Work has today (October 25) started to create a world-renowned multi-use community sports facility in Aberdeen.
Over the next two and half months a run-down under-used community space in Aberdeen will become a hi-tech, all-weather play and activity area for people in the surrounding areas and the wider Aberdeen community.
Catherine Street Court is set to become Scotland’s first Cruyff Court - the brainchild of Dutch footballing legend Johan Cruyff - as part of city centre regeneration plans.
Aberdeen City Council, in partnership with the Denis Law Legacy Trust and the Cruyff Foundation, have come together to bring the initiative to the Granite City and encourage fitness and well-being in an urban environment.
More than £250,000 has been committed for the project which will include planned sports activity for children and young people.
Aberdeen City Council Leader Councillor Jenny Laing said: “This ambitious project is another example of how investment in existing facilities can transform our communities for the better.
“The Cruyff Court Denis Law is part of a global initiative which recognizes the educational, social and inclusive value playing fields traditionally brought to our communities.
“With work on this new facility starting on site there is a clear sense of excitement and enthusiasm from children and their families in the area.
“The project serves as a reminder of the importance of having facilities such as this one for our children to grow up playing sports and developing healthy lifestyles.”
There are more than 200 Cruyff Courts in more than 19 countries around the world which have provided safe play areas for thousands of children and young people. Numerous sports stars & athletes have credited their success with having access to Cruyff Foundation facilities growing up.
The Cruyff Court Denis Law will enable access to a wide range of free activity sessions, including freestyle football, street hockey and street dance and will be managed by Robert Gordon University’s Streetsport programme in partnership with a range of other stakeholders and activity providers.
Hunter Construction Ltd has been contracted to carry out the work and is a local company which specialises in artificial grass sports pitches.