Foxes Legend Steve Walsh Opens St Matthew's Cruyff Court
The City legend, who played over 369 times for the Foxes, cut the ribbon on a facility that, with the help of the LCFC Community Trust, will provide a safe environment for local children to play sport.
Situated in St Matthew’s and partly operated by the LCFC Community Trust, the Cruyff Court will bring one of Leicester’s most deprived areas a significant improvement in facilities for young people in the community.
Walsh had the opportunity to see the court used for the first time when LCFC Community Trust participants took part in the inaugural a game of football at the facility.
Walsh Opens St Matthew's Cruyff Court
Foxes legend Steve Walsh joined the LCFC Community Trust to help open the Cruyff Court in St Matthew's.
A wide range of programmes will be delivered by LCFC Community Trust from Cruyff Court, including girls’ football sessions and a programme which aims to integrate refugees and asylum seekers through sport.
The Trust will also work with a range of partners to upskill local young people and offer them pathways into volunteering and employment.
Four young people from the area have already benefitted from the programme and have gained employment with the LCFC Community Trust having begun as Young Leaders.
Leicester City have had a long-standing presence in St Matthew’s with the Community Trust delivering Premier League Kicks and Community Champions sessions in the area since 2013 in order to aid social cohesion.
Relationships between young people and the police have been improved over the last five years with over 100 young people participating in the Trust’s weekly activities in the area.
LCFC Community Trust Director Allison Tripney said: “We have worked closely with the Cruyff Foundation from the outset, supporting their planning and funding bids, so we are really proud to officially open the St Matthew’s Cruyff Court today.
"LCFC Community Trust are committed to offering a range of programmes from the facility in order to aid social cohesion and upskill local young people with a view to engaging them in full time employment. We look forward to making a genuine impact in the area.”
Speaking after the opening, Leicester City legend Walsh, said: “It is a great turnout from all age groups and this multi-sport facility will give the community. It is a fantastic initiative and well done to the Football Club for getting involved in this, it’s fantastic.”
LCFC Community Trust teamed up with St Mathews Big Local to give the community much more than just a football pitch. The facility gives children a playground that encourages sport and play. It is a place where young people learn respect, responsibility, and integration through sport.
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 children, teaches them to get along with others and helps them to develop.