Our sports initiatives aim to make a meaningful difference in the areas of:
- Physical and mental health
- Empowerment
- Inclusion
Through this, we address global challenges such as growing physical inactivity, mental health issues caused by loneliness, pressure to perform and insecurity among children and young people, as well as social exclusion and unequal access to sport.
IMPACTMODEL
Our impact model shows where the social urgency lies and which themes are central to our approach. In doing so, we apply a specific focus on impact and contribute to real change.
Our impact in a glance
Key impact numbers
Theory of change
Our work is based on the Theory of Change: a strategic framework that maps out the change we want to achieve in the long term. With the Theory of Change, we map out how our activities contribute to broader societal changes, such as improved health, increased empowerment and inclusion. This allows us to make targeted adjustments, where necessary, to increase our impact.
Sustainable Development Goals
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations aim to create a greener, fairer and better world. Our projects directly contribute to the realisation of four SDGs.
1. URGENCY: LONELINESS & PERFORMANCE PRESSURE
Worldwide, children and young people do not exercise enough, especially the age group of 11 to 17 year-olds. Girls even exercise significantly less than boys. Too much screen time contributes to an unhealthy lifestyle. In the Netherlands, adults (aged 15 and over) are sedentary for an average of more than 8.5 hours per day, often behind a screen. This trend is seen worldwide and translates into reduced social skills and health risks such as obesity and problems sleeping.
OUR IMPACT ON: PHYSICAL HEALTH
Exercise is essential, but far from guaranteed.
WHAT DOES SPORT DO PHYSICALLY?
Regular exercise is not only important for your body, it is the key to a healthy and energetic lifestyle. The Cruyff Foundation is committed to reducing the lack of exercise by motivating children and young people to take up sports. This not only helps them stay active but also lays the foundation for a healthy lifestyle that they can maintain throughout their lives.
2. URGENCY: LONELINESS & PERFORMANCE PRESSURE
Mental and social health pose major challenges for young people worldwide, particularly for young people with special needs. Did you know 70% of people with special need experience social isolation?
OUR IMPACT ON: MENTAL HEALTH
Sports make the difference: from loneliness to belonging.
WHAT DOES SPORT DO TO OUR MENTAL STATE?
Sports not only have physical benefits but also help reduce insecurity and loneliness. Sports and exercise release endorphins, which in turn contribute to feelings of happiness and well-being. This helps children and young people to grow up healthier and be better prepared for the challenges of everyday life. Through our projects they meet others, experience moments of success and develop resilience and self-confidence.
3. URGENCY: INSECURITY
Many young people worry about their future and often feel insecure about their place in society. For example, 12% of high school students have little to nu confidence in the future.
OUR IMPACT INCREASES EMPOWERMENT
Sport builds confidence – in yourself and in the future.
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY EMPOWERMENT?
Empowerment means that children start to believe in their own strength and look to their future with confidence. Many children doubt their abilities or future, for example due to a lack of support at home or insufficient opportunities at school. We know that these groups often have fewer opportunities to develop. Through sports and exercise they discover their strengths, develop new skills and gain more self-confidence. This way they learn to set and achieve goals, take initiative and believe in a better future. Through our projects they also develop a sense of responsibility, creativity and better communication and collaboration skills.
4. URGENCY: EXCLUSION & UNEQUAL ACCESS TO SPORTS
At the Cruyff Foundation we believe that sports should be accessible to all. Unfortunately, many children, especially those with special needs, do not get the same opportunities: 31% of children with disabilities do not participate in sports at all.
OUR IMPACT ON: INCLUSION
A game is only fair when everyone can participate.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE
Sports has the power to break down barriers and bring people together. The Cruyff Foundation ensures that every child, regardless of physical ability, gender or background, has equal access to opportunities. This promotes a sense of belonging and acceptance, so that children learn to appreciate diversity and embrace differences. This creates stronger, more connected communities.
