Four international football players have opened their own Cruyff Court in different places in the Netherlands and in Denmark in the past few weeks! Memphis Depay, Georginio Wijnaldum, Sjaak Swart and Kasper Dolberg were all attending the festive openings.
Cruyff Court Memphis Depay
Since 2003, the winner of the Johan Cruyff Award - rewarded to the Talent of the Year of the Dutch Eredivisie - selects a location for a new Cruyff Court. Memphis Depay (Talent of the Year 2015) choose his hometown Moordrecht in the Netherlands. Children have been playing on the Cruyff Court since 2017, but the official opening hasn't taken place due to the full agenda of the Olympic Lyon player. The opening took place at the end of this May. But the children didn't care. Depay said to the children to keep on dreaming. "One day you can have a Cruyff Court of your own!"
Cruyff Court Georginio Wijnaldum
The Champions League winner and former Feyenoord player Georginio Wijnaldum was back in his hometown on the 11th of June: in Schiemond. The Cruyff Court was transformed into Cruyff Court Wijnaldum. An idea of the locals, who reached out to the muncipality of Rotterdam and the Cruyff Foundation. The sport hero was happy to cooperate with this kind and local initiative. He made this video about it!
Cruyff Court Sjaak Swart
On the 15th of June, the Cruyff Court on the Sumatraplantsoen in Amsterdam was officially turned into Cruyff Court Sjaak Swart. The revealing of the new name was celebrated with a little football party for the children. Of course 'mister Ajax' attended this party. Sjaak Swart, who grew up in this neighborhood, was suprised on his 80th birthday with the news that this Cruyff Court would carry his name. As ambassador of the Cruyff Foundation he puts a lot of effort in creating space for children, so they can develop themselves through sports. He thinks it's important for the children in this area to have a good pitch to play football.
Cruyff Court Kasper Dolberg
Last but not least Ajax player Kasper Dolberg opened a Cruyff Court that carries his name. Two years ago the football player from Denmark was chosen 'Talent of the Year'. He choose his hometown Voel in Denmark.
