A special week on Lesbos in Greece: new Cruyff Foundation Coaches and the opening of the third Cruyff Court.
On Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 September, the Foundation organised a Cruyffian Coach Course. On Wednesday 11 September, we celebrated the official opening of the third Cruyff Court in Greece.
Cruyffian Coach Course
During the two-day course, youngsters from both the refugee camps and the local community were trained to become Cruyff Foundation Coaches. They learned how to do Heroes of the Cruyff Courts and to use sport as a tool to inspire children, bring them together, and pass on important values sush as respect, teamwork and responsibility.
With their enthusiasm and commitment, these new coaches are now ready to organisze activities on and around the Cruyff Courts. This makes them not only trainers, but also role models who inspire others and have a positive impact on their community.
Opening of the third Cruyff Court
After two Cruyff Courts were established inside the refugee camps on the island Samos and Lesbos. A third one has now opened in Panagiouda, a village on the east coast of Lesbos. This Court was intentionally built in the local community: to give something back to the island and nto build a bridge between refugees and the Greek population.
The new Cruyff Court offers children a safe space to play, develop and have fun. Here, sport acts as a universal language that connects people, regardless of background or culture.
Collaboration and support
The realisation of this project is a collaboration between the Cruyff Foundation and Movement on the Ground, and has been made possible thanks to the support of the players of the Nationale Postcode Loterij and Seacon.