Statoil is the exclusive Aberdeen Football Club ‘Talent Partner’ with the emphasis specifically on the future development of elite youth players through the AFC Youth Academy. The Statoil “Heroes of Tomorrow” sponsorship concept supports talented young people, not just in sport but also in culture and education to help them achieve their ambitions. The Statoil Young Talent and Talent of the Month awards are awarded to players who show an exceptionally high standard of talent during academy training sessions and matches at club and international level.

In March the Statoil's Young Talent of the Month award was presented to a previous winner, Finlay Neat. Finlay has played a year above himself consistently this season up at Under 11s, and has also made appearances in the 12 squad during March. His highlights during the month included performances against Rangers and Partick Thistle for the 11s, and in matches with the under 10 squad at the Landsmeer Tournament in Holland, with special mention regarding his performance in the all Scottish encounter on Day 2 against Rangers.

Head of Youth, Neil Simpson commented on Finlay's recent success by saying 'We're pleased with how Finlay performed in March and how he is progressing this season. He's a youngster who always rises to whatever challenge is in front of him, which is why he's played at 3 age groups this year. Well done Finlay and keep up the good work!'

Under 15 Midfielder Terry Taylor is the winner of Statoil's Talent of the Month Award for March. March was a month with some exceptional individual performances within the Academy, so Terry was delighted to accept this award from Head of Academy Coaching, Gavin Levey on Thursday afternoon after the U17s Club Academy Scotland match against Celtic.

Terry who has recently been playing for both the 15s & 17s has really excelled in his development in 2016 and this was reflected in being chosen to captain the Welsh U15 squad in the double header against Poland last month. Terry was also provided with an incredible opportunity when down training with the welsh squad where Thierry Henry was analysing his performance and then provided him with one to one feedback after the game.

Head of Academy Coaching, Gavin Levey commented 'Terry's typical of an Academy player here at Aberdeen FC that has been with the club from 8 years old, so it's been a pleasure for us all to watch him grow within the environment. His March performances were a credit to his hard work and it came as no surprise he captained the Welsh side as he continues to conduct himself in an exceptional manner both on and off the pitch'.

Terry will play Belgium and Switzerland later this month with the Welsh U15 squad.

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