The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) and the Scottish Football Association (SFA) believe that Aberdeen Football Club’s future as a leading Scottish Premiership team depends on securing new, modern facilities co-located with a new stadium.

Both organisations have written to Aberdeen City Council in support of the planning application for the development of community and sports campus, football academy and new stadium at Kingsford.

The SPFL supports the application on the grounds of the need for new infrastructure, investment in youth development, local community benefits and the wider positive economic impact for the North-east. They also believe the location, to the North-west of the city, of the proposed site is well-suited for a stadium with the necessary transport links.

Neil Doncaster, chief executive of the SPFL, said: “Aberdeen FC is one of the most successful and established clubs in Scotland. The importance of elite clubs having their own campus facilities is widely recognised as essential in ensuring  continued competitiveness.

“It’s important to point out that for European competitions, UEFA has developed robust stadia criteria which Scottish Clubs must meet and this development will be essential to Aberdeen’s future participating in these.

“The proposed development would complement the existing sports facilities in Aberdeen and enhance the regions’ position as a Scottish sporting powerhouse. The creation of 3G pitches and multi-purpose sports areas available for use by the local community would enable greater numbers of people to participate in football.”

Stewart Regan, chief executive of the SFA added: “We fully support Aberdeen Football Club’s modernisation strategy. One of Scottish football’s most prominent and successful clubs, Aberdeen has a proud history of innovation and excellence on and off the field and these plans to develop a 21st century football academy and stadium will reaffirm its position as a beacon for Scotland and the North-East.

“The plans will provide a world-class experience for an increased number of supporters, benefiting the whole game. They will enhance the match-day environment for opposition, provide a first-class, ultra-modern and connected stadium for future international matches, offer an aspirational future destination for future Aberdeen players and, above all, ensure the city of Aberdeen has a community focal point to be proud of.

“Aberdeen FC are an award-winning case study in best practice in youth development and community engagement. New and complementary training facilities with cutting edge sports science would underpin that commitment to the wider community, as well as being a home befitting the club’s rejuvenation in recent seasons.

“As Scottish football strives to set an exciting new path, we would encourage all stakeholders to be mindful of the wider benefits of this exciting proposal for Aberdeen, its club and the future prosperity of the national game.”

Today is the final day to register your support for the plans- please click here to find out more.