The non-profit organization Movement On The Ground, in collaboration with the Johan Cruyff Foundation and with funding from the Dutch National Lottery (NPL), has built a football field for the local community of Mytilene in Vareia (behind Status Café) opening on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
The inauguration of the field will take place in the presence of Susila Cruyff, daughter of the legendary Dutch footballer Johan Cruyff, globally known as “The Flying Dutchman”, representatives of the Cruyff Foundation, officials of the Municipality of Mytilene, as well as the owners of Status Café, who donated the land for the realization of the project.
The ceremony will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 4:30 PM at the field. The event will be open to the public, with a special focus on families with children, and refreshments will be offered to all guests during the celebration.
This Cruyff Court is the third to be built in Greece and is being offered to Greek society by Movement on the Ground in collaboration with the Johan Cruyff Foundation. Two others have been constructed in recent years, one on Lésvos and one on Samos. Movement on the Ground is an international organization active in 9 countries and 3 continents. It was founded in 2015 as a direct response to the refugee crisis on the Greek islands. MOTG has extensive experience in providing innovative solutions for housing, education, social support, and skills development, focusing both on meeting immediate needs and shaping long-term prospects for sustainable integration into Greek society. With the philosophy “Camp to CampUs”, which places active volunteerism at its core, MOTG seeks to create positive and sustainable change, supporting both immediate needs and the long-term empowerment of local Greek and refugee communities.
The Johan Cruyff Foundation was established in 1997 by Dutch footballer and coach Johan Cruyff, with the aim of giving children – especially children with disabilities – the opportunity to participate in sports and play. “It is our shared vision that, regardless of your background, religion or abilities, you have the right to play. This third Cruyff Court stands as a symbol of unity, solidarity, and inclusion for all people,” said Adil Izemrane, co-founder of Movement on the Ground.