The Lakeside School in Liverpool recently organised a Heroes of the Cruyff Court project, where pupils from different year groups came together through sport.
As part of the project, Year 6 pupils (aged 10–11, final year of primary school) joined mixed teams with Year 7 students (aged 11–12, first year of secondary school). By playing and working together, they had the opportunity to get to know each other, make new connections and become more familiar with the school environment ahead of their transition. The event was organised and delivered by Year 10 and Year 11 sports students (aged 14–16), who took responsibility for planning the activities, promoting the event, organising teams, explaining the rules and refereeing matches throughout the day.
BRINGING PUPILS TOGETHER
During the project, students focused on the Cruyff values of respect, responsibility, teamwork, fairness, inclusion, self-control and leadership. These values formed the basis of the activities and were put into practice on the Cruyff Court.
The programme gave older students the chance to take on leadership roles and gain experience in organising and leading sporting activities. At the same time, younger pupils were able to build confidence and develop new friendships before starting secondary school.
Mr Lyons, Assistant Headteacher at Lakeside School, said: “This project was about far more than playing football. It gave our older students the opportunity to become positive role models and helped our Year 6 pupils build confidence and friendships ahead of their transition to secondary school. We were extremely proud of the way every student demonstrated the Cruyff values.”
The Heroes of the Cruyff Court project highlights how sport can be used to support youngsters both on and off the pitch.