Jeroen Hoencamp recently joined the Dutch Board of the Johan Cruyff Foundation. After an international career in the telecommunications industry, during which he lived and worked in five different countries, he now focuses on board and advisory roles. This also gives him more time to pursue his other passions, including travelling and sport.
What role has sport played in your life?
"When I think back to my childhood, I was always outside. If it was windy, I’d go windsurfing. If it wasn’t, you’d find me on a football pitch, hockey field or tennis court. Sport was always a common thread throughout my life." It was only later that he realised that playing sport is not something everyone can take for granted. "I’ve always had the opportunity to play sports. My parents encouraged it, and I’ve always been in good health. I never really thought about that when I was younger. Now I realise how fortunate I’ve been."
What appeals to you most about the Cruyff Foundation’s mission?
"That as many children and young people as possible have the opportunity to play sports and be active." For Jeroen, it goes beyond physical activity alone. "Sport helps you become stronger and more resilient. You learn to work together, build self-confidence and discover what you're good at. It has given me so much, both personally and professionally."
"Football is simple, but the hardest thing there is, is to play simple football."
What do you hope to achieve as a board member?
"From the outside looking in, I see a foundation that is incredibly strong." At the same time, he sees an important opportunity. "One conversation I’d really like to have is about how we make the right choices. Sometimes you achieve more by doing a few things exceptionally well than by doing many things just reasonably well."
Which lesson from Johan Cruyff has stayed with you?
Jeroen doesn’t have to think long. "Football is simple, but the hardest thing there is, is to play simple football." This quote from Johan Cruyff resonates with him because he believes it applies far beyond football. "I strongly believe in keeping things simple. I was also always inspired by his vision on teams: the collective comes before the individual. And you are allowed to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them. Those are lessons I still carry with me today."