To mark the end of term, we would like to share our Partner Schools highlights and successes that have been achieved.

Through the duration of term 2 we have delivered high impact support, focusing on physical and mental wellbeing and alternative curriculums, while working on developing strong relationships with young people, acting as mentors and role models for many.

In addition to physical activity, we have been working in classrooms supporting pupils’ numeracy, literacy and STEM subjects as well as addressing adolescent mental wellbeing through the MINDSET programme. MINDSET is an 8–12-week play-based programme focusing on a positive approach to mental wellbeing, enhancing strengths and skills to help cope with the stresses of life. This term MINDSET has been successfully delivered to 840 participants across Primary and Secondary schools in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire.

During term 2, we have worked with a total of 1,578 young people in core groups. Our coaches work with these groups on a regular basis supporting them to learn, achieve and develop new skills, gain qualifications, and enhance their confidence and knowledge.

Young Achievers Awards

This Term, we have recently introduced The Young Achievers Awards, these awards are received by young people from their coaches for working hard, showing a brilliant attitude and commitment to their learning, while contributing to their school and community by going over and above. A total of 30 Young Achievers Awards were received by our partner school pupils across Aberdeen City and Shire this term.

City Academy Case Study:

The recipient of St Machar Academy’s AFCCT Young Achiever Award for Term 2 is Chloe Skinner. Chloe, who is currently in S3, has been involved with AFCCT at St Machar since the beginning of S2, and has lead by example with her levels of enthusiasm and engagement in sessions. In June of this year, Chloe took her commitment to new heights when she helped to fly the flag for the Trust at the Celebrate Aberdeen parade, earning her first volunteering hours in the process. Chloe continued her volunteering efforts when she attended the Trust’s Impact Report Launch in November. Here, she spent time talking to partners, donors, and club staff about her experiences with AFCCT, showing a real maturity to take on a challenge that was well out of her comfort zone.

“I am so excited to get this award! I love what we do in AFCCT at school, especially being able to take part in the events with AFCCT and AFC. I used to be quiet before I started AFCCT and now I feel more confident and like speaking to people. I hope to carry on with AFCCT and to join the Youth Ambassadors to help me to get experience to work in Sport in the future.” – Chloe Skinner, St Machar Academy.

Lochside Academy Mission Christmas visit

We would also like to thank Lochside Academy for taking their time to visit North Sound Cash for Kids Mission Christmas HQ. AFCCT and Lochside Academy participants were invited to visit The Mission Christmas HQ on Tuesday 13^th of  December. The experience and tour given by Mission Christmas has increased our participants’ awareness in the community and has ignited an interest in giving back to those who are less fortunate in the community. The participants have since incorporated this offsite trip into our SQA Personal Development Awards, building on their Community Awareness outcomes. Our Coaches have also began looking into enlisting the participants who joined the Mission Christmas HQ trip in Saltire Volunteering Awards.

Term 2 Education Highlights

• A new S1 confidence group has been created for students who would like to progress their football in a safe, nurturing environment to build their confidence and resilience.
• All of our Academy classes are making great progress towards SQA qualifications, with some notable improvements for some young people in the class.
• Northfields Youth Ambassador group did Northfield Academy proud at the Youth Ambassador Launch in October. Reports from management highlighted the Northfield group were extremely respectful and polite.
• We are beyond grateful for our Partner School pupils that participate as flag bearers on match days, this term we have welcomed 6 Partner Schools.
• We are thrilled to have 5 new Partner Primary Schools on board with us for 22/23, which brings our total Partner School signings up to 30 for our 22/23 Education Programme. We are excited to work with our new Partner Schools, while continuing to grow the partnership with renewals.
• After a successful 18-month trial of STEM, and with funding support from Fugro, we are delighted to announce that STEM will be delivered in 6 schools across Aberdeen City and Shire from January 2023.

We would like to thank all of the pupils for their hard work and dedication over Term 1 & 2. We look forward to seeing you all in 2023!