07 December 2023 , 22:30
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Fifty years later, two of football’s all-time greats are still inspiring the next generation.
Johan Cruyff and Pele left a legacy which lives on to this day and they will be looking down with pride this weekend. The Cruyff Foundation will launch the Cruyff Court Pele in Santos, Brazil, on Saturday in tribute to the two football legends.
It will be the 300th Court they have built around the world and will have a special meaning because of the link with Cruyff and Pele. These facilities will be a safe space for local vulnerable kids while many others are designed for disabled youngsters.
Cruyff’s daughter Susila, a Board member of the Foundation, will be at the opening and takes particular pride at her father’s legacy and also that football stars of today, like Pep Guardiola, offer their support.
Susila said: “I want him to be proud, making his dream come true and I know that even though he’s not there, he’ll be watching. This will be a bit different to the other Cruyff Courts because of the names. They are legends. Every Court is special but we think this is very nice. It could be a life changer for these kids. Doing something positive.”
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She also paid tribute to the stars of today like Manchester City boss Guardiola who grew up idolising Cruyff. “I’m forever grateful. Pep has been incredible. From day one, he’s always been available. He’s done whatever we’ve asked of him,” she said.
Cruyff Courts have sprung up all over the United Kingdom and help kids learn the game. They are made for a maximum of six-a-side football, can be used for different sports but undoubtedly help close control which is why cage football has become such a thing in South London.
It's the 300th Court they have built around the worldSusila loves the fact that the “Cruyff Turn” remains a favourite football saying and that the kids of today still use it and practice it for hours on end. She added: “So many young people still know my dad, you can still see everything online and they still watch videos of my dad with those really grainy images.
“It amazes me still. He hasn’t played football for so long and yet people still talk about him so much. It’s very important work, it was very important to my dad and so after he dies, it was very important to me to keep his legacy going. Personally, it’s my way of feeling close to my dad.”
Southgate scopes out training base
Gareth Southgate made another trip to check on England’s preferred Euros training base after last weekend’s draw.
England boss Southgate revealed they had been looking at venues since before the last World Cup to be well prepared and have chosen Golfresort Weimarer Land which is near Leipzig in East Germany.
Football Association officials will make a further visit to the luxury resort which also meets Southgate’s No1 criteria: peace and quiet. The luxury spa, golf and 84-room resort is a far cry from the party days of the 2006 World Cup when Sven Goran Eriksson decided to stay in Baden Baden.
Sky and TNT happy with TV deal
The new £6.7billion TV deal left everyone happy because it was good value for Sky and TNT Sports, is a four per cent rise in revenue for the Premier League and viewers will only be paying two subscriptions while keeping Match of the Day.
But it did raise eyebrows because DAZN were widely expected to enter the bidding… and would have huge financial clout to make a mark. But clearly, they stayed away.
Equally, Amazon have not renewed their live Premier League rights. They have refused to say publicly whether they bid or not. But Amazon’s current deal has two rounds of midweek games.
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That package has effectively gone so they would have either had to big bid for one of the major packages - or go home. They obviously chose the latter.
Meanwhile, BBC have got Match of the Day under lock and key. There is a theory in TV circles that ITV do not bid simply because viewers are so used to watching it on the BBC there would be a negative kickback if it ended up elsewhere.