First Cruyff Court in Molenberg opened
On Wednesday, September 18, the municipality of Heerlen, the Cruyff Foundation in collaboration with JENS and Heel Heerlen Beweegt, among others, officially opened the Cruyff Court at the Alberdingk Thijmplein in Heerlen. Among others, the famous street soccer player and influencer ItsAppie made his appearance in Heerlen. In the morning before the opening, the students of the Broeder School were introduced to the possibilities of the court through various sports clinics.
The idea for a Cruyff Court in Heerlen was put forward by a resident of Heerlen. After research by the municipality, JENS and the Cruyff Foundation, the Alberdingk Thijmplein turned out to be the most suitable. The city council then gave final approval for this location.
A Cruyff Court is more than a soccer field
The court is created by all stakeholders in the neighborhood. Two youth workers from JENS are currently being trained as Cruyff Foundation Coaches; they will coordinate the activities for the youth. A special feature is that a local resident from Molenberg is also being trained to become a Cruyff Foundation Coach. In addition, the court is freely accessible to the neighborhood and will also be used for activities of the schools, sports associations and Heel Heerlen Beweegt.
Sports Alderman Martin de Beer explains: "It is important that children and young people can play sports and exercise close to home, but also that they can meet peers. The Cruyff Court is a safe place where that is possible. At an early stage we involved local residents, schools and youth work. As a result, Cruyff Court has become more than just a soccer field. It is a space where everyone gets the chance to play sports and games. To become acquainted with togetherness, to discover their own talents and to experience what it is like to win and lose. These are valuable experiences for later."
Axel Boomgaard of the Cruyff Foundation adds: "After proper research, we chose Molenberg as the location. The Cruyff Foundation believes in neighborhood ownership to make the court and its surroundings a success. And what ownership emerged in the participation process. Involved residents, JENS and Heel Heerlen Beweegt thought and worked together to make something beautiful out of it. The field was put into use just before the opening and as one local resident said: this is the icing on the cake for Molenberg!''
The entire square has been addressed
In addition to the construction of the Cruyff Court, the entire Alberdingk Thijmplein has been improved. We moved a playground equipment and added a new one. In this section, play is central and there is a section where sports are central. We also created a walking-hard walking path around these two areas. In the fall, we will plant a new greenbelt that will improve habitat for people and animals. The community is still in discussions about installing a free water tap.
Covenant on sports, exercise and meeting
To make the square a success, we have signed a covenant with all parties involved in the neighborhood. These parties are contributing to ensure an attractive and safe place where many sports and games are played. The municipality plans to further expand the number of covenant partners.