ALEX IS BACK TO OPEN NEW PITCH
Former Hamilton boss at Cruyff Court launch
Bumper crowds flocked to New Douglas Park on bank holiday Monday when former Hamilton Accies captain and manager Alex Neil opened a Cruyff Court at the stadium.
The community facility, only the second of its kind in Scotland, has been realised by the Johan Cruyff Foundation in partnership with Hamilton Academical FC and the Hamilton Academical Community Trust, the charitable arm of the club.
Hamilton’s Cruyff Court, which is open for all children and young people in the area and is free to access at all times, has also been made possible thanks to the Cruyff Foundation partner Tigerturf and players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.
The Johan Cruyff Foundation gets young people exercising so they can play together and grow in their development.
Sport and play improves fitness of the children, teaches them to get along, and helps them to develop.
Through Cruyff Courts, Schoolyard14 and sports projects for children with a disability, the Cruyff Foundation helps children to move up by being active.
The Cruyff Court at Hamilton, one of more than 240 in 20 countries, is located in the Children’s Escape and Serenity Gardens, a community space within the grounds of New Douglas Park that includes a manmade beach, crazy golf, a sensory shack and many fun activities for the community to use.
Niels Meijer, director of the Cruyff Foundation, said: “We are incredibly happy with the second Cruyff Court in Scotland, the first to be built in cooperation with a Scottish Premiership team.
“It’s a safe place for the children of Hamilton to discover their talents, develop themselves and make friends.”
George Cairns, head of youth and community at Hamilton Accies, said: “We are delighted to work in partnership with the Johan Cruyff Foundation, Tigerturf and the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery to make this project happen.
“The Johan Cruyff Foundation gives support to so many communities around the world, and it is really fitting that Hamilton Academical are involved in this project, given the community ethos that our club is built upon.
“We believe this facility adds further impetus to our continued drive to improve our community provision.”