Our team
The faces behind the program
With a personal mission Erik founded Kenya Youth Hockey Development in 2014, which has become an official foundation. Our core team consists of three board members and a manager.
The board
Luc Kersten
Treasurer
Luc is site manager in chemical manufacturing, has played hockey at HDM and HC Breda for 15 years. A three-time ZOAT participant, he supports KYHD, believing team sports foster youth development through a blend of fun and discipline.
Joost van Mierlo
Secretary
Joost is a partner at De Voort Advocaten
Mediators in Tilburg. With years of experience, Joost brings invaluable expertise to the foundation. He continues to enjoy playing hockey in his spare time.
Floris Carlier
Chairman
Floris is a senior leader in the banking sector with extensive experience in both Dutch and international environments. Floris plays hockey at MMHC Voordaan. He strongly believes that sports teaches children essential life skills.
The management
Erik van
der Dussen
Founder
Erik works as a strategy and risk consultant in East Africa, moved to Nairobi in 2014. A lifelong hockey player, he won his first league title at the age of 48 only and founded KYHD, inspired by children’s joy on the pitch.
Jet de Graeff
Project Manager
Jet is a Nairobi-based strategy consultant, joined the foundation in 2024 after relocating with her partner. A former
Dutch premier league and national youth hockey player, she supports fundraising, social media, and training kids on the pitch.
The Coaches
A total of 22 coaches are actively engaged in various neighborhoods within our program, playing a crucial role in the foundation. All are local and deeply familiar with the children, their culture, and their backgrounds, maintaining daily contact with them. Beyond training and coaching, they serve as role models both on and off the field, positively influencing the communities the children come from.