Leading healthcare organisation Health Shield was today confirmed as the Official Health and Wellbeing Partner of Aberdeen Football Club. Announcing the partnership, AFC Commercial Director, Rob Wicks said: “Given the Club regularly engages people of all ages in activities that promote good health and wellbeing, it made perfect sense to partner with Health Shield, a brand synonymous with quality, passion and insight in the sector.

“This partnership will enable us to take a holistic approach to health and wellbeing at the Club and across the communities we serve through our award-winning Community Trust. The main aim of this partnership is to make a positive difference and if we can encourage our fans, staff and others to live a healthier lifestyle then that is a significant step in the right direction.

“This new partnership, the first of its kind for the Club, will enable us to support a wide range of age groups across the community and also provide support to staff and players through the championing of physical activity and wellbeing in the workplace. Health Shield will help develop targeted health programmes aimed at increasing physical activity levels and an understanding of healthy lifestyles in addition to assisting the Club in developing practices in support of health”, added Wicks.

Dons defender Mark Reynolds, is pictured alongside AFC Commercial Director, Rob Wicks and Health Shield CEO, Courtney Marsh.

The association with AFC will enable Health Shield to tap into the Club’s significant fanbase, offering access to new technological products allowing healthcare to be easily accessed by all, in addition to providing health and wellbeing initiatives to staff, supporters and the general populace of the north east of Scotland.

Health Shield CEO, Courtney Marsh, said: “We feel privileged to be the official health and wellbeing partner of AFC. As a Friendly Society with a long heritage and a reputation for putting the needs of our members first, we see natural synergies with AFC in terms of bringing positive change to local communities. Together, we aim to improve the health and wellbeing of as many people as possible – including AFC staff, players, fans and employees of local businesses in Aberdeenshire.”

Also in attendance at the launch was Dons star Mark Reynolds, who is right behind the initiative. “While as professional athletes we have to lead an extremely healthy lifestyle in order to carry out our jobs, this partnership demonstrates that AFC is conscious of the responsibility the club has to influence the wider community.”