Peterson Energy Logistics will become the first official partner of Aberdeen FC’s recently established Girls’ Academy.
The world-leading international energy logistics supply chain solutions company has signed a significant partnership agreement with Aberdeen FC to become official talent development partner of Aberdeen FC Girls’ Academy.
Building on the progress and success achieved by its women’s team, Aberdeen FC recently launched its Girls’ Academy which sees teams from U13s to U17s levels integrated into the club’s academy structure helping to ensure girls’ football in the region can maintain pace with developing standards across the elite girls’ game in Scotland.
This innovative new collaboration with Peterson will transform the strategic plan for the girls’ game in the North-east and supports the appointment of the club’s first ever full-time girls’ programme manager.
Jo Belot, formerly the girls’ and women’s club development officer for the Scottish Football Association in the North Region, joins the Dons tasked with growing the elite girls’ game, enabling AFC to provide talented young female players in the North-east with a pathway in elite level football education, allowing them to reach their full potential in the game.
As official talent development partner, Peterson will enable AFC to accelerate the growth of the Girls’ Academy programme with continued improvements and investment planned across a three-year cycle targeted at coaching, medical, performance analysis and athlete development, helping to ensure the Dons continue to be at the forefront of influencing the growth of girls’ and women’s games in Scotland.
Emerging young talent will be recognised with a monthly Girls’ Academy Player of the Month award. Peterson will also be principal sponsor of the Young Player Award at the prestigious annual AFC Player of the Year Awards.
Driven by a passion to lead the way in the energy industry, Peterson delivers innovative solutions with a team of people who are supported to succeed. Peterson’s values are fully aligned with the club’s philosophy of developing young talent and providing opportunity for all.
Andrew Ellis, commercial director at Peterson Energy Logistics, said: “We are thrilled to have entered this partnership with the Aberdeen FC Girls’ Academy which will foster the development of the next generation of talented footballers in the North-east.
"The club’s emphasis on identifying, supporting, developing, and celebrating female talent is fantastic and we are proud to play a part in this new chapter of the girls’ game with the Dons.”
Christine Dodds, finance director at Peterson Energy Logistics, added: “Providing grassroots opportunities for talented young females to nurture their talent and recognise their potential is vitally important.
“We have been lucky enough to meet Jo and some of the players. Their enthusiasm, drive, and commitment are inspiring and align with our core values.
"As a company, we are committed to gender equality and we’re privileged to be able to empower young girls through football. We recognise the passion for and power of football in inspiring young women, fostering teamwork, resilience and leadership, providing girls with social connections and helping build confidence and self-belief.”
Peterson will also offer players from the women’s team mentorship and support across a range of areas including CV writing and skills development.
“This partnership with Peterson will enable us to strengthen the pathways for young female athletes through the AFC Girls’ Academy,” said Robbie Hedderman, commercial director at AFC.
“It reflects our shared commitment to investing in the future of women’s football, offering more opportunities for girls to develop their skills and reach their full potential.
“Together, we’re not only supporting individual players but also helping to build a stronger, more inclusive game for the next generation.”
Commenting on her new role with the Dons, Girls’ Programme Manager, Jo said: “I am delighted to have joined Aberdeen and take on responsibility for developing the academy and widening access to elite football for girls in the area.
“The visibility of the game has dramatically increased in recent years and the success of AFC Women is something for younger players to aspire to.
“It’s really important to have a clear pathway for young players to support the continued development of the girls’ game and the longer-term success of Aberdeen FC Women.
"The backing of Peterson will undoubtedly help the club to recognise and develop the emerging talents within the ranks of the academy.”
Peterson Energy Logistics employs more than 850 people with 650 in the UK, servicing the logistics needs of energy operators.