New Cruyff Court Officially Opened in Tillydrone

Legendary Aberdeen FC Captain Willie Miller officially opened a new Cruyff Court – an outdoor community sports facility – in Tillydrone today.

Cruyff Court Willie Miller was named in honour of the Dons’ skipper who led the team to the Cup Winners’ Cup victory over Real Madrid in 1983.

The Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron, was joined by Willie Miller in opening the facility, as well as representatives of the Denis Law Legacy Trust and Johan Cruyff Foundation, and members of the Tillydrone and Woodside Community Councils.

The Lord Provost said: “This is a fantastic addition to not only the local community but Aberdeen and will be popular with all ages.

“I am delighted that the new court is named after Aberdeen FC’s most successful captain, who led the team during their most successful period, and I hope that everyone who uses this facility can take inspiration from Willie’s fantastic achievements.”

The new facility has made Aberdeen one of only two cities in the UK to have three Cruyff Courts, both named after local football heroes, Cruyff Court Denis Law in Catherine Street and Cruyff Court Neale Cooper in Tullos.

Willie Miller said: "I am truly honoured to have my name associated with this new facility that will offer young people a safe space to engage in sport for years to come.

“Spaces like the Cruyff Courts are vital in reducing anti-social behaviour and encouraging young people to keep active and so, I am confident the community will wholeheartedly embrace this fantastic facility."

David Suttie, Trustee, Denis Law Legacy Trust said: "Denis Law Legacy Trust is delighted that Aberdeen's third Cruyff Court is now open and operational in Tillydrone. It doesn't get any more special than being named in honour of the legendary, Willie Miller. We are grateful to our partners, Aberdeen City Council and The Johan Cruyff Foundation and, together, we are all helping to make a big difference in the city of Aberdeen."

Mark Williams, Chief Operating Officer, Denis Law Legacy Trust: "I am proud that our work now and in the future with CCWM will provide long lasting positive outcomes that will give young people and the Tillydrone community a real platform to thrive from and enjoy as their own."

Niels Meijer, director of the Cruyff Foundation, commented: “With Cruyff Court Willie Miller, space is created for the children of Tillydrone. Space to sport and play. Space to grow. Space to make friends. Space to be active and improve physical and mental health. Nowadays, this is more important than ever. We’re happy to add a new Cruyff Court, carrying the name of the legend Willie Miller and are thankful for the players of People’s Postcode Lottery who support courts like this.”

Local school children from Riverside Primary School and St Machar Academy tried out the new court by taking part in activities organised by the Denis Law Legacy Trust’s Streetsport programme.

The court includes an artificial sports and activity area, basketball and dodgeball courts, mini-tennis courts and a running track and is free for anyone to use.

Representatives from the Tillydrone Network, Tillydrone Community Campus, Donside Village, Aberdeen Lads Club, Lighthouse Church, Tillydrone Community Flat and Fersands and Fountain Community Project also joined in officially opening the latest Cruyff Court.

The new court is the result of the ongoing successful partnership between Aberdeen City Council, Denis Law Legacy Trust and The Cruyff Foundation.

Denis Law Legacy Trust is run in partnership with Robert Gordon University.