The newly renovated Cruyff Court Sjaak Swart in Amsterdam East has a huge appeal for sports and play! Sjaak Swart received his own Cruyff Court in 2018 in honor of his 80th birthday. Due to the renovation of Sumatraplantsoen, the court had to be moved. This moment was used to completely renovate and festively reopen the Cruyff Court.
More than a soccer pitch
In the middle of the renovated Sumatraplantsoen, children and young people can now meet, play sports and play on Cruyff Court Sjaak Swart. There is also playground equipment, a basketball court and table tennis tables and a vegetable garden. In short, it is a safe place where local residents young and old can come together.
Local youth organize the opening
Building a Cruyff Court is only the first step; making sure it is used optimally is step two. The activation of the Cruyff Court is in the hands of the municipality of Amsterdam, which has embraced the Cruyff Foundation's MDT Heroes of the Cruyff Courts trajectory. In this trajectory, young people become the heroes of their neighborhood and we connect them to our Cruyff Courts in a sustainable way. This gives them the opportunity to take an important step towards their future. The organization of the opening of Cruyff Court Sjaak Swart was therefore entirely in the hands of these local heroes. Neighborhood sports coach of Amsterdam East, William, guided the nine youngsters during the MDT Heroes of the Cruyff Courts trajectory, to the opening of the Court. He gave them 14 lessons. "First the girls and boys separately and after a few weeks it came together” said William
Sjaak Swart as ambassador for the Cruyff foundation
The relationship between Sjaak Swart and Johan Cruyff was based on mutual respect, both on and off the field. Through his role as Cruyff Foundation ambassador, Sjaak supports the legacy of his friend and former teammate. Their bond is an example of shared ideals, friendship, and a common mission to make a positive impact through sport.
Sjaak Swart: In my time you played in the street, now there is such a beautiful Cruyff Court, that's fantastic! Johan was my friend and I promised him to support the Cruyff Foundation wherever I can. And I'm happy to do so!
