Aberdeen to get Scotlands first Cruyff court

[manc_don]

A SPORTS court named after legendary Dutch footballer Johan Cruyff where young player can hone their skills is to be introduced to Scotland for the first time.

 

The Cruyff Court is a hi-tech, all-weather astroturf playing area which offers a quality playing surface in an urban environment.

 

Planners in Aberdeen have give the green light to the project to be sited in the city's Catherine Street Court and which has been backed by former Aberdeen footballer Denis Law,

 

There are almost 200 Cruyff Courts in more than 15 countries around the world which have provided safe play areas for thousands of children and young people and numerous professional footballers have credited their success with having access to Cruyff facilities growing up.

 

More than £250,000 has been committed by Aberdeen City Council in partnership with the Denis Law Legacy Trust and the Johan Cruyff Foundation for the project which will include planned sports activity for all children and young people.

 

Designed with the help of communication, design and architecture students at Robert Gordon University, it will mean access to a wide range of free sessions, including freestyle football, street hockey and street dance.

 

Jenny Laing , Aberdeen City Council leader, said: “This ambitious project is another example of how significant investment in existing facilities as well as developing new infrastructure can transform our communities for the better.

 

“The Cruyff Court is a global initiative which recognises the educational, social and inclusive value the old playing fields brought to our communities."

 

She said the move "serves as a valid reminder that progress and economic development should not overtake the importance of having community facilities for our children to grow up playing football and developing healthy lifestyles".

 

“The commitment made today will provide access to children and young people from all backgrounds to be active and to enjoy freedom within the city to play in a safe, secure environment.

 

“I’m sure the new facility will be a wonderful addition to the generous legacy of Mr Cruyff and we look forward to seeing new talent emerging from this community in future.”

 

The Denis Law Legacy Trust already delivers several activities across the city, including its flagship Streetsport programme which is based at Robert Gordon University.

 

Streetsport deploys mobile activity arenas, offering free doorstep sports and other events directly to young people in their own communities, including seven local priority neighbourhoods highlighted by the Scottish Government as in some of the most deprived areas of Scotland.

 

Mark Williams, of Streetsport, said: “Our first fixed location will enable us to expand the delivery of our activities and continue working with our delivery partners in and around Aberdeen.

 

"It will promote health and well-being through sport and physical activity and help to further reduce instances of youth crime and anti-social behaviour.”

[rocket_scientist]

Brilliant. Two things crossed my mind however. It's always good to consider all angles.

 

1. I hope the constructors build it properly. Too many lazy bastard totally demotivated tradesmen out there.

 

2. Where are the kids coming from? How do we get them off their obese arse and away from computer games?