First in Scotland Cruyff Court officially opens at Heathfield Primary School

First in Scotland Cruyff Court Officially Opens at Heathfield Primary School

A special event was held at Heathfield Primary School in Ayr to celebrate the official opening of the new Ally MacLeod Cruyff Court — the first of its kind in Scotland.

The fully accessible sports and activity court features an all-weather five-a-side pitch and sunken trampolines, designed to meet the needs of all children, including those with additional support and mobility requirements.

The project was delivered through a partnership between South Ayrshire Council’s Thriving Communities and Education Services, The Cruyff Foundation, and Ayr United Football Academy, with funding support from the People’s Postcode Lottery.

The new facility has been named in honour of legendary Scottish football player and manager Ally MacLeod, whose family attended the opening alongside representatives from the Council, The Cruyff Foundation, and Ayr United Football Academy.

During the ceremony, Primary 7 pupils presented an original poem they had written to celebrate the new court before the official ribbon-cutting.

Councillor William Grant, South Ayrshire Council’s Policy Lead for Education and Lifelong Learning, said:

“It was fantastic to experience the opening of the new Ally MacLeod Cruyff Court. The pupils of Heathfield Primary were thrilled to get outside and onto the court, and it was a great opportunity for them to learn some sporting history surrounding both Ally MacLeod and Johan Cruyff.”

Councillor Chris Cullen, Policy Lead for Leisure and Community Services, said:

“The Cruyff Court is a wonderful new addition, and it will go a long way towards encouraging physical activity and outdoor learning amongst the pupils at Heathfield Primary. Better still, this accessible court can be used by all pupils and is making history as the first of its kind in the country, right here in Ayr.”

Geraint Richards, Special Cruyff Courts Project Manager (UK) for The Cruyff Foundation, added:

“The Johan Cruyff Foundation is extremely proud to open our first Special Cruyff Court in Scotland here at Heathfield School in Ayr. To have it named after local and national football hero Ally MacLeod makes it extra special.

Many thanks to Heathfield School, South Ayrshire Council, Ayr United Football Academy and all the partners and sponsors for turning what was a lovely dream two years ago into a reality today. I am sure that the pupils of Heathfield school as well as the local community will benefit for many years to come from this fantastic facility.”