Our mission & objectives
Simple yet deeply important
We believe that sport can be about more than just physical activity. Through tennis lessons and other sporting activities, we offer refugees a place where relaxation, connection and human contact are central. In this way, we hope to support their mental wellbeing and offer a moment of calm in a time of uncertainty.
Our mission
The mission of the John Noakes Foundation is simple, yet deeply important: to give refugees a place where they can feel human again. A place where relaxation, physical activity, and connection are central. For people who have been forced to leave their homes and live with uncertainty and loss, mental health is at least as important as physical safety.
Refugees arrive in a country with a different language, different rules, and different expectations. They try to rebuild their lives, often while family and friends remain in danger. This is precisely why it is essential that they are given space to relax, to move, and to connect with others who understand their situation.
Sport & respect
We do this by offering free tennis lessons and sports activities. Tennis is the means, but connection is the goal. On the court, conversations begin, friendships form, and moments of relaxation arise. No worries for a while. A moment of laughter. A moment of simply being.
In addition to sport, we are also to listen. Where needed, we help participants find information about work, housing or other forms of support. Everything we do is based on respect, equality, and humanity.
Our objectives
Our primary objective is to continue the weekly tennis lessons for Ukrainian refugees in Zoetermeer.
In practical terms:
- To raise sufficient funds to continue offering two hours of tennis lessons every Sunday on two courts for 16–20 participants.
- €50 funds one hour of tennis lessons (two courts for 8–12 participants).
- €4,000 funds an additional six months of lessons.
- To cover the cost of court hire (approximately €100 per weekend).
- To purchase and maintain equipment such as balls, rackets and grip tape.
- To recruit volunteers and donors to ensure the long-term sustainability of our activities.
- Looking ahead, we aim to expand to additional locations and offer extra lessons for children.
The more support we receive, the more people we are able to help.
Help us continue our mission. Donate now.
Scan the QR code and donate. Every donation matters.
If you cannot scan the QR code, or if you are using a mobile phone, please use the secure link below to make your donation.
https://betaalverzoek.rabobank.nl/betaalverzoek/?id=nBsp0lNjShq79amcbzWGrw