Archives: Testimonials

POSITION: WORKING FOREMAN
WORKING AT J&E SPORTS SINCE: 1997

 

What do you enjoy most about working at J&E Sports?

I really enjoy being outdoors all day. Working at a different location every one or two weeks keeps the job varied and interesting. The core of the work stays the same, but every site is different. What I also love is that after each project you can immediately see the result of your work – and so can everyone around you.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

I’m usually there about fifteen minutes before we start. First we grab a coffee together, then we collect the materials and head to the project in the van. Because we leave early, we avoid traffic, which is great. Then we spend the day working outside. At the end of the day we head home, unless we’re staying away for the project.

Which projects stand out to you the most? Why?

I really enjoy projects in bigger cities, especially when we stay away for a few days, as you also get to explore the city in your free time. But working on pitches close to my hometown of Den Bosch is special too, because you can share the results with friends and family – and my kids are proud when they see the fields I’ve worked on.

What makes this job different from other jobs you’ve had?

Before this, I worked in hospitality and in a supermarket, which was completely different. What I really like about working at J&E Sports is that you actually build something with your hands. I never expected that this type of work would suit me so well, but it really does.

When have you felt most proud of something you and the team created?

I’m proud of every pitch we deliver as a team, especially when it’s approved and the client is happy. That’s always our goal. We often hear clients say they’re pleased J&E Sports is delivering their pitch. That level of trust makes me really proud.

How would you describe the team?

We work in a diverse and dynamic team. There’s never a dull moment.

What makes the atmosphere in the van or on site so good?

You’re always working together and there’s time for a bit of banter during the day. Not all the time, of course, but there’s definitely room for it. Sometimes we talk about work, but also about personal things. That makes it enjoyable.

How did you start, and where are you now?

I started at J&E Sports in 1997 without any experience. Over the years I’ve grown into the role of Working Foreman, which I still really enjoy today. So it’s been almost 30 years now.

What do you think about working with modern machinery and equipment?

Over the past year I’ve worked a lot with electric machines. It’s a different way of working at first, but once you’re used to it, you wouldn’t want anything else. They’re much quieter and more comfortable to use, which is a big plus.

What would you say to someone who’s unsure about applying here?

Just give it a go. You’ll quickly find out whether it’s something for you.

Functie: Working Foreman
Working at J&E Sports since: 2015

 

What do you enjoy most about working at J&E Sports?

Both my father and my uncle have worked here for many years, which makes the job extra special for me. On top of that, I really enjoy working outdoors every day.

Which projects stand out to you the most? Why?

I enjoy working for bigger clubs such as ADO Den Haag and TOP Oss. I also really like projects abroad, as you get to see different places and meet all kinds of people.

What can sometimes be challenging about the job, and how do you deal with that?

Some days can be quite long, so it’s important to get enough rest. I always try to stay positive and focus on enjoying the work. Having fun together as a team is really important to me – we truly make something great together.

When have you felt most proud of something you and the team created?

It’s hard to name just one project, but I’m especially proud when we manage to complete a huge amount of work in a single day – sometimes work that might take other companies a whole week.

What makes the atmosphere in the van or on site so good?

The way we get along with each other. Everyone supports one another and is always willing to help.

What have you learned here that you wouldn’t have learned elsewhere?

I’ve become much more confident and outspoken here, and I’ve learned everything about the trade. All the experience I’ve gained has really helped me grow within J&E Sports.

Which employment benefits do you value the most?

I really value the time-off-in-lieu scheme. If you work overtime, you can take those hours back later. The company also does its best to make the work as light and manageable as possible for us.

What do you think about working with modern machines and equipment?

It has improved a lot over the years. In the past, we did much more work by hand, whereas now we use modern machinery. J&E Sports is always investing in new techniques and equipment, which makes the job much less physically demanding than it was ten years ago.

What would you miss if you didn’t work here anymore?

