Wales international and football icon Aaron Ramsey opened end June Cruyff Court Aaron Ramsey in his hometown, Caerphilly, during a festive ceremony and openings match at the Trinity Fields School.
Also in attendance at the event was Susila Cruyff, Johan Cruyff Foundation board member and daughter to Johan Cruyff. This Cruyff Court has been built in partnership with the Aaron Ramsey Foundation, Caerphilly County Borough Council and funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
During the course of the ceremony, a kids’ press conference took place on the pitch, whilst the school pupils were given the chance to ask Aaron Ramsey and Susila Cruyff their questions before taking to the pitch to play in a football match.
The Cruyff Court Aaron Ramsey at Trinity Fields School is dedicated to children with specials needs. These kids were one of Johan Cruyff’s initial motivation starting his Cruyff Foundation as he believed in the enormous impact of sports and play on their development.
Johan’s dream about the Foundation was born in the USA, where he was introduced to the Special Olympics and was next-door neighbor to a boy with Down syndrome. The boy wasn’t allowed, or able, to play outdoors with other children, but Johan managed to connect with him through play. He succeeded in gaining the boy’s trust and one day, the youngster was able to join in the game, an experience that left him beaming from ear to ear.
In reference to the opening of the new facility, Aaron Ramsey commented:
“Facilities like these give kids the opportunity to dream big and having access to a great place to play is the vital starting point for anyone’s football journey. It’s great to see the work that Caerphilly County Borough Council and the Johan Cruyff Foundation are doing to provide sporting facilities for young people. I am really grateful to be here today to open the pitch in my hometown and support Trinity Fields School through the Aaron Ramsey Foundation”.
Councillor Sean Morgan, Leader of Caerphilly Council, added: “We are delighted to officially open the Cruyff Court at Trinity Fields School and Resource Centre. The partnership working with the Aaron Ramsey Foundation and Johan Cruyff Foundation will go a long way in promoting the development of sports now and for future generations. It was fantastic to see the children enjoying this new facility”.
The opening of this facility is part of the Cruyff Foundation's plans to expand the institution's presence in the United Kingdom by doubling the number of Cruyff Courts from 20 to 40 by the end of this year. All projects are made possible following an award from Postcode Active Trust, which has seen over £3m raised by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery to support the work of the Cruyff Foundation in the United Kingdom.
