Recently, Freeke Heijne joined the board of the Johan Cruyff Foundation. The organization is not entirely new to her: as a lawyer, she had already advised the Cruyff Foundation. She is now a judge in training and, in her new role as a board member, is committed to making sport accessible to as many youngsters as possible.
What role has sport played in your own life?
“I’ve always been very active,” says Freeke. “I’ve swum, rowed, played hockey and later took up cycling.” These days, she has a little less time for sport herself. “Now, I mainly cycle with my children to their sports activities.”
What appeals to you most about the mission of the Cruyff Foundation?
“Above all, the fact that everyone gets the opportunity to play sports, go outside and play outdoors.” According to Freeke, this may sometimes seem self-evident, but it isn’t for everyone. “For many people, it’s simply a given that children can play sports. But precisely in places where that isn’t the case, it’s important to make those opportunities available.” She also highlights the Foundation’s focus on children with disabilities. “For them, it is often even more difficult to go outside and be physically active. I think the Cruyff Foundation makes a really important contribution in that regard.”
"Every disadvantage has its advantage"
What do you hope to set in motion as a board member?
Freeke sees opportunities to make better use of the facilities that are already available. “I think it’s important to make even more active use of the existing sports fields. I see plenty of opportunities there.” According to her, this remains an important challenge. “Children are spending more and more time behind screens. So we have to keep trying to get them outside and get them moving.”
Which lesson from Johan Cruyff has always stayed with you?
“Every disadvantage has its advantage.” According to Freeke, that saying fits well with the way she approaches life. “I’m a real optimist. And of course, that saying is a perfect fit for an optimistic person.” Although she never saw Johan Cruyff play in person, her years of involvement with the Foundation have given her a great deal of respect for his legacy. “I’ve seen how much passion lies behind the Foundation and how much impact his philosophy continues to have. I think that’s really remarkable.”