Wales international and football icon Aaron Ramsey opened the ‘Cruyff Court Aaron Ramsey’ at Trinity Fields School & Resource Centre on Friday.
In a ceremony organised by the Johan Cruyff Foundation, Aaron Ramsey was joined by Leader of the Council, Cllr Sean Morgan and Syslia Cruyff, Johan Cruyff Foundation Board Member and daughter to Johan Cruyff.
The facility has been built in partnership with Caerphilly County Borough Council and the Aaron Ramsey Foundation with the help of funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
The day began with a press conference which took place on the new pitch. School pupils were given the chance to ask Aaron Ramsey and Susila Cruyff their questions before taking to the pitch to play in a football match.
Councillor Sean Morgan, Leader of Caerphilly Council, said: “We are delighted to officially open the Cruyff Court at Trinity Fields School and Resource Centre. The partnership working with the Aaron Ramsey Foundation and Johan Cruyff Foundation will go a long way in promoting the development of sports now and for future generations. It was fantastic to see the sun shining and the children enjoying this new facility today”.
Aaron Ramsey commented, “Facilities like these give kids the opportunity to dream big and having access to a great place to play is the vital starting point for anyone’s football journey. It’s great to see the work that Caerphilly County Borough Council and the Johan Cruyff Foundation are doing to provide sporting facilities for young people. I am really grateful to be here today to open the pitch in my hometown and support Trinity Fields School through the Aaron Ramsey Foundation”.
Johan Cruyff Foundation Board Member, Susila Cruyff said: “We at the Cruyff Foundation are really grateful to Caerphilly County Borough Council and Aaron Ramsey for the role that they’ve played as we open this new safe space for children to play. I feel very proud to be here today in Wales and to see how my father’s legacy is still very much alive and expanding in the United Kingdom.”
The Cruyff Court Aaron Ramsey at Trinity Fields School is dedicated to children with additional learning needs which was one of Johan Cruyff’s initial motivations as he sought to connect sports and children. The opening of this facility is part of the Cruyff Foundation’s plans to expand the institution’s presence in the United Kingdom by doubling the number of Cruyff Courts by the end of this year.
