Revealed: Scotland’s first ever Cruyff Court opens to the community

17 February 2017

Scotland’s first ever Cruyff Court – a renowned multi-use community sports facility – was today opened in Aberdeen.

Catherine Street Court, a run-down and under-used facility in the city centre, has been transformed into a hi-tech, all-weather play and activity area for families in the surrounding areas and the wider Aberdeen community.

The concept for the facility, known as the Cruyff Court Denis Law, was the brainchild of the late Dutch footballing legend Johan Cruyff. He set out to provide safe play areas for children and young people in urban areas and to encourage fitness and well-being.

To date there are 200 Cruyff Courts in more than 19 countries around the world which support thousands of young people.

Aberdeen City Council, in partnership with the Denis Law Legacy Trust and the Cruyff Foundation, came together to bring the initiative to the Granite City with a commitment of £200,000 for the work by all three organizations.

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.

“The entire project is a wonderful example of how partnership working between the public, private and charitable sectors can create something truly priceless for the people of Aberdeen.

“With work on this facility now complete, local youngsters will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of fun activities which will boost their well-being and parents can be confident their children have a safe space in which to enjoy the outdoors and be active.”

The Cruyff Court Denis Law will enable access to a wide range of free activity sessions, including freestyle football, street hockey and street dance and will be managed by Robert Gordon University’s Streetsport programme in partnership with a range of other stakeholders and activity providers.

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 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.”