Cruyff Foundation

Social Documentary

Johan's wish

Johan Cruyff always paid attention to vulnerable children. He also had the desire to mean something to refugee children. Thanks to the collaboration with Movement On The Ground and the players of the National Postcode Lottery, this wish has now been fulfilled; The first Cruyff Court on Lesvos has been completed. Content creator Kalvijn has been asked to bring the refugee situation in Lesvos and the impact of space for sports and play - to the attention of young people.

Episode 1

Kalvijn arrives on Lesvos

In a nutshell, Kalvijn maps out the refugee situation and takes you into the camp and onto the field. In conversation with Mohamed and Mohammed, bestfriends of 7 and 8 years old from Afghanistan, you hear how they experience life in the camp and what they think of the Cruyff Court. He also speaks with Johan's daughter, Susila Cruijff, who tells about her father's wish to do something for refugee children.

Episode 2

Life at the camp

Kalvijn meets Saifollah, a 14 year old boy from Afghanistan. Together they speak about life in the camp and his recent good news, he is leaving the camp for Athens. Kalvijn also visits what is left of the burned down Moria camp and meets Ali, a CampUs representative of Movement On The Ground. Together they speak about the mission of Movement On The Ground and Ali's personal journey as a refugee.

Episode 3

The power of sports

In this episode, Kalvijn meets Arash, 13 years old from Afghanistan, who struggles with life in the camp. His father Edi Mohammed talks to Kalvijn about his situation and what the Cruyff Court brings to Arash mentally. Kalvijn then leaves the camp to speak with the local Greek population who appear to be divided about the presence of the camp on Lesvos. He also chats with Rob and Danya, two Cruyff Foundation Coaches about the our "Creating Space".

Episode 4

More to come

In the light of the fact that 'it can always be better', Kalvijn asks as many people as possible what more they need in the camp. Over the past four episodes, we have had an insight into what life is like in RIC Lesvos. And no matter how complicated the entire refugee situation is, in the end almost everyone wants the same thing… Watch the episode for the answer.

Partnership

Movement On The Ground

Movement On The Ground is an organisation responding to the humanitarian crisis affecting innocent men, women and children forced from their homes due to climate change, poverty and war. Sports and games can literally bring about change, certainly also in mutual relationships. Sport is a universal language, regardless of background, culture, religion or disability. It ensures development, self-confidence, but also connection. And every person, and especially children, has a right to that.

Partnership

A shared mission

Together, the Cruyff Foundation and Movement On The Ground believe that a more dignified existence for refugees and a greater connection between the refugees and the local population can be achieved through the use of sports facilities and guidance. Sports and games can literally bring about change, certainly also in mutual relationships. Sport is a universal language, regardless of background, culture, religion or disability. It ensures development, self-confidence, but also connection. And every person, and especially children, has a right to that.

Thank you!

Players of the National Postcode Lottery (NL)

With the support of the players of the National Postcode Lottery (NL), 3 Cruyff Courts can soon be constructed, two on Lesbos and one on Samos. Cruyff Foundation-trained coaches will also actively run development programs with young people and provide an activity program together with them. The National Postcode Lottery donated a check for no less than 1 million euros to make this happen.

Thank you!

Seacon Logistics

Seacon has been a partner of the Cruyff Foundation for many years. They have also given us great support in this project. Two drivers traveled with the truck all the way to Lesvos to deliver the materials for the 3 Cruyff Court. You can read a nice report of this here:

Read the report

About

Kalvijn

Kelvin (25) or better known as 'Kalvijn' is a real sober Dutch boy from Groningen. But next to his Dutch sobriety lies a real multi-talent. Despite his young age, he already has countless titles to his name in the media landscape. Kelvin started his first video in 2010 under the name 'TheKelvlog' which changed to Kalvijn in 2016. You also know Kelvin as the owner of the VEED Awards, owner of the Cinemates company, as a program maker, as a producer of various own series, as a musician and author of 'Van Niks Naar Clicks'. In short, Kelvin is a passionate content creator in every area. His life motto “be crazy, you're already normal” fits in perfectly with this project.