Amsterdam
Spirit
Welcome to the KLABU Amsterdam Spirit where newcomers and local Amsterdammers come together for weekly workouts and other social activities.
Find the KLABU Amsterdam Clubhouse at Haarlemmerdijk 106
Old-school workout with ApenkooiGym
The KLABU Amsterdam Spirit is a strong community of people from all walks of life connected by the love for play and sport.
7,500 refugees and 15,000 undocumented migrants currently reside in our hometown of Amsterdam. Many face a multitude of challenges ranging from loneliness, discrimination, cultural and language barriers, and most importantly, feeling excluded from the local community.
We founded the Amsterdam Spirit to change preconceptions or misunderstandings between communities that are living together in the city. During fun weekly workouts and other social activities, newcomers are connected with local Amsterdammers through the power of sports and games. We usually meetup at our Amsterdam Store & Clubhouse and then go to a gym or to the Westerpark for the workout. Read more in the agenda below about our activities and how you join if you're around, we love to see you!
Clubhouse agenda
Whether you are a newcomer or have lived here for a long time: everyone is welcome. The classes are free of charge and accessible to all ages and experience. No need to sign up, just come. We meet at our store/clubhouse at Haarlemmerdijk 106 in Amsterdam, and then go to the gym at Westerstraat 202 during colder months or to Westerpark when the weather is better. Wear something comfy and we will take care of the rest. Contact us at lisa@klabu.org if you want to know more.
Tuesday
25 November ’25
15.00
Board Games
Join our boardgames afternoon! Every Tuesday, 15.00-17.30 at the KLABU Clubhouse (Haarlemmerdijk 106). Discover games from around the world in a relaxed, multilingual atmosphere. Whether you love strategy or party games, there's something for everyone. Come alone or with friends! What's next? At 17.30, we head to a nearby location for our social workout session together. Join us for one or both activities!
Tuesday
25 November ’25
18:00
Social Workout: Apenkooi
Join our weekly social workout! This week we are playing with ApenkooiGym! Meet at KLABU clubhouse (Haarlemmerdijk 106) at 17:30h. Workout runs from 18.00-19.00, the location depends on the weather so please meet us on time at the clubhouse! It's a perfect opportunity to stay active while making new friends in a fun, supportive environment. All levels welcome - no need to sign up - just show up and connect with our friendly community!
Wednesday
26 November ’25
18:30
Breathwork
Join us for a free midweek breathwork session guided by trauma-informed instructors Essa (Essa Ademwerk) and Mona (Mouna). In this supportive space, you’ll learn simple breathing techniques to release stress, reconnect with your body, and restore your energy. No experience is needed—just come as you are and leave feeling lighter, grounded, and more balanced. From 18.30 - 19.30 in our Clubhouse at Haarlemmerdijk 106
Thursday
27 November ’25
18.00
Football
Join our Thursday football sessions! Football runs 18.00-20.00 at Transformatorweg 35 (Players Home). Whether you're looking to improve your skills or meet new people, our inclusive group welcomes players of all levels. Come make friends and enjoy the game, no need to sign up - just show up!
Saturday
29 November ’25
10.00
Run Club
Join our Saturday community runs! Meet up at the KLABU clubhouse (Haarlemmerdijk 106) at 10.00 for a run through Westerpark. Coffee, tea and pastries afterwards are on us. It's a great way to start your weekend, get fit and build connections with fellow runners. All levels welcome, no need to sign up - just show up and join the KLABU!
Sunday
30 November ’25
15.00
Chess Club
Join Our Weekly Chess Club! Every Sunday, 3pm–6pm at the KLABU Clubhouse (Haarlemmerdijk 106) Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned player, you're welcome at our friendly chess gathering. Drop in for an afternoon of strategic fun, warm drinks, and good company. Come solo and make new friends, or bring someone along—no registration required, just show up and play!
Tuesday
02 December ’25
18:00
Community dinner & Dance
Join our Community Dinner! Meet us at the Piramide - Haarlemmer Houttuinen 8 Experience a taste of the world as we share homemade dishes from different cultures and cuisines! We start at 18:00 with a dinner featuring recipes cooked by our diverse community members, bringing flavors from around the globe to the table. After dinner, we'll enjoy a small dance party together. Everyone is welcome! Please email lisa@klabu.org if you'd like to join, so we can make sure to prepare enough food for all.
In fall and winter we organise our workouts in the gym at Westerstraat 202
In spring and summer we're in the Westerpark
Basketball workout with 3x3 Unites
Board Games in the KLABU Amsterdam Clubhouse
Workout in the park with ApenkooiGym
Amsterdam Spirit Team photo
Dance workout by Katie Süter
Games & fun with ApenkooiGym
KLABU Amsterdam Spirit football team
Workout with ApenkooiGym
Meeting new people
KLABU at Vunzige Deuntjes festival
Majdy & Amsterdam community
The Amsterdam Spirit badge
The badge symbolises a heron and a pigeon, two typical Amsterdam birds, that unite around a water fountain. Regardless of our differences, we are one club.
Impact so far
- Since the start of Amsterdam Spirit in 2021, over 950 newcomers and locals have joined our workouts and other activities.
- The Dutch organisations Here to Support, Dokters van de Wereld, ASKV, HVO Querido, Boost and Life Goals are all involved by inviting their communities to join the workouts. The workouts are provided by professional trainers such as ApenkooiGym and MVNG Matters.
- 80% of our participants return regularly.
- 50% of our members are girls.
- Through Amsterdam Spirit, newcomers find a place where they belong and can escape their daily struggles. For a few hours every week, they can feel just like any Amsterdammer, without worrying about the challenges of their asylum procedure.
- The community is at the heart of everything. The badge you see on this page was designed by our members during a workshop in our clubhouse. It's their club, their shirt, their badge!
- By connecting with local Amsterdammers in all our classes, newcomers also feel more welcome, more accepted, and therefore more at peace in their new city. The active involvement of locals increases understanding and empathy, leading to more inclusive attitudes among locals and newcomers.
- These bridges that are built at the clubhouse also lead to friendships being born outside of it. People have gone on to work together, learn languages and party together.
Discover more about the Amsterdam Spirit, its members and impact through the stories below.
00:00
"I would say KLABU is one of the best things that have ever happened to me. Being with KLABU is like having a family away from home."
Clubhousestories
Clubsupport
Amsterdam Spirit is supported by these great organisations and individuals.
The project could not have been realised without many more contributors:
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"From sport, from working out, from the KLABU we have managed to build a whole community. Today when I cycle and I see someone wearing a KLABU shirt, MY MAN!"
Wear the Amsterdam Spirit
By wearing KLABU sportswear, you support refugees in Amsterdam and around the world.
