At the ISTAA Awards for Excellence 2024, Johan Cruyff Institute was recognized in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) category for its The Cruyff Athlete Fund scholarship program. This initiative enables athletes to continue their education and facilitates their transition into sports management roles
The award highlights the commitment of Johan Cruyff Institute to CSR through The Cruyff Athlete Fund, which provides professional athletes with access to postgraduate and master’s degree programs in Sport management, Sport marketing, and Football business. The program not only enriches athletes’ knowledge but also equips them with essential tools for a successful career beyond sports.
Víctor Jordán, Academic Director of Johan Cruyff Institute, expressed his gratitude: “This recognition reinforces our mission to empower athletes in their academic and professional development. The Cruyff Athlete Fund is a testament to our dedication to providing opportunities and fostering the growth of those who have devoted their lives to sport.” Jordán accepted the award on behalf of Johan Cruyff Institute during the ceremony held in Barcelona.
“The Cruyff Athlete Fund is a testament to our dedication to providing opportunities and fostering the growth of those who have devoted their lives to sport.” Victor Jordán, Academic Director of Johan Cruyff Institute
The ISTAA Awards, organized by the non-profit International Sports Travel Agencies Association (ISTAA), celebrate initiatives that promote a positive image of sports travel and share best practices within the industry. In addition to the CSR category, the 2024 awards honored projects for creativity in sports incentives and engaging sports travel experiences. Winners were selected based on the strategies, design, and impact of their initiatives.
Marco Mazzi, President of ISTAA, stated: “The Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility Award celebrates Johan Cruyff Institute’s unwavering commitment to empowering athletes through education. At the heart of this dedication is The Cruyff Athlete Fund, which provides scholarships enabling athletes to build dual careers in sports and business. Inspired by Johan Cruyff’s visionary philosophy, this initiative fosters the development of leaders who embody the values of sports within the business realm. By equipping athletes with academic and professional skills, Johan Cruyff Institute leaves a lasting legacy, driving positive change in both the sports industry and society at large.”
“The Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility Award celebrates Johan Cruyff Institute’s unwavering commitment to empowering athletes through education.” Marco Mazzi, President of ISTAA
The Cruyff Athlete Fund annually offers 14 full and partial scholarships for Johan Cruyff Institute’s online programs. These include master’s and postgraduate degrees in sports management, sports marketing, and football business. The initiative aligns with Johan Cruyff’s vision and continues his legacy by preparing athletes for influential roles in the sports industry. Since its inception, the fund has supported numerous athletes, including Palestinian swimmer Sabine Hazboun and Greek volleyball player Maria Lamprinidou.
To qualify for The Cruyff Athlete Fund, candidates must be professional athletes who have participated in official competitions, be over 30 years old, and demonstrate an interest in pursuing education after retiring from sports. During the 2024-25 academic year, eight international athletes joined Johan Cruyff Institute’s programs thanks to this scholarship initiative.
