Cruyff Court research

We are researching the importance and value of our 3 Cruyff Courts to help us reach our goal of providing more Cruyff Courts in local communities.

Robert Gordon University (RGU) and the Denis Law Legacy Trust have appointed research fellow Mindy Grewar to evaluate the impact of Aberdeen’s Cruyff Courts on local communities and the organisations that use them.

Aberdeen currently has three Cruyff Courts, created through a partnership between the Denis Law Legacy Trust, Aberdeen City Council and the Johan Cruyff Foundation, with plans for a fourth under consideration. Dr Mindy Grewar, who holds a PhD in Management from the University of St Andrews and has previously worked with Aberdeenshire Council, will lead the research.

The study will examine how the courts contribute to wellbeing, safety, social connection and physical activity. Aberdeen’s courts, opened in 2017, 2019 and 2024, provide a unique opportunity to compare communities before and after a court is introduced and to develop a research model that could be used elsewhere in the UK and internationally.

The project will also create interdisciplinary learning opportunities for students through practice-based research at the courts. It is managed by RGU’s School of Pharmacy, Applied Sciences and Public Health in collaboration with the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment and Gray’s School of Art.

The Denis Law Legacy Trust has played a key role in establishing the courts, which provide safe spaces for young people to play, exercise and connect. Previous research has linked the facilities to reductions in antisocial behaviour and positive outcomes for local communities.

For more information please visit our news story

Phase 1 - Sensors

Part of the research will include small sensors that will be installed at entrances, gates, fences, and footpaths of each Cruyff Court. The new equipment appearing soon will be people-counters only.

These metal boxes:

·       Will measure numbers of users of the Cruyff Courts

·       Will use harmless radio signals

·       Will have no cameras or internet connections

·       Will not collect pictures or details about individuals

The sensor is simply being used to record the number of people using the Cruyff Court. No personal information is collected or stored.

Robert Gordon University will use the overall usage data as part of research to better understand how Cruyff Courts benefit young people and local communities. This information will help demonstrate the positive impact these facilities have on physical activity, wellbeing, and community engagement.

The data is used purely for research and evaluation purposes, helping to ensure Cruyff Courts continue to make a difference for the people who use them.

If you have any questions or would like to know more, please contact us

Mindy Grewar (centre) pictured with Streetsport volunteers, is leading evaluating the impact of the Cruyff Courts