Over the last 2 weeks, Aberdeen FC, Aberdeen FC Community Trust and the AFC FFIT Legends have taken part in national tournaments for participants who completed the SPFL Trust funded programme Football Fans In Training (FFIT) a 12 week health and wellbeing programme helping men and women aged 35 – 65 lose weight and become healthier and more active.

The AFC FFIT Legends were formed after the first Aberdeen FC intake of FFIT in 2009 and are now made up of over 50 ex FFIT participants that meet up weekly to play football, go for health walks and take part in matches with other FFIT teams from across Scotland.

The AFC FFIT Legends is an independent group of fans who are FFIT graduates, who coordinate match schedules against teams from across Scotland, training sessions, arrange for them to have their own kit and training gear and so much more.

On June 17th, the AFC FFIT Legends took part in a national tournament in Perth where they played against the likes of Morton, Dundee United, Rangers and Livingston.

After defeating Morton and Livingston in the group stage, the Legends then defeated the Saints All Stars on penalties before going on to record a resounding 8-3 victory against Rangers in the semi-final.

Unfortunately they were unlucky to lose 7-4 to a Dundee United team who went undefeated the entire day, however 2nd spot for the Legends meant a brilliant day for them. Well done to everyone who took part!

The following weekend saw the annual SPFL Trust FFIT tournament in Stirling taking place, with 10 participants from the last 2 FFIT intakes all taking part.

Drawn against last year’s winners Southampton, Falkirk, Stenhousemuir and the eventual winners of this year’s tournament Dunfermline.

The group stages were a challenge for the Aberdeen team, despite winning 3 of the 5 games, including the only team to beat Dunfermline on the day, and a 5-0 victory over Celtic, it wasn’t quite enough to see them through to the final rounds.

Again, well done to everyone who took part and gave up their time to make it a great day for everyone!

David Smith, Senior Community Projects Officer commented, “It’s great to see the guys remaining active after the course.

“Groups like the FFIT Legends and the Walking Football group at the Beach Leisure Centre are all designed to help support the men to stay active after the 12 weeks of the course.

“AFCCT can’t offer that type of support afterwards without facilities, so to see the local people so dedicated to offering people the chance to stay active, connected, and to have such fun days out as the last couple of weeks is brilliant!”

Football Fans In Training will be returning to Pittodrie in August 2017. For more information on joining FFIT or about the AFC FFIT Legends group, please contact david.smith@afccommunitytrust.org