A new community football pitch has opened in Edinburgh as part of a partnership between Hibernian Community Foundation (HCF) and the Johan Cruyff Foundation.
The Cruyff Court at Figgate Park in the city’s east was officially unveiled on Wednesday. The court is the first of its kind in Edinburgh and the seventh in Scotland.
HCF will use the court throughout the summer to run community-based football programmes for players of all ages and abilities, including walking football.
The facility was delivered with support the City of Edinburgh Council, the Scottish Football Partnership and Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust.
The court’s backers say it will present an exciting opportunity for growth in youth sport engagement in the capital.
Paul Greig, HCF Head of Football, said: “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.
“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.”
On the day the facility opened, on Wednesday, Paul was joined by 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 & Trust,” added Keith Connal, Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust, Chair.
“It is great new facility that the Friends of Figgate Park have been campaigning for as part of ongoing improvements to the park. It will be used in partnership with Hibernian Community Foundation to meet the needs of the local young people now, and for future generations.”
Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “Providing opportunities for people to take part in sport and physical activity is vital to improving health and wellbeing and building stronger, more connected communities.
“The new Cruyff Court is a fantastic addition for Edinburgh, creating a free and accessible space where children can come together, get active and enjoy sport close to home.
“I hope it inspires the local community to get involved, try something new and make the most of this brilliant resource.”
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.
Julen Cruyff, grandson of the late Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff, has backed the park and attended the event.
He said: “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.
“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, set up in 1997 by the Ajax and Barcelona great, has built more than 300 courts in over 20 countries since launching the initiative in 2003.
Scotland’s first Cruyff Court was opened in Aberdeen in 2017 in partnership with the Denis Law Legacy Trust.
The courts are designed to provide free, accessible outdoor sports facilities in communities where safe spaces to play are not always available.
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