Proposal for 3rd Cruyff Court unveiled for Aberdeen

21 July 2021

A proposal for a new sports and activity area, including basketball and dodgeball courts, mini-tennis courts and a running track, are being explored by Aberdeen City Council and community partners. 

Subject to the scheme being acceptable to the relevant statutory processes, a new Cruyff Court would be built in the north of the city next to the new purpose-built Riverbank School in Tillydrone. 

The council has already invested approximately £350,000 in two such facilities – Cruyff Court Denis Law in Catherine Street and Cruyff Court Neale Cooper in Tullos.

Council leader Councillor Jenny Laing said: “With only one other Cruyff Court in Scotland outside of Aberdeen, we are leading the way in providing this internationally-recognised community facility, which has proved to be a great success in our city. 

“Sport can play a key role in our physical and mental wellbeing, and as a council we are always keen to offer opportunities for residents to be active – whether that’s through enjoying our parks and open spaces or a third Cruyff Court.” 

There are more than 250 Cruyff Courts in more than 20 countries worldwide, creating a safe place to play for young people and designed to encourage participation in a range of sports as well as a place where they learn about respect, responsibility and integration. 

Niels Meijer of the Johan Cruyff Foundation said: “With this Cruyff Court we can create space for children and youngsters to play and enjoy sport, to make friends and grow as people. We'd like to offer a special thanks to the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, who fund important projects like this.” 

The Denis Law Legacy Trust spearheaded the introduction of the concept to Aberdeen with support from the Cruyff Foundation and the council. 

Football legend Denis Law said: "It is hard to believe that there could be three Cruyff Courts in Aberdeen when there is only one other in Scotland and only nine in total in the whole of the UK. I am delighted to play my part in trying to make this possible." 

Alistair Findlater, chairman of the Denis Law Legacy Trust, said: "The charity was delighted that plans are being submitted for this fabulous new facility for the local community of Tillydrone.” 

The existing courts host The Denis Law Streetsport programme, run by the Denis Law Legacy Trust in partnership with Robert Gordon University, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. The non-profit initiative aims to reduce instances of youth crime and anti-social behaviour while helping develop the employability and aspirations of young people in Aberdeen.