As it celebrates its 10th anniversary, Aberdeen FC Community Trust has published its annual Impact Report revealing it continues to positively impact communities across the North-east of Scotland.
Supporting over 9,700 participants in the last 12 months, AFCCT has continued to provide support and opportunity by improving physical and mental wellbeing and addressing the challenges of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Established in 2014, AFCCT’s focus across two main themes - education and positive destinations and football, health and wellbeing - has allowed the organisation to provide support to both individuals and families across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire.
In more than 20 schools at both 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, through programmes including MINDSET, STEM and School of Football.
Access to grassroots and mass participation football opportunities across the North-east continued with 146 primary school teams taking part in the primary league, and over 500 girls participating in the weekly festivals at Cormack Park, Aberdeen FC’s dedicated training facility.
The work of AFCCT extends beyond football however, and through a varied programme of health and wellbeing, has supported more than 1,000 participants through sessions including Technogym, Memories Groups and Health Walks. The weekly Community Hub at Pittodrie has continued to be in high demand, with over 1,700 hot meals served over the year.
AFCCT also had a new addition this year with former Aberdeen FC player Eric Black joining the organisation as patron to celebrate the 10-year anniversary.
Liz Bowie, chief executive of AFCCT, said: “In a year which saw us celebrate our 10th anniversary, we take great pride in the positive impact the trust has made on the lives of so many in the local community.
"The 2023/2024 report demonstrates that our work in schools continues to go from strength to strength, inspiring many young people to reach their potential. Our grass roots football programming, enhanced by the wonderful facility at Cormack Park, provides an excellent environment for youngsters to enjoy the beautiful game.
“As we seek to support all ages, it is a pleasure to see our community programming help so many people and their families. We look forward to what the next decade holds for us and the greater impact the trust will make across the North-east.”
AFCCT will continue its work through 2025 with the deliverance of crucial programmes to the community alongside expanding its outreach to new key areas across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire.
To find out more about how you can support AFCCT, or to download a copy of the impact report, please contact info@afcct.org