Aberdeen’s third Cruyff Court will be named in honour of Aberdeen FC’s legendary skipper Willie Miller, it has ben announced.
The Dons’ most successful ever captain, who led his team to a never-to-be-forgotten Cup Winner’s Cup triumph over Real Madrid in 1983, paid a visit to the site of the forthcoming facility in Tillydrone, which, once completed in spring 2023 will make Aberdeen one of only two cities in the UK to have three Cruyff Courts.
Willie said: “It's an honour to have my name attached to a Cruyff Court, particularly as I'm following Denis Law and my former teammate and late friend Neale Cooper here in Aberdeen. Sport at a grassroots level is so important to the city and nation as a whole and facilities like this which are free to use at any time for youngsters are fantastic.”
The court will be a result of the ongoing successful partnership comprising Aberdeen City Council, Denis Law Legacy Trust and The Cruyff Foundation. The new facility, once completed, will provide an artificial sports and activity area, basketball and dodgeball courts, mini-tennis courts as well as a running track.
Aberdeen City Council Co Leader, Councillor Alex Nicol, said: "It is a huge source of pride to us that Aberdeen and London will then become the only two cities in the UK to have three Cruyff Courts and will mean there will be a Cruyff Court located in the north, the city centre and south of the city, thanks to our partnership.”
Fellow Co Leader, councillor Ian Yuill, “There is only one other Cruyff Court in Scotland outside Aberdeen and our two current courts, Cruyff Court Denis Law in Catherine Street and Cruyff Court Neale Cooper in Tullos have been runaway successes.
“It’s wonderful and really fitting that we name our third court after another Aberdeen football hero, Willie Miller, whose name is synonymous with the club and its greatest successes.”
Freeman of the City and one of Scotland’s greatest ever players, Denis Law, whose Trust has played a key role in bringing the courts to Aberdeen, said: “I'm delighted that another Cruyff Court is being built in Aberdeen and particularly pleased that it will be named after Willie Miller. He had an incredible career in Scotland and his name will help to inspire the young people of Tillydrone and beyond.”
Alistair Findlater, Chairman of the Denis Law Legacy Trust, said: “Willie Miller goes down in history as Aberdeen Football Club's greatest ever footballer. He made a record 797 appearances for the club alongside 65 Scotland caps. We're therefore delighted that the city's new state-of-the-art community sports space in Tillydrone will be named Cruyff Court Willie Miller.
“We're sure that the local community will be equally delighted to have such an inspiring name associated with their area. We are proud that this project is now moving forward as a result of the partnership between Aberdeen City Council, Johan Cruyff Foundation and Denis Law Legacy Trust.”
Niels Meijer, CEO of the Cruyff Foundation, said: “We’re delighted to be opening a third Cruyff Court in Aberdeen linked to an amazing football legend and personality! Cruyff Court Willie Miller will provide local children and young people with a safe space to have fun together and grow through sports.”
Aileen Goymer-Davidson, Chair of the Tillydrone Neighbourhood Network, which has played a key role in bringing about the new Cruyff Court, paid tribute to other contributors to the facility. She said: “I’d also like to recognise the fantastic contribution of Hillcrest Builders who provided £209,000 in funding towards the facility when plans for pitches were initially put forward.”
Photo shows Dons legend Willie Miller with (left-right) Councillor Alex Nicoll, David Suttie and Councillor Ian Yuill.