Mostly the fun with my colleagues. We have a great time together as a team. And of course working in different locations and even different countries.

What are you most proud of since you started here?

I’ve been working at J&E Sports for 10 years now, and I’m most proud of my personal growth. I started as a Saturday holiday worker and have progressed to a full-time Working Foreman.

What would you say to someone who’s unsure about applying here?

Just come and give it a try – that’s always possible here. See if it suits you, not just the work itself, but the team as well.

What makes you enjoy coming to work every day?

Working together with my colleagues and genuinely enjoying the job. I get a lot of satisfaction from what I do and feel completely at home here.

Position: Holiday Part-timer
Working at J&E Sports since: 2019

 

What do you enjoy most about working at J&E Sports?

Definitely my colleagues. We have a lot of fun together. Sometimes it does not even feel like work because we are laughing all day. The atmosphere is really great. I also really enjoy the variety in the job. Unlike working in hospitality or a supermarket, no two days are the same. That variety makes the work very enjoyable for me.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

We start early, but that is actually a big plus for me because you can work a lot of hours in one day. Especially as a student, that makes planning much easier. I schedule one full day of work and immediately make a lot of hours. I prefer that to working just a few hours every day.

Which projects stand out to you the most and why?

Mainly the projects where you travel further away and stay overnight. For example a project in Brussels. You really get to see new places and explore the city and its surroundings. In the evening, you enjoy a beer with your colleagues, which makes it even more fun.

What makes this job different from others you have had?

Before this, I coached hockey and worked as a dishwasher. What I really like here is that you work during weekdays in the summer period. You also make a lot more hours, which I personally really appreciate.

How would you describe the team?

It is a very diverse team. A great mix of students and experienced professionals who have grown up in the trade. That diversity makes it dynamic and enjoyable to work in.

What makes the atmosphere in the van or on site so good?

That is a difficult question. I think it is mainly the humour within the team. The working atmosphere is very informal, which I really like. Sometimes it does not even feel like I am working, more like I am helping a friend. We genuinely have a lot of fun together.

What have you learned here that you would not have learned elsewhere?

Work ethic. Because of the long days, days at a placement or internship suddenly feel much shorter. You really learn to stay active and keep going. The all gas mentality and the can I help with anything mindset stay with you wherever you go.

Which employment benefits matter most to you?

The number of hours you can work and the fact that you are paid weekly. Especially as a student, that is very helpful. A tight week is better than a tight month.

How important are team outings and activities to you?

I think they are very important and a lot of fun. They are never cut back on. There is a get together every Friday and in the summer there are regular barbecues. It is always gezellig and good fun.

What would you miss most if you did not work here anymore?

The humour within the team and the overall dynamic. You can really be yourself here and you are given a lot of freedom.

What would you say to someone who is unsure about coming to work here?

On a zero hours contract, you can work multiple days during the summer. You have a lot of freedom and agree your hours together. That makes it very flexible.

What makes you enjoy coming to work every day?

I never really go to work with reluctance. That has everything to do with my colleagues. It is simply a very fun team.

How was it starting without any experience?

At the beginning, you learn very quickly how everything works. The job is not difficult, but to keep it enjoyable it is important to stay curious and keep asking questions. Getting more responsibility makes the work much more enjoyable straight away.

What makes working at J&E Sports more enjoyable than another part time job?

Because of the long working days, you really get to know your colleagues well. I enjoy that a lot. It is a great team to work in and I felt part of it very quickly.

Position: Holiday Part-timer
Working at J&E Sports since: 2019

 

 

What do you enjoy most about working at J&E Sports?

What I enjoy most is the freedom you have while working out on the field and my colleagues. They really make the job more enjoyable.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

You start early, work long days and you’re well paid for it. On top of that, working at J&E Sports really teaches you discipline.

What makes this job different from others you’ve had?

