Creating a better future using sport
In 2010 I founded the Hockey Dreams Foundation. It aims to enable young people and children from a development area (mainly in Africa) to create a better future through hockey. The foundation does this by developing sustainable hockey communities: the hockey pitch provides a background for local learning opportunities. Coaches and kids from communities with challenging circumstances come together through their shared passion for the hockey sport. Coaches get a regular education as well as coach development. Children benefit form these role models by entering their game and play programs.
Together they play, share, learn and grow. Hockey Dreams Foundation is there to assist youth in realising their ambitions for a better future. The players and coaches of today, gain the confidence and competences to be the game changers of tomorrow.
Coach development
For the coaches, Hockey Dreams developed the Hockey Dreams Coach Academy: a trainee programme in which the coaches discover and develop their personal leadership and ambitions. In other words, how they can be game changers in their community.
They prepare for the job market or an enterprise by finishing high school and continue with college or a micro credit. They gain new coach skills on the pitch, which gives them confidence in their organisational and leadership skills off the pitch.
Improving the lives of thousands of children
For the kids, the coaches are central in facilitating sport and play. The coaches grow into role models who create a safe environment where the kids make new friends, learn sportsmanship and become team players.
Through hockey, kids practice communication skills, assertiviness, empathy and resilience. The coaches provide weekly training sessions in their communities or at public schools. They also organise hockey camps, leagues and tournament. The most talented kids with passion, drive and other skills are meant to be the coaches of the future
I have stepped down as manager of the Foundation in november 2019 and now work behind the scenes. I advise the current manager to make well measured decisions and i manage the equipment. Every opportunity that arrises to strengthen the Foundations position i will try and encourage.
Want to know more about The Hockey Dreams Foundation, please visit their website, Instagram or Facebook page.