Cruyff Court Officially Launched On Brentford Estate
Dutch legend's Foundation backed the provision of the 3G pitch
The Cruyff Court in Brentford
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With kicking a ball around the streets no longer possible for children, the Johann Cruyff Foundation has made it one of its objectives to provide a safe place to play.
It has therefore supported the provision of 3G football pitches in areas where they are most needed including the one in Brentford’s Green Dragon Lane estate which was officially opened this month.
Dutch football legend Johann Cruyff helped start the Foundation that bears his name before his too premature death and the first Cruyff Courts were built in in the Netherlands starting in 2003. There are now over 200 in the world including those in Belgium, Spain, Poland, Morocco, the United States and Japan.
The new Cruyff Court in Brentford is a joint venture between Hounslow Council and the Johan Cruyff Foundation and supported by the Brentford FC Community Sports Trust. Local children will be able to organise their own matches on the new pitch, which will also be used for coaching sessions provided by the Community Sports Trust. The courts are designed so that they can be used for activities other than football.
Niels Meijer, director of the Johan Cruyff Foundation said, “With this Cruyff Court space is created for children and youth. 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 want to thank players of the People’s Postcode Lottery who co-fund important projects like this.”
On hand to open the pitch officially were Mayor of Hounslow Councillor Bishnu Gurung, Simon Wood of the Cruyff Foundation and Brentford FC legend and club ambassador, Marcus Gayle, who made 230 appearances for the club.
Marcus Gayle, Cllr Bishnu Gurung and Simon Wood from the Johann Cruyff Foundation
The official opening of the Brentford Towers Cruyff Court was the centrepiece of a big community day for tenants which also included a football tournament organised by the Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, DJs, a talent competition, face painting, food and drink and a local dance group and steel band.
Councillor Bishnu Gurung, Mayor of Hounslow, said, “Football is a national passion and following the recent EURO 2020 and Brentford’s return to the top-flight, we hope to encourage local children to put their trainers on and become more active. Brentford Community Stadium will also host matches at next summer’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, creating positive role models for boys and girls, inspiring them to keep active and healthy.
“Unfortunately, not everyone can easily take part in sports, so this new facility provides a safe place for people to play outside – and I want it to become a space where users learn the importance of togetherness, making friends, discovering their own talents, and winning and losing.”
Luke Skelhorn, Operations Director, Brentford FC Community Sports Trust said, “The new Cruyff Court is a fantastic facility for the residents of Brentford Towers and the wider community. The children, young people and families we engage with throughout the year via Trust projects such as Hounslow Street Sports and the Youth Service will benefit from the development, ensuring that they have access to a new outdoor space for play and recreation in the heart of their community.”
UEFA Women's EURO 2022 kicks off in under one year with the opening match on 6 July 2022. International football will come to the new Brentford Community Stadium which is set to host four games during the tournament. Pre-sale tickets are now on sale, with over 500,000 tickets available for £25 or less. Find tickets by clicking here.
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July 27, 2021
