NewsLiverpool midfielder opens Cruyff Court Ryan Gravenberch in Anfield
Liverpool midfielder and Johan Cruyff Foundation ambassador Ryan Gravenberch opened a Cruyff Court at Anfield Sports and Community Centre (ASCC) alongside LFC Foundation.
Family members and former Reds goalkeeper and Cruyff Foundation ambassador Sander Westerveld joined Gravenberch at the event on Wednesday.
This is the second Cruyff Court named after Gravenberch, with the Netherlands international having also opened one in his home city of Amsterdam last year.
The unveiling of another Cruyff Court in Liverpool reflects Gravenberch’s commitment to Johan Cruyff’s legacy, which is all about empowering the next generation through sport, inclusion and opportunity, with the continued support of LFC Foundation.
The Reds’ No.38 said: “This was a very special event, through a special foundation, at a special place, close to a special club.
“I think it is very important that all children can have the opportunity to play sport. Sport has always played a big role in my life.
“That’s exactly why I think it’s important that every child can participate, regardless of their special needs or where they come from. I am very proud to contribute to this through the Cruyff Foundation.”
Originally opened in 2016 as Cruyff Court Anfield, the facility, which is located less than a mile from Liverpool’s home stadium, was the third Cruyff Court in the United Kingdom.
The court has played a vital role in supporting local youth through community programmes led by LFC Foundation and ASCC.
It has also hosted national events, such as the 2017 edition of the 6v6 Cruyff Courts National Finals, and in 2023 it provided the setting for the Cruyff Foundation Coach Course, at which 14 local Cruyff Foundation coaches received training.
Now completely refurbished with a state-of-the-art pitch, modern fencing and new goals, the court is set to continue its mission of providing a safe and an inspiring space for local children to play, grow and dream.
Simon Wood, project manager of Cruyff Courts in the United Kingdom, said: “The renovation and opening of the court as the Cruyff Court Ryan Gravenberch means local children and young people will continue to have a safe space in which to play.
“This Cruyff Court has been used by thousands of youngsters for almost 10 years to make friends, practise their skills and improve their physical health.
“Having Ryan Gravenberch here to open his second Cruyff Court shows his commitment to the importance of these spaces and to have a current Premier League champion here will be inspiring for the children.”
Matt Parish, CEO of LFC Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be able to contribute to help make this happen alongside the Cruyff Foundation and to be able to provide such a brilliant facility for the people we work with and the local people here in Anfield.
“We are grateful to have Ryan here to support the work of both foundations and to have this court named after him here at ASCC, the home of LFC Foundation, is obviously fantastic too.”
The opening of the court reflects the growth of the Cruyff Foundation’s presence in the UK.
Since Johan Cruyff opened the first court in the UK in 2008 – Cruyff Court Dennis Bergkamp in Highbury, London – the foundation has opened 35 (Special) Cruyff Courts and built a strong, nationwide network of more than 40 Cruyff Foundation coaches, thanks to the dedication of local partners and supporters.
All projects are made possible thanks to funds raised by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery. Players have raised more than £4 million to support the work of the Cruyff Foundation across Great Britain.