasmus University Rotterdam students and staff with a subscription model, group classes, fitness and sport courses — structurally the closest peer to USC's institutional model.
• Sportcentrum VU Amsterdam: VU Amsterdam's university sports centre offering fitness, group classes, and sports programmes to VU students, staff and external members — direct institutional competitor in the same Amsterdam market.
• ACLO Groningen: University sports centre serving Hanze and University of Groningen students with multi-sport subscriptions, group classes, and courses — a structural peer in the Dutch university-sports ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/eetcafe_oerknal
• Xx.com/uscuniversum
• Facebookfacebook.com/uscuniversum
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/uscsportamsterdam

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about University Sports Centre