What connects Aberdeen and the site of the 'Christmas Truce' ?
Aberdeen now has a connection to the world famous site of the 'Christmas truce' in 1914 - but what is it?
Last updated 22nd Nov 2021
A sports hub in Aberdeen has been twinned with the site of the famous 1914 World War One Christmas Truce.
Peace Field in Flanders, Belgium was where on Christmas day 1914, troops from both Britain and Germany laid down their weapons and played football instead.
It has been twinned with the Cruyff Court Denis Law on Catherine Street.
The facility, named after one of the city's most famous sons Denis Law, has football and basketball courts.
The twinning is an initiative between Aberdeen City Council, Denis Law Legacy Trust, National Children’s Football Alliance and the Peace Fields Project and promotes the use of sport as a tool to bring people of all backgrounds and differences together.
Cruyff Court Denis Law, already Scotland’s first Cruyff Court, is now Scotland’s first football pitch to be twinned with Flanders Peace Field - where rival troops came together in 1914 to play football during a pause in World War One hostilities.
The ceremony, which Denis Law CBE himself attended, included speeches from each partner, the Gordon Highlander pipers and a formal blessing of the Cruyff Court from Callum Shinnie from Kings Community Church. Jim Clark, chairman, from the Legion Scotland Aberdeen Branch.
22 pupils, two from each academy school in Aberdeen, then presented the poem “In Flanders Field” on the Cruyff Court before a Peace Pledge, which they contributed towards, was officially signed to create a lasting and impactful legacy.
Aberdeen City Council Leader, Councillor Jenny Laing said: “Aberdeen City Council is very pleased to be working in partnership with the Denis Law Legacy Trust, National Children’s Football Alliance and the Peace Fields Project to offer our young people the chance to be part of such an inspiring initiative.
“While there is often great rivalry in sport, history has taught us that sport is a great way to bridge the divides and bring people together.
"By participation in the Peace Fields Project and drawing up their Peace Pledge young people from schools across the city have come together to speak with one voice. Through the Pledge they have highlighted the importance of having safe and welcoming spaces where young people from different communities and backgrounds can come together and enjoy physical activity in a peaceful way.
"The council intends to use this project as a catalyst to ensure other areas of the city are just as inclusive, safe and peaceful.”
Mark Williams, Chief Operating officer, Denis Law Legacy Trust, said: “The force for good that sport can bring to young people around the globe is well versed and we’re delighted to be forming a partnership with NCF and the Peace Fields Project to further enhance this.
“The twinning of Cruyff Court Denis Law and the Flanders Peace Field will help to educate school children across Aberdeen and lead to exchange trips between the two sites. Thanks to all of our partners involved and also to Catherine Street Community Centre and Aramark for their valuable contributions.”