The new Eredivisie season traditionally kicked off with the Johan Cruyff Shield. At the Philips Stadium, league champions PSV and KNVB Cup winners AZ faced each other in a vibrant edition of the year's leading match for social impact. Because the Johan Cruyff Shield is about more than just football: the season starts with one goal. Sport for everyone.
AZ won the 30th edition of the Johan Cruyff Shield. Thanks to the €1.40 contribution from every ticket sold, a record amount of €38,525 was raised for the Cruyff Foundation's sports projects for children and youngsters with special needs.
FOOTBALL WITH IMPACT
Together with the KNVB, the Foundation is committed to making football accessible to every child.
A great example is the Orange Para Experience, where children with special needs can discover a variety of adapted forms of football in an accessible and welcoming environment, including blind football, deaf futsal, powerchair football and CP football. It gives them the opportunity to find the sport that suits them best and, above all, to experience the joy of playing football.
UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS
During half-time, children from the Cruyff Foundation's disability football teams had the unique opportunity to step onto the pitch at Philips Stadium. It was an unforgettable day for them, right in the heart of a packed stadium.
PRESENTED BY GUUS HIDDINK
After the final whistle, Cruyff Foundation ambassador Guus Hiddink presented the Johan Cruyff Shield to AZ. Hiddink said: "The children helped me present the trophy. It means a lot to see how much joy they have and how happily they are taking part in this experience."
TOGETHER, WE MAKE AN IMPACT
We would like to thank the KNVB, PSV, AZ and all supporters for their contribution to this special day. Thanks to their commitment, even more children and youngsters with special needs can take part in sport and physical activity. Once again, the Johan Cruyff Shield shows that the season starts with one goal: sport for everyone.
Before the match, PSV players Nick Olij and Ruben van Bommel visited Mytylschool Eindhoven, where they joined the children for a game of football on the Cruyff Court. Watch the video here: