Dutch and UK based forward Vivianne Miedema opened a Creative Cruyff Court in London in a celebratory ceremony at which children from the Lambeth Council area had the chance to meet and interact with one of the greatest goalscorers in the modern women’s game. Julen Cruyff, grandson of Johan Cruyff and son of Jordi Cruyff, also took part in the opening.
The facility is the third Creative Cruyff Court built as part of the celebrations to mark the Cruyff Foundation’s 25th anniversary following those constructed in Rotterdam and Barcelona. Located in Clapham, in the very heart of London, and built in conjunction with Lambeth Council, the breathtaking court, which features an image of Johan Cruyff that spans the length of the court, transforms the urban space and provides youngsters with a safe place in which to play.
The opening was a special occasion for Miedema, who had cut the ribbon at a Cruyff Court bearing her name in her hometown of Hoogeveen back in 2022.
Speaking at the event, Miedema said:"I am very proud and honoured about this opening because, as a Dutch player, the influence of Johan Cruyff is huge, not only for the Netherlands, but also for the rest of the world. Having the figure of Johan Cruyff present here in this Creative Cruyff Court makes this ceremony very emotional.”
“The legacy of Johan Cruyff with the Cruyff Foundation is here to be seen. I had the chance to open my own Cruyff Court in my hometown of Hoogeveen in the Netherlands back in 2022, and courts like this one in a busy urban area are very important for kids to claim their space to play football together.”
Julen Cruyff said: "Every time there is a Cruyff Court opening it's very emotional for me and my family, and having this Creative Cruyff Court opened in London, with his image, reflects his legacy in a really special way. The fact there are over 300 Cruyff Courts around the world makes us really proud as a family because it means he is still present for us, and his mission to help children to claim a safe space to play is still very much alive."
Miranda van Holstein, Senior Project Manager of Cruyff Foundation in the United Kingdom, commented: “We are incredibly proud of this Creative Cruyff Court, especially because the young people from the neighborhood helped make it a reality. It has become a fantastic safe space where youngsters come together to play, to be active, and to connect”
Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said: “We’re delighted to Johan Cruyff Foundation on this brilliant project in the heart of our borough which is creating brilliant new sports facilities for our young people.The power of sport is so strong in helping our young people feel part of their communities, build connections and boost their health. This beautiful court supports our investment across Lambeth to create these opportunities for our young people, especially those living in our council housing.”
The opening of Creative Cruyff Court London rounds off our 25th anniversary celebrations. To commemorate the silver jubilee, the foundation asked artist duo Shon Price and Joram Roukes from DreamCourts to transform abandoned sports venues in Rotterdam, Barcelona and London into artistic, outdoor sports and play areas that bring Johan Cruyff’s legacy to life and where children are able to exercise and enjoy themselves. The three venues are at the core of the foundation’s global Claim your Space campaign, which encourages children to take over urban areas for play.
Street footballer and Cruyff Foundation ambassador Soufiane Touzani promoted the opening of Creative Cruyff Court Rotterdam in 2022, and Spanish attacking ace Adama Traoré took part in the launch of Creative Cruyff Court Barcelona in his native L’Hospitalet de Llobregat the following year.
The opening of Creative Cruyff Court London reflects the growth of the Cruyff Foundation’s presence in the United Kingdom. Since Johan Cruyff opened the first court in the United Kingdom in 2008 – Cruyff Court Dennis Bergkamp in Highbury, London – the foundation has opened over 35 (Special) Cruyff Courts and built a strong, nationwide network of over 40 Cruyff Foundation Coaches, thanks to the dedication of local partners and supporters.
All projects are made possible thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Players have raised over £4m to support the work of the Cruyff Foundation across Great Britain.