This season a brand new supporter engagement programme was launched by Aberdeen FC Community Trust with the aim of encouraging Dons fans to follow an active and healthy lifestyle.

#DonsFamily In Training was launched in August and made possible thanks to funding from the Official Family Stand sponsor Simmons & Company International. The programme was exclusively made available to supporters with a season ticket in the Merkland Family Stand and has been a great success.

Once a month for the duration of the season the families were invited along to the stadium where they have had a behind the scenes look at the club, took part in sessions which encouraged a healthy lifestyle delivered by AFC Community Trust coaches and ultimately had lots of fun with the family!

After the final home match of the season the participants (pictured above) took to the Pittodrie pitch for a group photograph to round off what has been an unforgettable experience.

AFCCT's Community Projects Officer David Smith said, “The programme has been a huge success. Bringing supporters of all ages together, and delivering key health and wellbeing messages in the process has been a positive experience for everyone in the group.

“The opportunity to really bring a Dons Family feel to the Simmons Merkland Stand this season has been great, and it is fantastic to see these families at each home game interacting. I would like to say a huge thanks to Simmons for backing the initiative and really helping AFCCT provide support and opportunity to change lives for the better!” 

Thirteen families stayed with the programme for the duration of the season and enjoyed some experiences that would appeal to every Dons fan including an evening with the Scottish League Cup and a trip on the first team bus!

Each month AFCCT coaching staff delivered a fitness aspect with football training sessions and health walks along with an educational side with healthy eating sessions. The sessions have had a positive impact on the lifestyle of the participants with 78% of families reporting that they are now more active and 91% reporting that they are now eating healthier as a result of #DonsFamily In Training.

Each family now enjoys going along to Pittodrie and meeting the other families from the programme, and it has certainly made for a family atmosphere in the Merkland Stand for the participants. Some of the youngsters are now friends for life!