Aberdeen’s third Cruyff Court opens in city community

The city’s latest sports facility of its kind is thanks to the partnership between Denis Law Legacy Trust, Aberdeen City Council and The Cruyff Foundation and has been named after legendary Aberdeen FC captain Willie Miller.

Denis Law Legacy Trust is a registered charity that runs award-winning programme Streetsport in partnership with Robert Gordon University (RGU).

Based below RGU SPORT on the University’s Garthdee campus, the children’s charity aims to reduce instance of youth crime and anti-social behaviour, improve health and wellbeing, and encourage inclusivity through sport, physical activity and creative endeavour through various programmes and activities.

Cruyff Court Willie Miller has made Aberdeen one of only two cities in the UK to have three Cruyff Courts. Cruyff Court Denis Law opened on Catherine Street in 2017 while Cruyff Court Neale Cooper opened in Tullos in 2019. All three have been named after iconic footballing figures of the North East.

The Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron, was joined by Willie Miller in opening the facility, as well as representatives of each partner.

Willie Miller, who played 65 times for Scotland and skippered Aberdeen FC to stratospheric heights during his time at the club, said: “I am truly honoured to have my name associated with this new facility that will offer young people a safe space to engage in sport for years to come.

“Spaces like the Cruyff Courts are vital in reducing anti-social behaviour and encouraging young people to keep active and so, I am confident the community will wholeheartedly embrace this fantastic facility."

Mark Williams, Chief Operating Officer, Denis Law Legacy Trust: “I am proud that our work now and in the future with Cruyff Court Willie Miller will provide long lasting positive outcomes that will give young people and the Tillydrone community a real platform to thrive from and enjoy as their own."

Local school children from Riverside Primary School and St Machar Academy played on the new court by taking part in activities organised by Streetsport staff and volunteers. 

The court includes an artificial sports and activity area, basketball and dodgeball courts, mini-tennis courts and a running track. It is unbookable and entirely free to use for young people and adults.

The addition of Cruyff Court Willie Miller means Aberdeen now has a Cruyff Court in the north, south and east of its city, creating further opportunities and enabling enhanced participation for people that need it most.

Niels Meijer, director of the Cruyff Foundation, commented: “With Cruyff Court Willie Miller, space is created for the children of Tillydrone. Space to sport and play. Space to grow. Space to make friends. Space to be active and improve physical and mental health.

“Nowadays, this is more important than ever. We’re happy to add a new Cruyff Court, carrying the name of the legend Willie Miller and are thankful for the players of People’s Postcode Lottery who support courts like this.”

Streetsport first launched at RGU in 2006 has and enjoyed a fruitful partnership ever since, serving a key role in the University’s mission to transform people and communities.

Additionally, the University recently launched the Denis Law RGUplus Award that recognises the University community for their passion and dedication to volunteering across the North East.

Image credit: Annie Dyer