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The Figgate Park Cruyff Court was officially opened on Wednesday, May 27, marking an exciting opportunity for growth in youth sport engagement in Edinburgh. The partnership also includes the City of Edinburgh Council, The Scottish Football Partnership and Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust, signalling complete buy-in to ensure the best possible outcome for the use of the court.
“This partnership has been a long-time coming and we’re incredibly excited to see the court opened,” said Paul Greig, HCF Head of Football.
“Along with our local partners we’re really looking forward to putting the court to use and providing opportunities for footballers of all ages and abilities to stay active and get involved.”
HCF will utilise the court this coming summer to deliver community-based programmes and activities. This use will be one activity among many contributing to the wider commitment to supporting local residents in increasing their access to sport.
“Access to community sport is becoming harder and harder to come by, so by engaging in this partnership we’re hoping to alleviate that need and provide a space for residents to be active, as well as gather as a community,” concluded Paul.
On the day of the opening, Paul was joined by further HCF colleagues, as well as members from all other partnership members.
“We are delighted to deliver this new Cruyff Court at Figgate Park thanks to funding from the Johan Cryuff Foundation, City of Edinburgh Council, and the Scottish Football Partnership,” added Keith Connal, Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust, Chair.
“It is great that the new facility will be used in partnership with Hibernian Community Foundation to meet the needs of the local young people now, and for future generations. It will enable them to stay fit and active and encourage greater use of the park which will support the Friends of Figgate Park”
To mark the official opening of the court, members from HCF’s Football Team led sessions with junior footballers before a demonstration of Walking Football closed out the day.
“It is always special for me and my family to attend the opening of a new Cruyff Court. Seeing the first Cruyff Court in Edinburgh and seventh in Scotland become a reality is something we are very proud of,” said Julen Cruyff, Johan Cruyff’s grandson in attendance on the day.
“Cruyff Court Figgate Park creates a safe and accessible space where children and youngsters can play together, develop themselves and connect through sport. It is wonderful to see my grandfather’s vision continue to grow internationally and positively impact communities like Portobello.”
The Johan Cruyff Foundation began the Cruyff Court initiative in 2003, since then opening over 300 courts across the world. The courts are located primarily in areas where a safe space to play spot is not always guaranteed, allowing local members of the community to get outside and access activity that was not previously available.
Each court is designed in cooperation with local authorities and residents, ensuring the layout of each accurately reflects the needs of said community. HCF is proud to partner with the Johan Cruyff Foundation to ensure the needs of our local community is met, and we look forward to delivering impactful sessions on the court into summer and beyond.
To learn more about Cruyff Courts and the Johan Cruyff Foundation, click here.
The Friends of Figgate Park have welcomed the completion of the new Cruyff Court, describing it as a major development for the local community.
“We are delighted to see the new Cruyff Court completed,” said spokesperson, Debs Holloway, on behalf of the Friends of Figgate Park.
“It is an excellent example of partnership working delivering real benefits for the community, and we take great pride in knowing that our small band of dedicated local volunteers played such a vital role in making it happen.
HCF looks forward to hosting the sessions in the summer and can’t wait to welcome all range of community members to the court in the coming months.
