Today marked the official kick-off of Amsterdam's largest street football tournament, which is making a special return in honor of the city's 750th jubilee. The tournament was festively launched at A. Nouriplein in the Nieuw-West district.
Alderman Sofyan Mbarki (Sports and Movement) and Niels Meijer, director of the Johan Cruyff Foundation, officiated the kick-off of the tournament. During the kick-off, the logo, website, and name were also revealed: Cruyff Street League! In addition to these unveilings, several well-known former football players were present, including former Ajax coach and player John van ‘t Schip, former footballer Daphne Koster, freestyle footballer Soufiane Touzani, and former goalkeeper Koen van der Leeden. After the kick-off, a small but enthusiastic tournament was played to complete the day.
The kick-off marked the beginning of the tournament, but it was just a preview of what’s to come. The preliminary rounds will start in March 2024. These preliminary rounds and the district finals will take place in various squares throughout Amsterdam. All young people aged 10 to 15 can participate, regardless of their football skills! In November 2024, additional FC Straat training sessions will also be offered at various locations to help young people prepare.
The highlight of the tournament will occur on Saturday, July 5, 2025, when the final will be played at an iconic location: Dam Square. This final promises to be a spectacular conclusion to this large-scale event.
The street football tournament is more than just a sports event; it is a birthday gift to the young people of Amsterdam. With the Cruyff Street League, a sporting tradition that dates back to the 1970s is being revived. Between the late 1970s and 2017, a street football tournament was organized annually for the city’s youth. Several young participants from this tournament have gone on to become professionals, including Dennis Bergkamp and Richard Witschge. Starting in 2024, the tournament will finally return, with the promise that it will become an annual event.
The street football tournament is organized and made possible by the Johan Cruyff Foundation, Coöperatieve Rabobank, Gassan Diamonds, De Telegraaf, Voetbalshop, and numerous implementation partners in the different districts, as well as the footballers themselves.
