December 2024: Two newly unveiled Cruyff Courts in South Africa are sparking conversations about whether sport could foster a more inclusive, engaged, and positive society. These state-of-the-art courts aim to go beyond recreation, proving that engaging children in sports significantly enhances their chances of becoming active contributors to their communities. 

A Collaborative Initiative

Rhiza Babuyile, a leading South African community development NPO, in collaboration with the Johan Cruyff Foundation, launched the two Cruyff Courts in November. The first court opened on November 28 at the Rhiza Agricultural Farm in Orange Farm, Gauteng, and the second on November 30 at Louwville High School in Vredenburg, Western Cape. These locations were chosen to serve as safe, inclusive spaces for children and youth in underserved communities facing significant socio-economic challenges.

Empowering Communities Through Sport

“Sports have long been celebrated for their ability to instill discipline, build confidence, and keep individuals focused on constructive pursuits,” said Alef Meulenburg, founder of the Rhiza Foundation. He emphasised that structured sports environments act as buffers against challenges like gang violence and drug addiction, particularly in underserved areas.

Meulenburg’s partnership with Niels Meijer, director of the Johan Cruyff Foundation, stems from a shared history in competitive basketball and a commitment to youth empowerment. The Cruyff Foundation, established by legendary Dutch footballer Johan Cruyff, has been instrumental in creating sports spaces globally, making South Africa one of its focus countries.

“These sports courts are more than just places to play,” said Meulenburg. “They empower young people to build discipline, confidence, and a sense of purpose, ensuring they become active contributors to their communities.”

Inclusive and Transformative Spaces

The Cruyff Courts are designed to:

• Provide safe spaces for physical and mental health development.
• Promote gender equity and challenge harmful social norms.
• Include children and youth with disabilities, fostering inclusivity.
• Address critical issues such as poverty, youth unemployment, and social inequality.

At least 10 local schools will have scheduled access to the courts, with activities supervised by individuals trained through accredited programmes.

Celebrating Legacy and Partnership

The launch events featured notable figures, including:

• Susila Cruyff, daughter of Johan Cruyff, sharing her father’s vision of accessible sports for all.
• Kaizer Chiefs legends, representatives from the Netherlands Embassy, and corporate sponsors such as Betway.

Farid Gamei, Senior Project Manager for the Johan Cruyff Foundation, highlighted the initiative’s broader impact:"The new Cruyff Courts will serve as a catalyst for change, offering children and youth safe spaces to experience the power of sport, build friendships, and develop life skills. They will also contribute to combating gender-based violence by promoting positive community engagement."

Driving Change Through Community Development

Rhiza Babuyile’s mission focuses on healthcare, skills development, education, and economic empowerment. Partnering with the Johan Cruyff Foundation, they continue to address inequality and create opportunities for disadvantaged communities.

For more information, visit:Rhiza BabuyileJohan Cruyff Foundation

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Could Sport Be the Key to a Better Society?

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