I’ve had various part-time jobs before, from working in a butcher’s shop to being a dishwasher and bartender in hospitality. The big difference here is that you can really put in a lot of hours, which I personally like a lot.

When did you feel truly proud of what you built?

Last year, four of us built a full football pitch in Germany in just one week. Besides the work, we had a lot of fun together in the hotel, and as a team we were incredibly proud of the final result.

How would you describe the team?

I genuinely think the team is great — that’s a big plus at J&E Sports. We always have a laugh together. Especially the combination of working hard while still having fun really stands out for me.

What makes you feel at home here?

I’ve been working here for seven years, and what I really appreciate is the open and relaxed company culture. If something’s on your mind or you want to talk things through, you can always share it with your colleagues. There’s always someone willing to listen.

What have you learned here that you wouldn’t have learned elsewhere?

Discipline, above all. That’s something I’ve truly learned at J&E Sports and now also take with me into my personal life.

Which employment benefits matter most to you?

When you work further away and stay in a hotel, everything is covered — including accommodation and meals. On top of that, as a holiday part-timer you’re paid weekly, which is really convenient.

What would you miss most if you didn’t work here anymore?

I’d miss the fun with my colleagues, the freedom, and the sense of equality within the team. That’s very different from what I’ve experienced at some of my placements elsewhere.

What would you say to someone who’s unsure about applying?

Are you looking for a great job where you earn a good salary and get to see a lot of Europe? Then working at J&E Sports is definitely for you. I’ve been working here for seven years for a reason.

How was it starting without any experience?

Installing artificial turf is quite unique — both the work itself and the working hours. At first, I really had to get used to it, as everything was new to me. After seven years, I’ve learned an incredible amount.

What makes this more enjoyable than a regular part-time or factory job?

The freedom you have at J&E Sports.

Position: Junior Artificial Turf Specialist
Working at J&E Sports since: 2025

 

 

What was it like starting with no experience?

At first, it definitely took some time getting used to. I didn’t yet have a clear picture of what the job involved. But if you approach it with an open mindset, everything works out just fine.

How quickly did you feel part of the team?

Very quickly. It felt right straight away.

What makes you feel at home here?

Mainly my colleagues. You really do everything all together. I’ve realised that I really enjoy working as part of the team.

How did you start, and where are you now?

I started in April 2025 as a junior artificial turf specialist, and that’s still my role today. I definitely have the ambition to grow further within J&E Sports.

Which employment benefits matter most to you?

You’re paid well here. What I also really appreciate is that travel time in the van is fully paid. That’s not the case at many other companies.

What makes this job different from other jobs you’ve had?

Before this, I had an office job. that was  something completely different. What I really enjoy now is working outdoors. In the summer you work long days, but in the winter you get that time back. You also have much more freedom in your day-to-day work.

Which projects stand out to you the most, and why?

We once built an adventure golf course in Germany. That means working away from home. I enjoy that, although not for too long. I do like being home in between. Because it was a golf project, it was also very educational.

What did you need to get used to when you first started?

The early mornings and working in a team. Before this, I worked in an office with just one other colleague. Now I work with multiple people on a field, which actually makes it much more enjoyable.

What’s the funniest or most memorable thing you’ve experienced with colleagues?

You experience something almost every day here. It’s never boring.

How would you describe the team?

It’s a unique team in a positive way. The different personalities at J&E Sports are what make it so enjoyable.

What makes the atmosphere in the van or on site so good?

The relaxed vibe within the team. You work hard, but there’s always room for jokes and laughter. Not too serious — enjoying yourself together is important.

Position: Artificial Grass Specialist
Working at J&E Sports since: 1993

 

 

What do you enjoy most about working at J&E Sports?

Every week brings a new project, which means a lot of variety. The work is always diverse and that also means you meet many different people.

Which projects stand out to you the most, and why?

