18 FEBRUARY 2026
We are delighted to announce that we are entering a new phase of our partnership with the Cruyff Foundation, strengthening our collaboration, and creating even more positive impact for our children and young people.
We currently have 12 Cruyff Courts across our schools, which are all-weather, artificial multi-sport pitches that create spaces for children to move, play and connect. Inspired by Johan Cruyff's vision, the Cruyff Foundation believes that sport does more than improve physical health. It brings children together, builds confidence and supports mental wellbeing. The Courts provide a safe and inspiring environment for sport and play, both during PE lessons and school breaks.
United by a shared belief in the power of sport to support children's development, we will continue to work together to embed the Cruyff coaching philosophy, deliver inspiring Coaching Days that help pupils build confidence, skills and self-belief, and create new Cruyff Courts in even more schools.
Miranda van Holstein, Senior Project Manager at the Cruyff Foundation, said: “Witherslack Group has been involved in the development of the Cruyff Foundation in the United Kingdom from the very beginning in 2018. Making this collaboration official through a partnership is an important step for us. Together, we can create an even greater impact in specialist education, ensuring that children with special educational needs have the opportunity to develop through sport and, above all, enjoy it.
Jude Jones, CEO of Witherslack Group, said: “Our partnership with the Cruyff Foundation has already enriched the experiences of pupils and teams across our schools nationwide. The introduction of state-of-the-art Cruyff Courts has given our children and young people incredible spaces to play, connect and grow. Building on this success is the next step, and we’re proud to be committing our support to the Foundation’s work across the UK by becoming one of their official partners.”
Star openings
The Cruyff Courts are often opened in honour of and named after football stars such as Liverpool legend Virgil van Dijk, Jackie Groenen, who played for Manchester United, and former England and Arsenal legend Kelly Smith. These celebrations and openings inspire children as they listen to players share their stories of success, and how sport helped them grow, build confidence, and connect with others.
Virgil van Dijk, who is also a Cruyff Foundation ambassador, played on a Cruyff Court himself when he was a child. Commenting on the opening, Virgil said to the children: ‘This Cruyff Court will help you in multiple ways; As a football player and especially as a human being. You’ll have to deal with teamwork, losing, defending, and winning. You’ll benefit and enjoy it!”
Impact of ‘14 Rules’ and coaching
Teachers participate in the Cruyffian Course, where they explore Johan Cruyff's philosophy and mindset and learn to apply these principles in their daily teaching practice.
Miranda explains: “We are really proud to see that the 14 Rules of Johan Cruyff also play an important role within each school. They provide guidance to players and coaches, contributing to a positive and safe learning environment. Rules such as ‘Respect’ and ‘Play together’ are highly valued and form the foundation for playing, learning, and growing together.
Virtual coaching by Kelly Smith
Schools from across our Group joined an online session facilitated by Kelly Smith. With more than 200 pupils in attendance, children and young people actively asked questions and engaged in conversation with Kelly, who spoke openly about her experiences, the obstacles she faced and what she would tell her younger self today.
The session was part of the WG Futures programme, which connects pupils and students with professionals from different industries to help them explore their ambitions and understand that every journey is unique. By sharing her story, Kelly showed that setbacks are part of growth and that with confidence, perseverance and belief, anything is possible.
