Two brand-new Cruyff Courts have officially opened in Yorkshire and Edlington – one on the former Yorkshire Main Colliery site in Edlington, and the other in the heart of Normanton Park Yorkshire. Though each has its own unique story, both are creating space for a new generation to play and grow.
For Henry (11) from Edlington, the Cruyff Court at Yorkshire is a dream come true. “I usually play right wing,” he says proudly. “But I also swim and box. It’s great having the Court – especially when the weather’s bad, we can still play.” Henry trains weekly with his team, the Edlington White Stars, but he also loves coming on his own to make new friends. “You meet people you wouldn’t normally hang out with. It brings everyone together.”
The pitch is built on land with deep roots in local history. The Yorkshire Main Colliery, once a major coal mine and employer, closed in 1985. The area has faced challenges ever since, including child poverty and low household income. That’s why this new facility means so much. Owned by the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation (CISWO) and operated by the Yorkshire Main Sports and Social Club, the site now serves as a symbol of strength, resilience, and opportunity.
In Normanton Park, the transformation is just as powerful. What was once a bare patch of tarmac has become a high-quality, modern sports pitch – and it’s made a world of difference. Jack (13) and Sam (15) live nearby and are at the Court almost every day. “We come to have fun and play football,” they say. “Before, it was just tarmac and not nice to play on. Now we much prefer the Cruyff Court.
The boys use the pitch to practice and play matches – all without a referee. “Two captains agree if there’s a foul,” Jack explains. “Then it’s a free kick or a penalty.” They also enjoy seeing girls get involved. “Yes, girls do play too,” Sam says. “It’d be good to see even more. Most importantly, both boys agree: it’s a safe place to play.
Whether built on the legacy of coal or in a public park, the new Cruyff Courts in Yorkshire Main and Normanton Park are more than just football pitches – they are spaces for inclusion, friendship, and future dreams. Thanks to CISWO, Sport England, local clubs and Sporting Communities