Aberdeen FC Community Trust has today published its annual Impact Report revealing it continues to positively impact communities across the North-east of Scotland, working tirelessly to provide support and opportunity to change lives for the better. Download a copy of the 2022/23 impact report.

Supporting nearly 9,500 participants this year, AFCCT has grown in all areas as it works to close the poverty attainment gap, improve physical and mental wellbeing and support people through the cost-of-living crisis.

Established in 2014, AFCCT’s vision is to maximise the potential of its communities by improving physical and mental wellbeing, providing inclusive opportunities to change lives for the better with this year’s report reflecting the continued accomplishments across two main areas – Education & Positive Destinations and Football, Health & Wellbeing.

Working in 27 schools, both at primary and secondary level, the Trust has played a significant role in increasing young people’s engagement in their education improving attendance, time keeping and behaviour.

Alongside this, the Trust’s innovative MINDSET programme has seen 1029 pupils graduate with the necessary tools to navigate adolescent mental wellbeing helping to improve the overall mental health of many young people in the region.

Harnessing the love of football and passion for Aberdeen FC, AFCCT is uniquely placed to build strong and trusted relationships with participants who range from young people through to those in the active ageing groups.

It’s health and wellbeing programme has supported over 1,000 participants, of which 50 participants are living with dementia, with many relying on the Trust for vital social interaction and companionship. AFCCT’s dementia friendly programmes, such as its “Football Memories” run with Alzheimer Scotland, have expanded to include “Musical Memories” allowing more variety for participants across the community.

This year AFCCT, through initial funding from the SPFL Trust, also established the Pittodrie Community Hub which provides a weekly opportunity to enjoy a hot meal, meet others and gain access to vital support from multiple organisations and agencies in support of those challenged by the cost-of-living crisis.

AFCCT continues to provide a wide range of grassroots and mass participation football opportunities across the North-east with almost 1,700 youngsters participating in its primary league. The Trust has also seen real growth in its girls’ football with almost 700 young female footballers taking part in their festivals alone. In partnership with the SFA, AFCCT is playing a key role in growing grassroots football in the Fraserburgh area and have seen new programming such as para football kicking off as part of this initiative.

Meanwhile, AFCCT were proud winners of the Inspiring Futures award at the 2023 Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce Northern Star Business awards with the award recognising the partnership which the Trust has cultivated with local schools helping to ensure young people are inspired and supported to find fulfilling careers.

The Trust last week announced Elaine Farquharson-Black as its new Chair, with Barry Duncan stepping into the role of Vice Chair. This follows the appointment of four new trustees to the Board bringing with them a wealth of experience and a diverse skill set which will help guide the Trust and provide vital strategic direction.

Liz Bowie, chief executive of AFCCT, said the report demonstrated how the Trust continues to successfully provide support to the local community during what remains a challenging time for many.

She said: “As an organisation we have had to be agile in the last twelve months in order to ensure we are properly equipped to respond to the needs of our local community and to ensure we continue to provide support and opportunity to change lives for the better.

“We continue to take positive strides in our work with young people and I’m particularly proud of the impact our innovative MINDSET programme has helping to shine a light on adolescent mental wellbeing.

“Through our invaluable work in both primary and secondary schools, AFCCT continues to use a shared passion for football and the power of the Aberdeen Football Club brand as a starting point to help close the poverty-related attainment gap and support wellbeing.”

This latest report, allied with strategic Board appointments indicate the Trust is well positioned for the future.

“Following the appointments of Elaine and Barry as Chair and Vice Chair respectively we now have a strong leadership team in place as the Trust moves towards its 10th Anniversary”, said Ms Bowie.

“They bring with them an abundance of knowledge, as well as a shared passion for the fantastic work we do in the community, and we look forward to working together to further our ambitions and reach in the future.

“We continue to be encouraged by the commitment of our staff, volunteers and youth ambassadors who generously give their time to drive many of our programmes forward and we are indebted to both councils, our corporate supporters and the many donors who undertake many challenging fundraisers helping to raise vital funds. “

If you, your organisation, or company are interested in getting involved with AFCCT, we would love to hear from you, please email; info@afcct.org

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