Sports in west flanders
Sports clubs are a great way to meet new people, stay active and become part of the local community. Whether you are looking for recreational activities, competitive sports or a new hobby, West Flanders offers many options for international residents and students.
Overview
While joining a club is usually straightforward, some sports have additional competition regulations for players who were previously registered with a club abroad. This page explains what to expect, how registration works and what clubs look for when welcoming new members.
Recreational sports
Some sports clubs welcome recreational participants, including beginners and people without previous experience. Most of them offer trial sessions, making it possible to discover a sport before committing to a membership.
Depending on the sport and club, recreational members can often participate in training sessions, social events and friendly matches without the need for extensive administrative procedures. Club membership fees, training schedules and equipment requirements vary, so it is always a good idea to contact the club directly for the most up-to-date information.
playing competitive
Athletes who wish to participate in official leagues, tournaments or federation organised competitions may need to complete additional registration requirements. These can include competition licences, federation memberships and, for athletes previously registered abroad, international transfer procedures.
The requirements differ between sports. Some transfers are simple and inexpensive, while others may involve approval from foreign federations, processing times or administrative costs.
The following resources provide additional information about international transfers and competition regulations.
sports clubs
The clubs listed below were contacted directly and shared information about training opportunities, membership requirements and trial sessions.
- KSV De Ruiter https://ksvderuiter.be/
Age: 4+
Contact: Bert Degrauwe (ksvderuiter.jeugd@gmail.com)
Additional Information: Project Grinta. They help children and young people take part in sports, even when they face financial or social challenges. For example, by covering part of the registration fee or payments in instalments. They also run a clothing bank where children can receive donated sportswear and everyday clothing. For those who struggle to get to training or matches, bicycles and other practical support may be provided.
- Olympos https://tpolympos.be/
Age: 6+
Contact: info@tpolympos.be
Additional Information: With or without experience. Subscription, lessons and competition possible for padel and tennis .
Running Team Lauwe https://www.runningteamlauwe.be/
Age: 12–92 years old.
Contact person: Danny Pareyt (danny@runningteamlauwe.be)
Training sessions: Thursday evening (6:30 PM) and Sunday morning (9:00 AM). (You are very welcome to come and meet the team and take part in a training session.)
Volleyball
Olva Brugge https://www.olvabrugge.be/
Age: 7+
Contact person: Xavier Beyaert – Secretary +32 0478 23 84 56
Additional information: Registration is possible during July and August, and at the latest until September. Beginners without any experience can join up to the age of 14.
At an older age, previous experience is required (experience = competitive level).
There is currently a membership cap, so the earliest this cap is expected to be lifted is July 2027.
Bidavo Volleyball https://bidavo.be/
Age: Not specified
Contact: bidavo@gmail.com
Additional information: Women only.
Girls under 9 can join without previous volleyball experience.
Basketball
Bebita Eernegem https://bebita.be/nieuws/
Age: Not specified
Contact person: Els (Els@bebita.be)
Additional information: For adults, recreational basketball is preferred.
Trial training sessions are possible. For youth players, 3–4 trial sessions are possible.
The U10, U12, U14 and U16 teams are currently full. (2026)
Handball
- Apoloon Spurs https://www.apolloon-spurs.be/
Age: 5+
Contact persons:
Secretary: Pieter-Jan Mailfait — secretariaat@apolloon-spurs.be President: Guy Vanhulle — voorzitter@apolloon-spurs.be
Additional information:The club has youth teams and senior teams competing at a competitive level. Youth players do not need any previous handball experience. For adults, some basic handball experience is desirable, given the competitive level of the senior teams.
- Handbal Brugge https://handbalbrugge.be/
Contact: info@handbalbrugge.be
Additional information: Register for a trial training session via the link on the club's website. Three trial sessions are available. Both youth players and adults without previous handball experience are welcome to try.
Good to know: Most clubs allow newcomers to attend one or more trial sessions before registering. Recreational participation is often possible without an international transfer, even if you previously played abroad. If you want to participate in official competitions, additional registration or transfer requirements may apply. Membership fees, training schedules and equipment requirements vary between clubs. Some clubs welcome complete beginners, while others may require previous experience. Contacting the club directly is usually the fastest way to get accurate information.
