What it's like to live the korfball dream

Scarlett Kirby and fellow Mixx korfballer Tayla Hardy spent nine weeks in The Netherlands earlier this year, living the korfball dream.

We asked Scarlett to share some of her experiences with the Mixx community.

What was most memorable about your time away?

The day we spent travelling with TOP members to watch playoff games was amazing.

We started the day at the TOP clubrooms, where we jumped on one of three double-decker buses heading out for the day. The first trip was about an hour long, and when we arrived, the many supporters jumped off the buses and headed in to set up the TOPpers’ home base at one end of the stand. We loudly cheered on the B1 team (the first U17 TOP team) who were playing in their second playoff game.

After the match we hopped back on the bus for a two-hour trip to the next venue. Again, the TOPpers set up at their end of the stand, opposite the other team’s supporters, and we eagerly waited for TOP 1 to run on. We were definitely on edge for a large part of this game—it was extremely close, and there was a lot riding on the result. Unfortunately, TOP 1 lost, which meant their indoor season was over and the other team was heading to the finals.

We had a 2.5-hour bus ride back to Sassenheim, getting home around 11pm. A big day out with the TOP support crew, but an experience we’ll never forget.

Safe to say, we slept very well that night!

TOP is a relatively large korfball club in the Netherlands, and for us Kiwis, it felt absolutely massive. Players start from the moment they can walk, growing up immersed in the club alongside their families and teammates. The teams we played and trained with had been together since they first picked up a ball. They move through the age groups together and have formed incredibly close bonds.

We were also lucky enough to watch the first and second teams train and play, which was such a special opportunity to learn from some of the best players and coaches in the country.

We were welcomed with open arms by every single person at TOP. I felt supported, encouraged, and truly a part of it. It’s a real family club with such special history and values.

I can safely say I’ll be a TOPper for life.

It wasn't all perfect - so what were the biggest challenges, how did you overcome them?

The trip in total was just over nine weeks long—easily the longest time I’ve ever spent overseas, and away from home and my family. I felt a fair bit of homesickness, as I’m extremely close with my family and love being around familiar things, places, and people. I made sure to have regular calls and shared photos and stories to stay connected with everyone back home.

Although Dutch culture and daily life aren’t drastically different from New Zealand, the language barrier was something we faced right from the start. I worked hard to learn common Dutch phrases and words, and everyone at the club and around Sassenheim made a real effort to speak English with us. Still, it’s subconsciously exhausting to be surrounded by a language you don’t fully understand. Constantly translating or adjusting how you speak takes more energy than you’d expect.

Another challenge was the timing of the trainings. TOP is a big club with a lot of teams and players to accommodate, and even with two gyms, we often trained quite late—9pm was considered early! We did our best to explore as much of Holland as possible, often going on day trips to different towns and villages. But that meant long days on our feet, and it was definitely a struggle to balance being tourists with saving enough energy to train late into the night. I have to say—I won’t be taking early trainings and games in New Zealand for granted after our schedule in Sassenheim!

What advice would you give to anyone else thinking about a similar adventure?

I would say—one hundred per cent: go for it! I can honestly say it’s the most incredible experience I’ve ever had. I made the best memories and connected with more people than I ever imagined possible.

There were definitely challenges and obstacles along the way, so be prepared for things to change or not go to plan—it won’t all be smooth sailing. But even with those moments, I can absolutely say I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.

My top tip? Do it with someone else. Sharing the ups and downs with someone makes a huge difference. Give it your all. Say yes to everything. Don’t stress about money.

Embrace every chance to meet people, learn about a new country and culture—and most of all, leave with no regrets.

Look out for Scarlett wearing the silver fern at the upcoming IKF U21 Asia-Oceania Korfball Championship 2025, from 30 July to 6 August, in Leshan, China; and then back home in the purple of Selwyn at the next Mixx Community Shield on Sunday 10 August.