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.

 
The September Statoil Young Talent of the Month Award was presented by the Head of Youth Academy, Neil Simpson, to Under 11 striker, Alfie Bavidge. Alfie joined Aberdeen Football Club’s pre-academy programme at the age of 8 years old whilst playing for Dyce Boys Club and has continued to work hard through the U10s and U11s in this early stage of his development.  September saw Alfie play the full month with the Under 12s, who he featured for on a number of occasions previously, and also saw him contribute with a number of assists and 11 goals in just 3 games.  One particular highlight in his Under 12s performance in September was scoring 4 goals against Rangers at Balgownie.  Head of Academy Coaching, Gavin Levey spoke highly of Alfie’s improvements this season ‘Alfie has started the season really well.  He was selected for the 12s squad who played in Holland on the last weekend in August and he’s built on his confidence from the trip and shown good form right the way through September.  Alfie has always been good at creating chances with his pace, but he’s worked incredibly hard so far to improve his finishing technique and movement off the ball, which has been paying off for him in recent performances’.

Corey Gerrard was awarded the Statoil Talent of the Month Award for September.  The Under 13s centre cbck also previously won this award in August 2015 before being side lined for a number of months with growth related injuries.  He has since come back much stronger and has started off this season exceptionally well, seeing him playing for both the Under 13s & Under 14s in Club Academy Scotland fixtures.  Corey, who has been with the Aberdeen Youth Academy since joining at Under 11s from Kintore Boys Club, has highlighted in September his ability to dominate 1v1 situations on the ground and in the air whilst also being a threat at set pieces and scoring some good goals.  Head of Youth Academy, Neil Simpson said, ‘Corey leads by example and reads the game well for a young player, whilst anticipating defensive situations early.  In each match I saw him play in September, his performances have been exceptional and he has been a key player in the Under 13s and we felt he deserved the reward and challenge to play up to the Under 14s.’