SCHOOL OF FOOTBALL PROGRAAME CONTINUES TO INSPIRE AND EDUCATE YOUNG PEOPLE

Aberdeen FC Community Trust (AFCCT) is delighted to be continuing the School of Football programme at Lochside Academy for the 2023/24 academic year thanks to the support of Energy Transition Zone Ltd (ETZ).

School of Football is first and foremost a project aimed at developing the social and academic skills of young people during their first and second year of secondary school, working on the basis that many skills developed in a football environment are transferable to schoolwork and social situations.

Using the love of football and the passion for Aberdeen FC, AFCCT is able to engage with young people in a meaningful way improving behaviour, attendance, and timekeeping with 60 first- and second-year pupils at Lochside Academy taking part this year. ETZ Ltd has committed to supporting this year’s programme with £10,000 of funding.

Incorporating School of Football into their day-to-day classes, the young people enjoy on and off pitch activities and workshops that enhance their learning.

The young people are encouraged to take responsibility and ownership as a programme participant and sign up to a School of Football Charter upon starting the course. The proven results include increased confidence; improved personal and/or physical skills; positive behaviours and aspirations leading to an overall improvement in physical and mental wellbeing.

Devised by the Scottish FA, School of Football has supported young people across Scotland since 2008 as they transition from primary to secondary school. The programme started in Lochside Academy in August 2018, initially delivered by Scottish FA coaches before qualified AFCCT coaches took over delivery in 2021. AFCCT has been delivering the School of Football Programme at Lochside Academy for 3 years. So far this year, the S1 boys group reduced their referrals from 67 to 30 across the period.

Justin Noon, Head Teacher at Lochside Academy said:
“The School of Football Programme is a first-class initiative and continues to have a positive impact on our pupils with an undeniable improvement in behaviour and attitude from those who benefit from it. We are really pleased that it is continuing to be delivered and value our relationship with our partners at the Trust who do important work in communities across this city and wider region .”

Liz Bowie, Chief Executive of AFCCT, said:
“We are delighted to have secured vital funding from ETZ Ltd to ensure the School of Football Programme continues to be delivered at Lochside Academy helping pupils achieve positive outcomes. This programme builds on our established strong relationship with the school as our Alternative Academy programme is supported by 2 further staff, who are already firmly part of the school community.”

Carole Monnier, Community Lead at ETZ Ltd, said:
“As ETZ Ltd moves into the early phases of our long-term community benefit programme focused primarily on the Torry Community, we are delighted to contribute to the continuation of AFCCT’s fantastic School of Football programme at Lochside Academy. It delivers such valuable experience for these young people and has a long-term positive impact beyond the programme itself. Supporting young people in the area through initiatives like these is an important pillar of our community benefit programme.