Today, Cruyff Court Patrick Kluivert was officially opened in Amsterdam-Noord. Former professional footballer and ambassador of the Cruyff Foundation, Patrick Kluivert, returned for this special occasion to the neighbourhood where he grew up, played street football and was scouted by AFC Ajax. Together with local youngsters and Jordi Cruyff, he opened the new sports court.
“Johan Cruyff and I shared the same football heart: Ajax and Amsterdam as our foundation, FC Barcelona as our home, and the same belief that football should remain simple, clear and above all pure. I am proud to have my own Cruyff Court here in Amsterdam North, where I grew up. Sport has shaped me into who I am today. The Cruyff Foundation makes that same impact possible for so many children, by giving them the space to play sport, to play freely and to develop skills. I'm proud to contribute to that,” said Patrick Kluivert during the opening.
Multifunctional Cruyff Court
The multifunctional Cruyff Court is located in the heart of Amsterdam-Noord. Surrounded by the recognisable high-rise flats of the Loenermark, next to the community centre and within walking distance of four schools. Partner of this court Action has a store close by at Buikslotermeerplein.
What started as a plan to improve the existing basketball court became something much bigger. After speaking with local residents, the idea grew into a full redesign of the entire square.
Now it is a multifunctional space where sport, green areas and the community come together. With facilities for football, basketball and fitness, Loenermark has become an open and welcoming place. Every day, children and youngsters come here to play and move, while local residents meet and connect.
Yassmine el Ksaihi, City District Executive for Public Space, said: “The Loenermark shows what we stand for as a municipality: investing in neighbourhoods where it is truly needed. We consciously choose less concrete and more green space, creating places where young people can play sport safely and where residents can meet one another. This redevelopment is more than a sports field, it is an investment in equal opportunities, health and connection within the community.”
You can’t do anything alone, you have to do it together!
Cruyff Court Patrick Kluivert has been realised in partnership with the Municipality of Amsterdam and Action. Since 2022, Action and the Cruyff Foundation have been working together. Action supports various sports initiatives of the Foundation. Through this partnership, Action is committed, as part of the Action Sustainability Programme, to creating a better future for children. The Cruyff Court in Amsterdam-Noord is the second court opened together. More courts will follow in the coming years in the Netherlands. The next opening will be in Alkmaar March, as well as in other countries where Action operates, such as Germany, France and Spain.
Hajir Hajji, CEO of Action, said: “At Action, we believe children should be given the space to be active. In the neighbourhoods where Action stores are located, we want to offer children a safe place to play sport and have fun. Opening this Cruyff Court in Amsterdam-Noord is therefore a wonderful next step in our collaboration.”
Weekly sports activities
Commissioned by the Municipality of Amsterdam, community sports coaches and youth workers will now organise weekly sports activities on the court at the Loenermark. At the "Leger des Heils" community centre, located opposite the court, sports professionals have recently been trained as Cruyff Foundation Coach. They deliver the programme Heroes of the Cruyff Courts, which encourages youngsters to become role models in their neighbourhood, develop new skills and stay actively involved in their community.
Pure Play, an innovative artificial surface.
Cruyff Court Patrick Kluivert has been constructed using Pure Play from TenCate Grass, a sustainable type of artificial turf without rubber infill. The surface wears less quickly, lasts longer and is easier to recycle. Unlike natural grass, it also provides children with a safe and high-quality surface to play sport on all year round.
Photos were taken by Mariëlle van Opbergen.