Latest news with #Waalwijk
Finextra
30-06-2025
- Business
- Finextra
Supermarket receipts inform people who are difficult to reach about free help with banking
Not everyone in the Netherlands finds it easy to manage their own banking. 0 In fact, one in six Dutch people occasionally runs into problems. These people are often less skilled digitally or have low literacy levels. Banks find it challenging to reach these groups, which makes it harder for them to provide adequate support. A new initiative - a message on the receipts of PLUS supermarket in Waalwijk - tells people where they can get free assistance. In this way, ABN AMRO aims to show that help is at hand for those who need it. Starting Saturday 28 June, customers shopping at the PLUS supermarket in the Dutch town of Waalwijk will receive a receipt bearing a short message written in simple language. The receipt doesn't offer an actual solution to the problem, but it does point them to where they can get help with banking. This comes in the form of a free helpline where they can speak to an adviser, making it easier for people who are usually hard to reach to find help. Gudy van der Wal, Director of Financial Accessibility at ABN AMRO: 'We've known for a while that there's a strong need for support with everyday banking matters, such as digital banking and making transfers. With ABN AMRO Helps, we want to be here for everyone, including people we can't easily reach at the moment. That's why we're always looking for new ways to engage with these clients. This receipt is one of those ways. We were thrilled that Stephan van Engelen, supermarket manager at PLUS Waalwijk, reacted enthusiastically straight away.' No one should be left behind 'In a society that is becoming increasingly digital, it's crucial that no one is left behind,' says Olaf Nouwens, Accessibility Policy Officer at Senioren Brabant-Zeeland. 'Many seniors would like to manage their own banking affairs, but they sometimes need someone to help them get started. It's essential that assistance isn't only available, but that it is also visible and close at hand. This receipt can truly make a difference for people.' Lowering the threshold to getting help with banking Research shows that one in six Dutch people sometimes needs help with banking, but many don't know where to find it. This is especially true for people who struggle with reading or have little experience with computers. Pointing the way to free help on the receipt lowers the threshold to seeking support. Anyone with questions about making payments or doing their banking securely can get help by phone free of charge. This initiative is part of a broader approach to making financial services accessible to all clients, regardless of age, education or digital skills. National rollout if successful ABN AMRO is exploring whether this approach helps reach more people with appropriate support. If the initiative proves successful, it may be expanded to other areas. 'This way, we're building step by step towards a future where everyone can participate, at a pace and in a way that's right for the individual,' concludes Van der Wal.
Morocco World
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
‘They Always Supported Me': Mohamed Ihattaren Chooses Morocco
Doha – Dutch-Moroccan football prodigy Mohamed Ihattaren has officially decided to represent Morocco at the international level. The 23-year-old midfielder, who currently plays for RKC Waalwijk in the Netherlands, announced his decision to switch allegiance after previously representing the Netherlands in youth categories. In an exclusive interview with Dutch media outlet SportNieuwsNL, Ihattaren confirmed his choice. 'Yes, for me, it will now be the Moroccan team. Morocco has always supported me,' he declared, ending years of speculation about his international future. Born on February 12, 2002, in Utrecht to Moroccan parents, Ihattaren holds dual Moroccan-Dutch nationality. He represented the Netherlands in multiple youth categories (U15, U16, U17, U19) but never made an appearance for the Oranje senior team. The talented midfielder was once considered one of Dutch football's brightest prospects. However, his promising career was derailed by both sporting difficulties and off-field problems, including legal issues in the Netherlands that seriously slowed his progress. Several years ago, Ihattaren emerged as a sensation in Dutch football. At just 17, the left-footed midfielder broke through at PSV Eindhoven, quickly becoming the new star of Dutch football. Despite being heavily courted by the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), he initially chose the Netherlands under Ronald Koeman. At the time, a major announcement was made on the Dutch national team's social media channels, in partnership with his sponsor, Nike. Although called up multiple times to the Netherlands squad, he never officially debuted, spending two Nations League matches on the bench. After a promising start to his career, Ihattaren experienced a serious setback due to depression, a downward spiral, his father's death, alleged connections to criminal groups in the Netherlands, and weight problems. His situation became so dire that he considered retirement after nearly three years without playing football. His career has been marked by a series of club changes without playing time – Juventus, Sampdoria, Ajax, and Slavia Prague – all ending in difficult separations. He faced legal cases in the Netherlands, as he was accused of assault and threatening his ex-girlfriend. Since having his contract terminated by Slavia Prague in April, he had temporarily disappeared from the football radar. Last season, RKC Waalwijk took a chance on reviving his career, which proved relatively successful as he rediscovered his joy for football. He contributed 4 goals and 5 assists in 28 Eredivisie matches. Ihattaren now insists he has turned the page: 'I've found the joy of playing again.' This is encouraging news for those who never doubted his raw talent and still hope to see him shine at the highest level. Back in August 2019, then-Morocco coach Vahid Halilhodzic had already pre-selected him for two friendly matches. Ihattaren did not respond positively at that time. Today, his decision is final. The midfielder was recently spotted attending Glory 100, a kickboxing event where Moroccan-Belgian fighter Jamal Ben Saddik competed. 'I would have liked to see it end differently, but this is also the sports world,' Ihattaren said about Ben Saddik's match against Sofian Laïdouni. 'Sometimes it can end like this. But for me, he remains a winner.' Regarding his club future, Ihattaren remains open to possibilities. 'The Netherlands would be great, but Belgium is also not far from where I currently am. You never know what the future holds in football. The interest must be real, and they need to reach an agreement with my agent. Until then, I'll see what comes my way. I believe every step is the right one for me,' he explained. While he works to stabilize his club situation, his choice to represent Morocco's Atlas Lions could reinvigorate his career. It remains to be seen whether current Morocco coach Walid Regragui will offer him an opportunity in the national team. Tags: Atlas Lionsmohamed ihattarenMoroccan national footbal team
