Interview with Koen Sueters – Member of the Advisory Board of IT4Kids
IT4Kids welcomes Koen Sueters as the newest member of its Advisory Board. As the Director of NS Retail, Koen brings extensive experience in strategy and team development. A passionate athlete and father of three hockey-playing daughters, Koen joins IT4Kids with great enthusiasm, motivated by his desire to contribute to society. Why did he choose this particular foundation? He shares his story below!
From the hockey field to the Advisory Board – How did that happen?
On the sidelines of the hockey field, Koen struck up a conversation with Evelyn Kleij, project and partnership manager at IT4Kids, and later with Colette Zee, director of IT4Kids. “Their enthusiasm, dedication, and the mission of IT4Kids really struck a chord with me,” Koen shares. “The idea of combining sports with societal impact resonates deeply with me. Watching my daughters, I see how valuable sports are—staying fit, training, winning and losing, learning teamwork, and handling setbacks.”
What draws you to the mission of IT4Kids?
“The combination of children and sports. Sports contribute to health, social skills, and personal development. Nowadays, children are under significant pressure from technology and social media. Kids are becoming more individualistic, communicating via apps rather than face-to-face. It’s crucial to keep challenging them to go outside, move, and connect with each other. IT4Kids plays a vital role in making sports accessible and fostering those social connections.”
What does sport mean to you personally?
“Sport is more than just a hobby for me. I’ve always been an avid football player and still play today. Additionally, I’ve taken up cycling—a sport where you can continue to improve with focused training, even as you age. It keeps me fit both physically and mentally, gives me energy, and helps me stay sharp.”
How can you contribute to IT4Kids?
Koen facilitated IT4Kids’ strategy sessions in November, a valuable day where he guided the team with his expertise and energy. Koen explains, “I aim to help the IT4Kids team refine their vision and strategy and translate them into (potentially) new goals and actions. For me, it’s about working from a place of energy and talent. I’m excited to help the foundation grow further and increase its impact. Making things even better—that’s what energizes me!”
What motivates you to take on this role?
“I believe we can all do a little more for others. IT4Kids is a well-structured, ambitious organization with a team of wonderful, dedicated people. It’s special to be a small part of this and work together toward a better future for children.”
