Cruyff Court Michael Mols opened in Renfrew, Scotland!
The Kirklandneuk area of Renfrew now has a brand new place where children and youngsters can come together through sport! The opening of the Cruyff Court Michael Mols marks an important investment in the local community, creating a safe and inspiring space where football can be played every day. Former Rangers star and Cruyff Foundation ambassador Michael Mols attended the opening, where he was warmly welcomed by the local community. Ahead of the opening, he also visited local primary schools in the area, where children learned more about his football career and watched highlights from his time at Rangers FC.
Sport connects the community
The site previously contained a multi-use games area that had fallen into poor condition. Without fencing or lighting, the space was difficult for local children and families to use and did not provide the welcoming environment the community deserved. Today, that same location has been completely transformed into a modern Cruyff Court. The Court is designed to encourage children to get active, connect with others and enjoy the power of sport close to home.
The Cruyff Court is located next to the community centre, primary school and pre-school, placing it right at the heart of the neighbourhood. The Court will be used by Renfrew Victoria Football Club, who will organise sessions for both boys and girls. Cruyff Foundation coach Alan Swain, from Renfrew Victoria Football Club, recently completed the Cruyff Coaching Course and will lead future activities on the Court inspired by the Cruyffian way of coaching and playing sport.
The Court proudly carries the name of Michael Mols, former Dutch international and Rangers FC player, who scored 38 goals in almost 100 appearances for the club. As an ambassador for the Cruyff Foundation, Michael shares Johan Cruyff’s belief that sport has the power to bring people together and create opportunities for children to develop, both on and off the pitch: ''I’m incredibly proud that there is a Court carrying my name in Glasgow. Johan once inspired me, and I hope I can now inspire the youth in Renfrew. It’s wonderful to see a safe place where children can play sports and develop themselves.''
Opening
To celebrate the opening, local primary schools from across the Renfrew area took part in a School Football Festival on the Court. The opening of the Cruyff Court Michael Mols adds to the growing network of Cruyff Courts across Scotland, where there are now seven Courts in total, including six Cruyff Courts and one Special Cruyff Court. Together, these spaces continue the Cruyff Foundation mission of Creating Space for children.
All projects are made possible thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Players have raised over £4m to support the work of the Cruyff Foundation across Great Britain.