March 3, 2022

Rutger van Hilst: 'It's about the children'

Rutger van Hilst has been a member of the Youth Fund Supervisory Board since August 2021. In his daily life, he leads an international organization providing administrative, legal, and financial services and is a father of three young children. He is eager to take on an active role as a supervisor at the Youth Fund.

"I very consciously chose the Youth Fund," says Rutger. "I see sports as a basic need. Exercising together, having fun, and learning. In a team, differences between people disappear. It doesn't matter where you come from or what your home situation is. That's why I think it's important that all children can participate. That they're in an environment where it doesn't matter if they have little money at home, but where they are seen and can participate for who they are."

You don't know what you don't know

In his role as supervisor, Rutger believes it's important for the Youth Fund to be aware of potential blind spots. "There's a lot of hidden poverty in the Netherlands, and the coronavirus pandemic has made that even clearer. To put it in Cruyff's words: 'you don't know what you don't know.' That's why it's essential that the Youth Fund combines a strong national organization with local knowledge and expertise in the provinces and municipalities—at the very core of society. Not everything runs along the traditional lines of football clubs or dance schools anymore. Over the past six months, I've been shadowing volunteers and intermediaries, and you hear and see the obstacles in practice. For example, there are far too few football coaches, leading to children on waiting lists, or teachers who are far too busy to become intermediaries. We need to get off the beaten track to avoid these obstacles and get more children involved."

Looking broader

Setting goals and working together—these are the skills children acquire at sports clubs or music and dance lessons. "Being a member of a club and feeling part of a group is very formative," says Rutger. "Children acquire skills they can use well in the future. As a fund, we need to increasingly broaden our perspective. Take culture, for example, which isn't just piano lessons or ballet anymore; it encompasses much more. And especially urban culture, which often combines sports and culture. We need to embrace that. It's also one of the Youth Fund's missions to lower the barrier to access to culture. There's still something elitist about it; the word "culture" is complex. We can still make progress there."

Solid foundation

The Youth Fund has a solid foundation. I'm very impressed by its professionalism. Everyone is highly motivated: the children's interests are paramount. I see the enthusiasm with which people across the country are committed. The staff at the national office, the coordinators, volunteers, and intermediaries work together to ensure the funds are spent in the best possible way so children can participate. As the supervisor with finance and operations in my portfolio, I will do my utmost to ensure the Youth Fund maintains this sound financial foundation, runs efficiently, and focuses on innovation where necessary. I have taken the motto of my predecessor, Lex Boogaarts, to heart and carry it with me in everything I do for the Youth Fund: it's all about the children!

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