Born in 1956, Bert Goedkoop was appointed as head coach of the Dutch national team in 2001. His lineup then went on to advance to the World League finals in the Polish city of Katowice the same year, finishing a creditable seventh.

In the 2002 edition of the World League Goedkoop, working with some young additions to his side, consolidated
the Dutch position and again finished seventh. Later in the year, Goedkoop's colorful Orange Brigade went on to place ninth at the World Championship in Argentina.

Despite the disappointment of not playing in the 2003 World Cup and 2004 World League, Goedkoop was at his astute best leading his charges to qualify for the Olympics at the qualification tournament in Madrid in May.

Goedkoop began his coaching career at club level in 1988, taking over the Martinus club. A Belgium club Maaseik followed in 1990. In 1993, he was named as head coach of the Dutch national women's team and led the squad to victory at the 1995 European Championship. They also finished in fifth place at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.