After weeks of qualifying rounds and district finals across Amsterdam, the Cruyff Street League final took place on Dam Square. Teams from Oost, West, Nieuw-West, Zuid, Zuidoost, Noord, Centrum and Weesp competed against each other in the battle to be crowned the city’s “best street football team.”
From the late 1970s until 2017, Amsterdam had an annual street football tournament, with several finals taking place on Dam Square. Johan Cruyff remained the patron of the tournament until his passing. Last year, the tournament was brought back by the Cruyff Foundation in collaboration with the City of Amsterdam, to mark the city’s 750th anniversary. It reflects what Johan believed was important: bringing children together through sport.
WINNERS
During the Cruyff Street League, matches were played in two age categories: 10–12 and 13–15. Within both age groups, separate competitions were held for boys and girls.
In the 10–12 age category, the boys’ title was won by Weesp and the girls’ title by Zuidoost. In the 13–15 age category, the boys’ title went to Oost and the girls’ title to Zuidoost.
In addition to sporting performance, there was also a focus on fair play. The Respect Award, given to the team that stood out for sportsmanship and respect towards opponents and referees, was awarded in the 10–12 age category to the girls from Weesp and in the 13–15 age category to the boys from Noord.
ONLY FRIENDS
Only Friends were once again part of the tournament this year. The sports club for children and youngsters with special needs took part enthusiastically and played a competitive game of street football on one of the pitches. In addition, participants could take part in a first aid course, organised in collaboration with the Nouri Foundation.
MORE THAN FOOTBALL
The Cruyff Street League brought youngsters from all parts of the city together, showing how sport connects. Cruyff Foundation ambassador Billy Dans performed in the afternoon, adding extra energy on Dam Square. Later in the day, Samir Skills also delivered a freestyle football clinic full of tricks.
The Cruyff Street League is a joint initiative of the Cruyff Foundation and the City of Amsterdam, made possible with the support of Rabobank, Gassan, De Telegraaf and Voetbalshop.
Photos: Sebastiaan Nederhoed & Safiullah Momen.