Milestones

2011
Denis Law Legacy Trust was founded and became a registered Scottish charity. Trustees worked to commission a statue of Denis Law in his hometown of Aberdeen.

**2012**

The Trust, strengthening its governance and long-term community impact absorbed the then Aberdeen International Football Festival, rebranded it the Denis Law Community Football Festival and the event provided opportunities for hundreds of local people to enjoy sport and in particular football over the next 14 years.

2013 – 2019

Game changing Partnership
A new partnership with Robert Gordon University was established, RGU’s already proven StreetSport programme was providing free diversionary sports activities for young people in disadvantaged Aberdeen communities and was prime for expansion. Now under the Trust, the programme grew, working with even more community partners to engage thousands of young people and help reduce anti-social behaviour through sport and positive activities.

With Streetsport growing, the desire to keep doing more inspired the creation of CLUB 10, a programme designed to support young people affected by a family members imprisonment and help those most at risk of following into the system. Now a vital resource for families affected it has grown into a lifeline for some.

Cruyff Court Denis Law Opens

In 2017 Aberdeen became home to Scotland's first ever Cruyff Court, creating a lasting community sports facility inspired by the values of inclusion and participation championed by Denis Law. The Catherine Street Court, previously a run-down and under-used urban space within the city centre, was transformed into a hi-tech, all-weather play and activity area for families in the surrounding community and the wider Aberdeen area.

*Denis Law at the opening of Cruyff Court Denis Law*

**About the Cruyff Foundation**
The Johan Cruyff Foundation helps children to move up in life by being active so they can play together and grow in their development. Sport and play improves the fitness of the children, teaches them to get along, and helps them to develop. That's why the Cruyff Foundation encourages children to get active through projects such as Cruyff Courts, Schoolyard14, and sports projects for children with a disability.

Queens Awards for Voluntary service and the Pride of Sport

2017 saw Denis Law Legacy Trust recognised with both the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest honour for UK volunteer groups, and a national Pride of Sport Award.

Together, these awards reflect the Denis Law Legacy Trust’s lasting impact, the dedication of its volunteers and partners, and its success in using sport and community engagement to transform the lives of young people across Aberdeen.

Peace Field Twinning

Cruyff Court Denis Law was twinned with the historic Peace Field in Flanders, Belgium, promoting peace, friendship and the power of sport to unite communities.

Cruyff Court Neale Cooper

In 2019, Denis Law Legacy Trust in partnership delivered the Cruyff Court Neale Cooper, creating a lasting tribute to one of Aberdeen’s most respected football figures. Developed in partnership with the Cruyff Foundation and local partners, the facility provides young people with a safe and accessible space to play sport, build friendships and develop confidence, while celebrating Neale Cooper’s passion for football and his commitment to the local community. Since conception, youth related antisocial behaviour has dropped by 80% in Torry.