A great coach is impactful in our communities and children’s lives. They help to teach future generations discipline, self-belief, and a strong mentality. Johannes van Leenen, an established family man, entrepreneur, and football coach, is praised by peers, students, and parents for his dedication to 30 years of coaching. Throughout this period, he has improved the lives of hundreds of young athletes.
Several of his students came forward to praise their former coach and attest to his kind nature and mentorship. Former student, Travis Milne, shares with us how Van Leenen taught him to take control of his life.
What was your life like before starting football?
“Before starting high school, I was always getting into trouble. I skipped school, got sent to the office daily and was always in fights. I didn’t care; my home life had little structure or rules. I did what I wanted when I wanted. I got into a lot of trouble with little to no consequences or punishment from my parents. I felt like I was on my own by age twelve. That is when I got my first job washing dishes at the Glenmore Inn.”
Do you think Johannes’ mentorship had a positive impact on your life?
“Definitely. Coming into high school, I thought I was a hot-shot cool kid that wouldn’t listen to anyone and do whatever I wanted, and no one would tell me otherwise. I was an arrogant young punk who thought I’d play football and be the best. That was my way of hitting kids without getting into trouble.
Little did I know I would meet my football coach, Johannes van Leenen, who would improve my life. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. After a week or two of football, Johannes saw the potential in me and took me under his wing. It took me a bit to open up to him about my life. I needed direction on what to do after high school. He showed me that life is what you want and that you should work hard both on the football field and in school.
After a couple of weeks, I thought of Johannes as a father figure and wanted to be like him. That’s when I knew I had to listen to him, and I turned my life around just like that.
Football was my life from then on and Johannes was always there watching. Even if he wasn’t there he knew what I was up to, and there was consequences if I did wrong in or outside school. I never had this at home, so I did my best daily. Still, I work not to disappoint him and be the best I can be.”
What was something important that Johannes taught you?
“He taught me a lot about football and winning. But not just football. He taught me how to succeed in life! He taught me respect, discipline, honour, accountability, leadership, family values, and how to be the best you can be every day.
Coach has been a true inspiration. He has been my coach for life, not just a football coach.”
Do you think your life would be different if you had never met Johannes?
“I am not ashamed to say I was an awful kid. I always got into trouble. I had no direction, no discipline, and no structure. Johannes changed my life and made me the person I am today. I don’t know where I’d be without his guidance and discipline. He has made me a better person and the man I am today for my children and wife.
I don’t think I would have the life I have now without him. I probably would have gotten into legal trouble, drugs, or drinking. Who knows? It’s scary to think about.”
Will you continue Johannes’ legacy and pass it on within your community?
“I can’t wait to start coaching my kids in sports and pass on all I’ve learned from him. I want to teach the next generation that perseverance and hard work will pay off not only on the field but also in life.
I’m almost 40 years old, and I still strive to be the best I can be daily as a husband and father.”
The positive effect Johannes van Leenen made on Travis’s life is outstanding. His respect and admiration for his former coach are apparent. In football or life, it’s the small wins that make someone a champion. A great coach is a leader. A great coach is more than someone who teaches a game. Van Leenen exhibits inspiring leadership by putting people first, leading by example, and improving lives, qualities of a coach that are desirable and commendable.
