Just follow your dreams

That is what the great soccer player Pelé answered to my nervously posed question as to the secret behind his success in 1985. I was 14 and had won a spot in a New York soccer camp through a talent contest.

In the same moment that I heard his answer it became obvious to me – the school truant and rebel – that I had to become a professional soccer player. Today, 30 years later and with the experience of many ups and downs in my sports career and later as an entrepreneur, I never forgot Pelé’s words. I think to truly decide on a goal depends a lot on testing oneself and staying curious about life, people and different cultures. This conviction motivates me today to pass on my experiences through my foundation. This effort also intends to express that so much in life is possible if one only has the courage to follow one’s goals and keep true to one’s values.

With Florian Hoffmann and the team developing the concept, Dekeyser & Friends took shape very quickly. In Florian I found a young but already very experienced person who believes as I do that life offers many exciting possibilities – yet to find one‘s own way and belief in oneself is a lifelong challenge. Young people in particular are searching for meaning and are often left alone with it. On the other hand, experienced people would like to pass on their energy and experiences. What is often missing is a platform that brings young people from all around the world together with experienced and competent individuals to jointly engage in inspiring and motivating activities. Dekeyser & Friends aims to become the platform for these encounters.   

Many friends from around the world have already become part of our efforts by offering their time, know-how and especially their idealism. We hope many of you reading these lines will join in as well and become part of the Dekeyser & Friends movement.

Yours truly,

Bobby Dekeyser
Founder and President of the Board, Dekeyser & Friends Foundation