Scotland’s first Cruyff Court reaches completion
Scotland’s first ever Cruyff Court – a renowned multi-use community facility – has reached completion and has been handed over by Hunter Construction.
The Catherine Street Court, previously a run-down and under-used urban space within the city centre, has been transformed into a hi-tech, all-weather play and activity area for families in the surrounding community and the wider Aberdeen area.
Named ‘Cruyff Court Denis Law’; in honour of Aberdeen’s very own Ballon d’Or winner Denis Law and Dutch footballing legend Johan Cruyff, the facility will provide a modern interpretation of the good old community football pitch – a safe place that encourages young people to enjoy sport.
To date there are more than 230 Cruyff Courts in more than 20 countries around the world, which support thousands of young people to be active every week.
Various activities are hosted at the Cruyff Courts, such as by Heroes of the Cruyff Courts – young people who organise their own events and become role models and heroes in their communities.
Aberdeen City Council, in partnership with the Denis Law Legacy Trust and the Johan Cruyff Foundation, came together to bring the initiative to the Granite City with a commitment of £200,000 between all three organizations.
The Cruyff Court Denis Law will enable access to a wide range of free sports and creative activity sessions and will be managed by Robert Gordon University’s Streetsport programme in partnership with the Denis Law Legacy Trust and a range of other stakeholders and activity providers.
Mark Williams, Streetsport Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are pleased to see the Cruyff Court nearing completion and are in the process of organising a spectacular community ‘launch event’ later in the year in partnership with the Cruyff Foundation, TigerTurf – artificial grass supplier for Cruyff Courts built in the UK – and other stakeholders including the People’s Postcode Lottery.”
Aberdeen City Council Leader, Councillor Jenny Laing, said: “This new Cruyff Court has been completed to a very high standard and it highlights how investing in neighbourhood facilities can transform our communities for the better.”
Graham Thom, Chairman of the Denis Law Legacy Trust: “It's a big thrill for all of us at the Denis Law Legacy Trust to see this project come to fruition.
“The new Cruyff Court represents a major step forward in what we and the Streetsport programme are doing in Aberdeen where we continue to effect improvements, with the help of our partners, in the lives of many young Aberdeen people.
“Denis is extremely proud to have his name associated with what we hope is the first of many such facilities both here in Aberdeen and beyond and we're sure those who recognise the work we're doing will embrace our endeavours.”
About the Cruyff Foundation
The Johan Cruyff Foundation helps children to move up in life by being active so they can play together and grow in their development. Sport and play improves the fitness of the children, teaches them to get along, and helps them to develop. That's why the Cruyff Foundation encourages children to get active through projects such as Cruyff Courts, Schoolyard14, and sports projects for children with a disability.
