Liverpool FC midfielder and Cruyff Foundation ambassador Ryan Gravenberch opened a Cruyff Court near Liverpool. In a joyful event at which local children had the chance to attend the unveiling alongside one of the players of the Reds’ 2024-25 Premier League-winning squad. Former Liverpool goalkeeper and current Cruyff Foundation ambassador Sander Westerveld and family members of Ryan Gravenberch joined him at the opening.
This is the second Cruyff Court named after the Amsterdam-born player and 2021 Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year Award winner after he opened the Cruyff Court Ryan Gravenberch in his hometown last year. The unveiling of another Cruyff Court in Liverpool, a city that has embraced the Dutchman and his footballing journey, reflects Gravenberch’s strong commitment to the Cruyff Foundation’s mission.
Ryan Gravenberch said: "This was a very special event, through a special foundation, at a special place, close to a special club. I think it is very important that all children can have the opportunity to play sport. Sport has always played a big role in my life. That’s exactly why I think it’s important that every child can participate, regardless of their special needs or where they come from. I am very proud to contribute to this through the Cruyff Foundation.”
Originally opened in 2016 as Cruyff Court Anfield, the facility, which is located less than a mile from Anfield Stadium, was the third Cruyff Court in the United Kingdom. Realised and activated in collaboration with the Liverpool Football Club (LFC) Foundation and the Anfield Sports and Community Centre (ASCC), the court has played a vital role in supporting local youth through community programmes. It has also hosted national events, such as the 2017 edition of the 6v6 Cruyff Courts National Finals, and in 2023, it provided the setting for the Cruyff Foundation Coach Course, at which 14 local Cruyff Foundation Coaches received training.
Now completely refurbished with a state-of-the-art pitch, modern fencing and new goals, the court is set to continue its mission of providing a safe and an inspiring space for local children to play, grow and dream.
Simon Wood, Project Manager Cruyff Courts in the United Kingdom, said: “The renovation and opening of the court as the Cruyff Court Ryan Gravenberch means local children and young people will continue to have a safe space in which to play. This Cruyff Court has been used by thousands of youngsters for almost 10 years to make friends, practise their skills and improve their physical health. Having Ryan Gravenberch here to open his second Cruyff Court shows his commitment to the importance of these spaces, and to have a current Premier League champion here will be inspiring for the children.”
Matt Parish, CEO van de LFC Foundation: “We zijn vereerd dat we samen met de Cruyff Foundation een bijdrage kunnen leveren om dit mogelijk te maken. Het is geweldig dat we zo’n fantastische voorziening kunnen aanbieden aan de mensen met wie we werken en aan de lokale gemeenschap hier in Anfield. We zijn dankbaar dat Ryan hier is om het werk van beide Foundations te ondersteunen, en dat dit veld hier bij ASCC – de thuisbasis van de LFC Foundation – naar hem is vernoemd, is natuurlijk ook fantastisch.”
The opening of the court reflects the growth of the Cruyff Foundation’s presence in the United Kingdom. Since Johan Cruyff opened the first court in the United Kingdom in 2008 – Cruyff Court Dennis Bergkamp in Highbury, London – the foundation has opened 35 (Special) Cruyff Courts and built a strong, nationwide network of over 40 Cruyff Foundation Coaches, thanks to the dedication of local partners and supporters.
All projects in the UK 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
Matt Parish, CEO of LFC Foundation: “We are delighted to be able to contribute to help make this happen alongside the Cruyff Foundation and to be able to provide such a brilliant facility for the people we work with and the local people here in Anfield. We are grateful to have Ryan here to support the work of both Foundations and to have this court named after him here at ASCC, the home of the LFC Foundation, is obviously fantastic too.”