Aberdeen FC Community Trust Announces Appointment of New Board Members to Strengthen Community Impact Across the North-East

Aberdeen FC Community Trust (AFCCT) is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Trustees, reinforcing the charity’s commitment to delivering positive social impact through sport, education, and community engagement.

Prominent business leaders Sylvia Halkerston, Jack Ogston and Gary Walker join the AFCCT Board adding significant experience to the organisation.

Current Lord Dean of Guild of the City of Aberdeen, Mrs Halkerston became a Burgess in 2009 and was appointed Lord Dean of Guild in 2022. This appointment made her the first woman to be in post in Aberdeen since the role of Dean of Guild was established in 1214. Prior to this, Sylvia established a career in Human Resource Management, working with organisations across a multitude of sectors.

Following a long career in finance, latterly as Head of Clydesdale Bank’s Corporate Banking and Structured Finance division in Scotland, Mr Ogston retired in 2009. A life-long Aberdeen fan, he became the custodian of AberDNA in 2021, a role created to provide members with full transparency around the ring-fencing of the net revenues raised by AberDNA.

Managing Director of Gary Walker Wealth Management, Mr Walker has over 30 years of experience in the financial industry. An avid Dons fan, Mr Walker is a long-term supporter of AFCCT and wider community initiatives in the region.

The new appointments will support AFCCT’s strategic priorities, including expanding youth engagement, improving wellbeing initiatives, and strengthening partnerships with schools, community groups, and local organisations. The Trust remains committed to delivering programmes that inspire, support, and empower people of all ages across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

The three new additions join fellow recent appointments Zoe Ogilvie and Dave Lawrie, who are both also non-executive directors with Aberdeen FC.

“We are delighted to welcome our newest trustees to the AFCCT Board,” said Peter Davidson, Chief Executive Officer of Aberdeen FC Community Trust.

“Their experience, insight, and dedication to our communities will be invaluable as we continue to grow our programmes, expand our reach, and support people of all ages across the North-East. This is an exciting time for the Trust, and our new trustees will play an important role in shaping our ambitions for the years ahead”.

Following several years of dedication to the charity three Trustees, Mark Wilson, Geoff Aberdein and Rob Wicks have stepped down from the Board.

“On behalf of the AFC Community Trust Board, staff and volunteers, I would like to thank Mark, Geoff and Rob for their considerable contributions to the Trust over many years”, said AFC Community Trust Chair, Matt Nicol.

“We wish them the very best for the future. Furthermore, I am delighted to welcome Sylvia, Jack and Gary to the Board. I look forward to working with them and our existing Trustees as we continue to provide support and opportunity to change lives for the better in our local communities”.

Aberdeen FC Community Trust is the official charity partner of Aberdeen Football Club, dedicated to providing life-changing opportunities through education, physical activity, and community support. Through a wide range of programmes, the Trust works to promote health, inclusion, and positive futures for communities across the North-East of Scotland.

The AFC Community Trust Board now comprises: Matt Nicol (Chair). Jim Buchan (Vice Chair), Jack Ogston, Sylvia Halkerston, Zoe Ogilvie, Dave Lawrie, Alan Burrows, Barry Duncan, Gary Walker