We are delighted to announce that Aberdeen FC Community Trust’s Dementia Friendly Programme is being considered for a major European honour after being shortlisted for this year’s European Club Association (ECA) Best Community & Social Responsibility Programme Award!

Aberdeen FC’s partner charity has earned the nomination through the outstanding work that has been carried out with over 65’s throughout Aberdeen City & Shire through the Dementia Friendly Programme.

The Dons have of course achieved success on the pitch in Europe being the only Scottish club to have won two European trophies and this type of European recognition is further evidence of the progress that has been made off the pitch by AFCCT since being registered as a charity in 2014.

An independent panel selected the top ten nominees with the winner set to be announced at the ECA Awards Ceremony which will take place in Geneva on Monday 5^th September.

Previous winners of this award include Real Madrid and Arsenal so AFCCT’s Chief Executive Ally Prockter was understandably pleased when he heard news of the nomination, “AFCCT is delighted that our Dementia Friendly initiative has been recognised as one of the top football related community programmes in Europe. For AFC Community Trust this is the equivalent of being in the latter stages of a European competition.

“We are delighted to be representing the North East of Scotland in an award category most recently won by Real Madrid and Arsenal. Reaching this stage is a huge compliment to everyone involved in supporting AFCCT, and those people should all be proud of the things they do on behalf of our local communities!”

The Dementia Friendly Programme has been delivered by AFCCT along with key partners including Life Changes Trust and Alzheimer's Scotland, Aberdeen Sports Village, Sport Aberdeen and the Aberdeen City Council Health and Wellbeing Team.

With extensive support from Life Changes Trust, AFCCT has attempted to create an environment suitable for those living with dementia to become involved in health and wellbeing programmes through a person-centred, city-wide partnership approach for people living with dementia.

AFCCT has also been able to develop its own programmes into Dementia Friendly Wellbeing Initiatives and as a result events have been held at Pittodrie Stadium, focused on engaging those living with dementia socially and mentally in a safe and calming atmosphere.

Recognition at continental level follows on from AFCCT being named as the Best Professional Club in the Community at the 2015 Scottish FA Grassroots Awards.

Aberdeen FC Community Trust is changing lives for the better and strives to provide support and opportunity to everyone they can across North East Communities.