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A welcoming and functional sports canteen, this is how Excelsior ’31 Rijssen does it
Alexander Priem
6 minutes
Excelsior ’31 football club from Rijssen has shown how to create a sports canteen that is both welcoming and functional. Below, we take you through their smart approach: from a well-thought-out layout to choosing durable furniture. Discover how you can transform your sports canteen into a modern meeting place where members, sponsors and volunteers enjoy spending time.
A new home for Excelsior ’31!
A sports canteen is more than just a place to grab a drink after the match. It is the heart of your sports club: a place where supporters meet, teams celebrate their victories, and volunteers and sponsors come together in an informal setting. For Excelsior ’31 Rijssen, it was therefore essential to create a clubhouse that is ready for the future. A space that invites people to stay longer, can be used flexibly for different activities, and is also easy to maintain. Curious to find out how they approached this? Read on and get inspired.
The new clubhouse was built entirely from scratch. And it is not just the sports canteen that is housed in the new building: the changing rooms are located directly underneath it. From the canteen, members, supporters and visitors also have a view of the main pitch, where Excelsior ’31 competes in the Derde Divisie. This ensures that the connection with football can be felt throughout the clubhouse.
The foundation of every successful sports canteen interior starts with a well-thought-out layout. Excelsior ’31 divided the space into different zones. There is a central bar that naturally draws people together, a quieter area for activities such as board meetings, and an open area for larger groups. By creating clearly defined zones, you maintain a sense of order and prevent the space from feeling cluttered.
Think carefully about the flow of people in advance: how do people move through the canteen? Make sure the routes to the bar, terrace and toilets are logical. A smart layout prevents congestion during busy periods and helps you make optimal use of the available space.
The interior of the new clubhouse was created through a collaboration between Kaja’s designers, Harmeling Interieurs and Excelsior ’31. By bringing together the expertise and ideas of the different parties, an interior was created that suits the club, its users and the character of the new building.
Variety in seating is essential, as not everyone wants to sit in the same way. Excelsior ’31 opted for a mix of high bar tables with bar stools, comfortable lounge areas and traditional tables with sports canteen chairs. This combination makes the canteen suitable for different situations: from board meetings to supporters enjoying a chat after the match.
When determining the number of seats, consider capacity during peak hours. Don’t just count your regular members; also take visiting teams and their supporters into account. As a rule of thumb, aim for at least 30% more seating capacity than your average number of visitors.
Comfort is about more than just soft chairs. It’s about the overall experience. Excelsior ’31 invested in high-quality sports canteen furniture designed to withstand intensive use. Think sturdy tables that don’t wobble, chairs with good back support, and materials that are easy to clean. Lighting also plays an important role: make sure there is enough light, but avoid overly bright lighting. Warmer light sources create a cosier and more inviting atmosphere.
A sports canteen has to withstand a lot. Busy match days with large numbers of visitors require furniture that is robust and easy to maintain. That’s why it’s important to choose strong, durable materials that can withstand intensive daily use.
For example, choose tables with an HPL tabletop: they are hard-wearing, scratch-resistant and easy to clean. Ease of maintenance is also important when choosing chairs. Opt for durable upholstery and materials that are easy to clean and can withstand frequent use. This will help keep your furniture looking its best for longer.
A modern sports canteen needs to be multifunctional. Training sessions during the day, a party in the evening, and a reception for sponsors at the weekend. Excelsior ’31 solved this by opting for modular furniture. Tables can easily be combined or separated, while stackable chairs can be quickly stored away when they are not needed. This flexibility ensures that your sports canteen is suitable for every occasion without requiring major changes to the interior each time.
Flexibility starts with choosing the right products. Opt for furniture that is light enough to move around easily, yet sturdy enough for everyday use. Stackable chairs, for example, are ideal for club activities where you may quickly need additional seating.
Atmosphere plays a major role in whether people stay for longer or leave soon after. Excelsior ’31 understood this well. The club opted for a colour palette that reflects its club colours without being too overpowering. Green and white form the basis, complemented by natural wood tones that add warmth. The club colour red is also incorporated into the upholstery of the bar stools. The extra touch? The club logo on the back of the stools, making the interior even more personal.
The result at Excelsior ’31 is impressive. The club has created a sports canteen that not only works well today but is also ready for the challenges of tomorrow. By choosing timeless designs and neutral colours, the interior will remain relevant for years to come. The modular nature of the furniture also makes it easy to make adjustments in the future without having to completely renew the interior.
Would you also like a sports canteen that is functional, welcoming and ready for the future? At Kaja, we help sports clubs, hospitality businesses and companies create the perfect interior. With a choice of more than 1,500 products, we can always offer a solution to suit your needs. Whether you are looking for robust tables, comfortable chairs or a complete custom-made interior, we are happy to help you find the right solution. Our furniture is specially selected for intensive use and easy maintenance.
Do you have questions about furnishing your sports canteen or would you like tailored advice? Our team is ready to help with expert advice and practical solutions. Whether you are planning a complete renovation or simply want to replace your furniture, we are happy to think along with you. Feel free to contact us and discover how we can transform your sports canteen into a place where everyone enjoys coming together.
How do you make a sports canteen attractive to members?
Members should feel welcome and comfortable. You can achieve this by paying attention to the little details. Create different atmospheres and areas within the same space. Listen to what your members want and, where possible, adapt the interior accordingly. Satisfied members are more likely to visit regularly and spend more in the sports canteen.
What should you consider when furnishing a sports canteen?
When furnishing a sports canteen, there are several important aspects to consider. First, functionality: can the space be used for all the intended activities? Second, durability: can the furniture withstand intensive use and is it easy to maintain? Third, atmosphere: does the space feel welcoming and inviting? Make a checklist of all the activities that take place in your sports canteen and assess whether the furniture meets those needs. Don’t forget practical considerations such as accessibility for people with disabilities.
How do you efficiently furnish a small sports canteen?
Not every sports club has a spacious canteen. Even with limited square footage, you can still create a pleasant and inviting space. The key is to make smart use of multifunctional solutions. For example, choose high tables that take up less floor space while still providing plenty of seating. Vertical storage can also make a big difference: use the walls for storage and keep the floor as clear as possible. A light colour palette and strategically placed mirrors can make a small space feel larger. Ultimately, when it comes to a small sports canteen, it’s all about quality over quantity: twenty comfortable seats are better than thirty cramped ones.