Former Liverpool FC goalkeeper and Cruyff Foundation ambassador Sander Westerveld was at the centre of a special tribute as he was surprised during the unveiling of a Cruyff Court named after him at Lakeside School in Liverpool. The Reds’ legend, who won a FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup treble with the Merseyside outfit in 2001, was not aware that the court would feature his name when he unveiled the new facility in a touching ceremony attended by children who had the opportunity to enjoy a kickaround with the Dutchman at the new court.
Sander Westerveld said: “I’m here opening a Cruyff Court, and I never expected this to have my name. I’ve obviously opened a couple of Cruyff Courts, and if you see the Cruyff Courts in the Netherlands, all the legends get one, all the big players get one: Ryan Gravenberch recently got one. To have my name amongst those legends, and to have a Cruyff Court here, especially here at this great school, is a proud moment for me. I’m a happy man and hopefully it’ll stay open for a long time.”
Special Cruyff Court Sander Westerveld is located at the Lakeside School – run by Witherslack Group, which manages a total of 11 Special Cruyff Courts across the United Kingdom. These schools are for children with special educational needs, including ADHD, autism, communication difficulties, as well as social and emotional difficulties.
Vicky Size, headteacher at Lakeside School, commented: “When Lakeside School expanded from being a school exclusively for primary aged pupils, to also catering for secondary aged pupils two years ago, it was important that we were able to provide a meaningful and purposeful play space, which would enhance our facilities for all pupils to be used in all weathers for a range of sports. We could not be more delighted with the impact that our Cruyff Court has had on our ability to deliver a high-quality PE curriculum and to enhance the physical, mental and social well-being of our pupil cohort. It really is the hub of activity at break times, with pupils who have historically not wanted to participate in sports, particularly football, feeling comfortable to join in with the activities on offer.”
Cruyff Court Sander Westerveld is the second Cruyff Court that has been opened in Liverpool recently following the launch of Cruyff Court Ryan Gravenberch in May 2025 at Anfield Sports and Community Centre in conjunction with the Liverpool Football Club Foundation. The opening of this latest court enhances the Cruyff Foundation’s growing presence in the UK. Indeed, since Johan Cruyff opened the first court in the United Kingdom in 2008 – Cruyff Court Dennis Bergkamp in Highbury, London – the foundation has unveiled no fewer than 35 (Special) Cruyff Courts across the UK and built a strong network comprising over 40 Cruyff Foundation Coaches, thanks to the dedication of local partners and supporters.
All of these projects are made possible thanks to funds raised by People’s Postcode Lottery players, who have contributed over £4m to support the work of the Cruyff Foundation across the UK.