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.

The programme was designed in 2017 to support young people affected by a family member’s imprisonment and help those most at risk of following into the system. Now a vital resource for affected families, it has grown into a lifeline for many.

Cruyff Court Denis Law Opens

The Denis Law Legacy Trust and the Johan Cruyff Foundation opened ‘Scotland's first’ Cruyff Court, named in honour of Denis Law.

2020 and beyond

In July, 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.

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.

"Establishing the first Cruyff Court in Scotland offers us a further opportunity to bring additional activities to city centre communities. We will continue to target those areas which need our support and endeavour to attract those who live out with the city centre to utilise the play area to the full.”

Graham Thom, former Chairman, Denis Law Legacy Trust

Again, built in partnership with the Cruyff Foundation and Aberdeen City Council, the sports court replaced a decrepit artificial surface next to Tullos Primary School on Girdleness Road in Torry.

On the open day, Denis Law said: “It’s a brilliant day for Neale’s family and all of the partners to see the project completed and the site come to life with lots of laughter and smiles. The first Cruyff Court has been a real asset to Aberdeen and to the work of our Streetsport team – there’s no doubt in my mind Cruyff Court Neale Cooper will be just as successful. We deliberately don’t set rules, but the house goals are for this to be a space for everyone to enjoy together as a safe and fun environment for young people.”

Covid-19

The start of the 2020’s was a period where every organisation in the 3rd sector adapted, during this time Denis Law Legacy Trust delivered 750,000 items of PPE, over 500 food parcels and distributed thousands of pounds worth of food and electricity vouchers and became Aberdeen’s health and wellbeing champion.

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.

Volunteers

Denis Law volunteers have always been a force for good with several awards received as both individuals and groups however in 2022 Long-serving volunteer Dave Thompson (pictured) was recognised nationally at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero Award category, a huge honour for Dave and also highlighted the impact of the Trust's vast volunteer network.

To find out more about Dave, please click here

Denis Law Statue Unveiled

Cruyff Court Willie Miller

In 2024, the Trust opened Aberdeen’s 3rd Cruyff Court, Cruyff Court Willie Miller, further enhancing free provision for young people in the city and provides a safe, inclusive and inspiring space where young people can come together to play, develop new skills and build positive connections, further strengthening the Trust's commitment to using sport as a catalyst for healthier, happier and more resilient communities.

The outdoor community sports facility based in Tillydrone. The court includes an artificial sports and activity area, basketball and dodgeball courts, mini-tennis courts and a running track and is free for anyone to use.

Cruyff Court Willie Miller was named in honour of the Dons’ skipper, Willie Miller who led the team to the Cup Winners’ Cup victory over Real Madrid in 1983.

Denis Law RGU + Awards

The continued partnership with RGU saw the introduction of the Denis Law RGU+ awards, to date over 250 awards have been awarded. Established to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of people who have demonstrated commitment, resilience and personal growth through sport, education and community involvement. Delivered in partnership with Robert Gordon University, the awards reflect Denis Law's belief in creating opportunities for people to succeed, while highlighting the positive impact they make within their communities and beyond.

Denis Law’s Academy

Denis Law Legacy Trust launched Denis Law's Academy in 2024, an innovative programme designed to support young people through sport, personal development and mentoring. Created to help participants build confidence, develop life skills and unlock their potential, the Academy reflects Denis Law's lifelong commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation and empowering young people to succeed both on and off the pitch. The Academy is delivered in partnership with Robert Gordon University with support from The Wood Foundation. For more details, please click here.

Ongoing Legacy

2021
A bronze statue of Denis Law was unveiled right in the centre of Aberdeen by Sir Alex Ferguson, celebrating the football icon's legacy and lifelong connection to the city.  An incredibly proud moment for both the Trust and Law family.

The ceremony included a welcome from the Lord Provost of Aberdeen Barney Crockett, followed by a few words by Denis, and his dear friend, former Dons and Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

The bronze statue of Denis Law CBE was unveiled by The King himself in the heart of his home city of Aberdeen.

2025

Printfield 10

A walking Trail called designed to inform and inspire was opened in Denis’s home community of Printfield.

Following the passing of Denis Law in January 2025, Denis Law LegacyTrust reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the work and values of its patron, ensuring his legacy lives on through opportunities for future generations.

For nearly two decades, Denis Law Legacy Trust has harnessed the power of sport, physical activity and community-based programmes to inspire, engage and support young people across the North East of Scotland.

Those supported during this time has grown from 3,000 annually to over 30,000 each year and rising. Built upon Denis Law's enduring belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to fulfil their potential, the Trust has created a lasting legacy that empowers individuals, strengthens communities and demonstrates the transformative impact of participation, opportunity and belonging.

The year 2026 marked a significant milestone in the Trust's journey. The transition to Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) status provided a stronger platform for future growth, enhancing governance and creating new opportunities to expand the Trust's reach and impact for generations to come.

In the same year, the annual community festival evolved into the Denis Law Legacy Games, building on the success of the original event while creating a flagship celebration of sport, wellbeing and community. The new format opens the door for wider participation, additional projects and greater collaboration with partners, ensuring Denis's legacy continues to inspire people of all ages.

Another landmark achievement came through the Trust's longstanding partnership with Robert Gordon University, which established the Denis Law Institute of Sport and Wellbeing. More than simply a new facility, the Institute provides a permanent home for the Trust's operations and a focal point for innovation, education and community engagement. It represents a shared ambition to create a centre of excellence where young people can access opportunities, develop confidence and skills, and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.

Together, these developments represent the next chapter in the Denis Law Legacy Trust story, strengthening the foundations laid over the past two decades and ensuring Denis's values of opportunity, inclusion and community spirit continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people across the region.

(Charity Number: SC054873)

If you wish to view the Trust’s previous Annual Accounts, please contact us DenisLawLegacyTrust@rgu.ac.uk