About
John Noakes – A Life Dedicated to Sport and Compassion
John Noakes is someone who gets people moving — literally and figuratively. Deeply committed, highly sociable, and always genuinely interested in others. He has lived in Zoetermeer for many years, but his life story began elsewhere. In 1978, John came to the Netherlands for work. His wife had to remain in England at the time. He did not know the country, barely spoke the language, and had to find his way in an unfamiliar society. He was alone in a strange country, without money or work.
Feeling of displacement
That feeling of displacement, of having to start over, was instantly familiar to him when the first Ukrainian refugees arrived in the Netherlands. He made himself immediately available to support them.
In 2026, John has turned 80, but sitting still has never been in his nature. As a passionate — now retired — tennis coach, he ran his own John Noakes Tennis School in Zoetermeer from 1978 to 2014. He coached both recreational players and elite athletes and worked with well known names such as Richard Krajicek, Martin Verkerk, Bettina Sonneveld, Chantal Vandierendonck, Monique Kalkman, and Ellen de Lange. His love for tennis always went hand in hand with genuine care for the person behind the player.
Wheelchair tennis
In addition, John played a crucial role in introducing wheelchair tennis in the Netherlands and later on an international level. Thanks to his dedication, the sport gained worldwide recognition and became part of the Paralympic Games. Dignity was always central: athletes were to be seen as athletes, not defined by their disability.
Back on the tennis court
When Ukrainian refugees arrived in Zoetermeer, John decided to return to the tennis court once again. He initially started on an outdoor court in a park, founded by the Richard Krajicek Foundation, but soon searched for a suitable location to teach the growing group of players. This led him to Tennis Centre Meerzicht. Since then, he has been giving free tennis lessons to refugees every Sunday, using borrowed or donated equipment. He never asked for money — but by now, he can no longer carry this alone.
That is why the John Noakes Foundation was established.
So that these lessons can continue.
So that no one has to lose this place of connection..
Support John's mission. Donate today.
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