Cruyff could do Aberdeen a turn for a third time with new pitch

ABERDEEN could be set for the build of its third Cruyff Court following the success of the previous two.

As the name suggests, the pitches are in honour of Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff. They were launched by his charity, the Cruyff Foundation, in a bid to ensure that children all over the world have a safe space to play sports.

There are more than 250 of the small football courts worldwide. The surface is made of artificial grass, acting as a safer alternative to kicking a football about a neighbourhood.

Approximately £350,000 has been invested by the local authority in the previous two builds of the pitches, with the Cruyff Foundation also contributing. Subject to approval, a new facility could be built in the north of the city next to the new Riverbank School in Tillydrone.

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.”

Niels Meijer of the Johan Cruyff Foundation, added, “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 commented, “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, added, “The charity was delighted that plans are being submitted for this fabulous new facility for the local community of Tillydrone.”