First in Scotland Cruyff Court officially opens at Heathfield Primary School

An event was held at Heathfield Primary School to celebrate the opening of the new Ally MacLeod Cruyff Court.

The sports and activity court, which is the first of its kind in Scotland, boasts an all-weather five-a-side pitch and sunken trampolines. The court is fully accessible and designed to cater to all children's needs, including those with additional support needs and mobility needs.

The project was made possible by a joint investment between the Council's Thriving Communities and Education Services and The Cruyff Foundation, in partnership with Ayr United Football Academy. Funding from The Cruyff Foundation was supported by the People's Postcode Lottery.

The court is proudly named after Ally MacLeod - the legendary Scottish football player and manager. Ally MacLeod's family attended the opening ceremony at Heathfield Primary alongside representatives from the Council, The Cruyff Foundation, and Ayr United Football Academy.

Primary 7 pupils presented a fabulous poem they had written about the new Cruyff Court before the ribbon was cut to declare it officially open.

South Ayrshire Council's Policy Lead for Education and Lifelong Learning, Councillor William Grant, 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."

South Ayrshire Council's Policy Lead for Leisure and Community Services, Councillor Chris Cullen, 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, said: "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."