Research Fellow sets goal for Cruyff Courts

Robert Gordon University and the Denis Law Legacy Trust have recently appointed a research fellow dedicated to understanding the impact of Aberdeen’s Cruyff Courts. 

The Granite City has three of these unique environments, built in partnership by the Denis Law Legacy Trust, Aberdeen City Council and the Johan Cruyff Foundation. Plans for a fourth Cruyff Court are being considered by the partnership. 

Mindy Grewar is leading with evaluating the impact of the Cruyff Courts for the charities involved with using them regularly and the local communities they serve. Mindy earned a PhD in Management from the University of St Andrews Business School, where she researched the organisation of businesses and charities in Scotland's creative industries. Previously, she worked with Aberdeenshire Council. 

The research aims to explain how these spaces benefit their local communities and can help improve wellbeing, safety, social connection and physical activity.

Mindy said: “Because Aberdeen has courts at different stages, one long‑established, one a few years old, one brand new, and one still to come, it gives a perfect opportunity to compare ‘before and after’ and to see how a community changes once a court is built.  The big question we want to answer is: ‘What difference are these courts making to the people who live around them?’” 

“The goal is to create a clear, easy‑to‑follow research approach that can be used not just in Aberdeen, but also in other places that have Cruyff Courts around the UK or even internationally.” 

(L-R) Dr Mindy Grewar, Mark Williams and Dr Katherine Burgess

Adjacent to the research, the project supports new and innovative interdisciplinary learning opportunities for students, with emphasis on practice-based research and investigation at the Cruyff Courts. The project is managed by the 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.  

Dr Katherine Burgess from the School of Pharmacy, Applied Sciences and Public Health, said: “This research is of vital importance as we gain a better understanding of how these spaces are helping communities in Aberdeen. We hope that the findings will shine a light on the work carried out by RGU and the Denis Law Legacy Trust as well as prove useful for other charities like Salford City Foundation (formally Foundation 92) who work in similar spaces in Salford.” 

Aberdeen’s Cruyff Courts opened in 2017, 2019 and 2024. They are designed to give local young people and communities safe, high‑quality places to play, exercise and come together.  The Denis Law Legacy Trust was instrumental in ensuring Aberdeen became the first Scottish city to gain a Cruyff Court and hosts its Streetsport sessions on the sites. Earlier research shows these provisions were important to reducing anti-social behaviour. 

Mark Williams, Chief Operating Officer, Denis Law Legacy Trust said “Cruyff Courts have transformed opportunities for young people across Aberdeen. They provide safe, inspiring places for play, connection and personal growth, spaces where confidence is built, friendships are formed and positive choices are made. We see the impact every day through improved wellbeing, reduced antisocial behaviour and stronger community spirit. These courts are more than pitches; they are catalysts for brighter futures, and we are incredibly proud of the difference they continue to make for young people in our city, I’m really looking forward to working with Kath and Mindy on helping showcase the findings on the differences these courts make.” 

Cruyff Court Denis Law is on Catherine Street, Cruyff Court Neale Cooper can be found near Tullos Swimming Pool in Torry and Cruyff Court Willie Miller is in Tillydrone. 

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