I’ve been fortunate to work on many great projects for J&E Sports. From the Hockey World Cup in Utrecht and The Hague to American football fields in the United States. Through this work I’ve met many well known people, including Johan Cruijff and Carl Lewis, Olympic champion in the 100 and 200 metre sprint and the high jump.

What makes this job different from others you’ve had?

I’ve done all kinds of work, but I was already working for J&E Sports in the 1990s. What I enjoy most is that you’re always working with people. That’s something I really value in my job.

When did you feel truly proud of what you built?

I’m proud of every field we build together. What I enjoy most is creating a field from start to finish as a team. I’m also proud of developing new tools to make the work as easy as possible. The team’s input plays an important role in that.

What makes you feel at home here?

It feels like family to me. I even worked with the grandfathers of some of my current colleagues. And if there’s ever an issue, you always receive support from everyone within J&E Sports.

Do you have a saying that sums up working at J&E Sports?

My saying at J&E Sports is: All grass. People here also call me “the happy one”. I always say: “If you really commit to it, you can grow fast within this company.”

Which employment benefits matter most to you?

Time for time is ideal because of the seasonal nature of the work. Some colleagues take long holidays in winter. I’m a real worker myself and I’m not very good at doing nothing. My mindset is simple: I live to work.

How important are team outings and activities to you?

I think they’re fantastic, especially in the early days. Back then, even the employees’ children joined in and we went to Disneyland together. That’s a wonderful memory. It’s always very sociable.

What would you miss most if you didn’t work here anymore?

I honestly can’t imagine that. I would miss everything. My work is my life.

What would you say to someone who’s unsure about coming to work here?

Just start and give it a try. I’m convinced you’ll enjoy it. It’s a fun, young and close knit team. The pay is good and if you really go for it, you get plenty of opportunities to grow.

Position: Working Foreman
Working at J&E Sports since: 2019

 

 

What do you enjoy most about working at J&E Sports?

Working outdoors every day with a fun, close knit team. You are never on your own.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

We start early in the morning. First we have a coffee together, then we prepare the vans and head to the site. We work on the field all day. When we work further away from home, we stay overnight and the whole team stays in a hotel. Always good fun.

I mainly work in the Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom. Last year I even went to New Zealand. That was really amazing.

What makes this job different from others you have had?

I used to work in hospitality and was always indoors. Now I work outdoors during the day and no longer in the evenings. J&E Sports also has a much more relaxed and family like atmosphere. People stay here for a long time and that really is the strength of the company.

What can be challenging about this job and how do you deal with it?

As a foreman, you regularly come across situations you have not experienced before. Fortunately, there is always someone with more experience who can help or give advice. You work with a team of four or five people and I am responsible for making sure everything runs smoothly that day. Making sure everything goes well is a challenge I really enjoy.

When did you feel truly proud of what you built?

There are two projects I am especially proud of. The first time you get to build your own field and it then passes inspection with flying colours. And a tee off area for a golf course in the United Kingdom. It was huge to see, and the enthusiastic reactions afterwards made it even more special. That is what you do it for.

What did you need to get used to when you first started?

At my previous job, everything on site was very formal. At J&E Sports it is different. You are addressed directly when something is not right. That took some adjusting for me, but looking back it was a good thing and I learned a lot from it.

How would you describe the team?

Open minded, open and family oriented. If something is going on, everyone supports you and the team is always there for you.

What makes you feel at home here?

The combination of the work and the family style team. I have found something I genuinely enjoy doing and am good at, with a team around me that really fits.

What have you learned here that you would not have learned elsewhere?

Standing up for myself more. Speaking up and clearly stating what I stand for. I see that as very positive.

What are you most proud of since you started here?

The growth I have gone through over the five years I have worked here, and the first field I built independently as a foreman.

What makes you enjoy coming to work every day?

The atmosphere, the fun and the work itself.

What would you say to someone who is unsure about coming to work here?

Just give it a try. When I started here, people around me also thought it was not for me. Since then, I have proven them wrong.