Gruppo Sportivo is a Dutch pop and new wave ensemble from The Hague established in 1976. The group consists of the musicians Hans Vandenburg, Max Mollinger, Tim Barning, Len de Quant, Inge Bonthond, and Lies Schilp. They achieved professional recognition for a musical style characterized by new wave and pop with humorous lyrics. The ensemble was founded by the vocalist and guitarist Vandenburg with the musicians Mollinger, Peter Calicher, Eric Wehrmeyer, Josée van Iersel, and Meike Touw. Their recording career began with the single "Out There in the Jungle" (1976). Gruppo Sportivo achieved professional recognition for the debut studio recording 10 Mistakes (1977), which reached number 16 in the Netherlands, and the studio recording Back to 78 (1978), which reached number 3. The recordings featured the single "Beep Beep Love" (1977) and the single "Tokyo (I'm on My Way)" (1978). The ensemble achieved professional recognition for being voted Top Newcomer '78 by the publication Radio & Records. Their discography included the studio recording Copy Copy (1980) and the studio recording Design Moderne (1982). The ensemble became inactive in 2013 but resumed activity in 2018 for a reunion tour and the studio recording Great (2018), which reached number 39 in the Netherlands. Their recording career included the mini-album Back to Nature (2024). The musician Calicher died on April 1, 2024. Gruppo Sportivo achieved professional recognition for announcing a final anniversary tour for 2026.
