A third Cruyff Court is set to be opened in Aberdeen and be named in honour of Aberdeen Football Club’s legendary captain Willie Miller.
Cruyff Courts are small artificial football pitches designed to give children a safe and free-of-charge place to play sports.
They are the work of the Johan Cruyff Foundation, which was founded by the football legend himself. The courts in Aberdeen comes as a result of the ongoing partnership comprising the foundation, the city’s council, and Denis Law Legacy Trust.
(Image credit: Bram Berkien and Denis Law Legacy Trust)
The new facility will open in the Tillydrone area of the city in 2023 and be named after Willie Miller, Aberdeen FC’s most successful captain. The central defender led the club to a European Cup Winners’ Cup triumph over Real Madrid in 1983, as well as lifting the European Super Cup in the same year.
Willie Miller 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.”
Denis Law commented, “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.”
Niels Meijer, CEO of the Cruyff Foundation, added, “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.”
