As part of the AberDNA Junior initiative, AFC recently visited local youth sides Colony Park FC and West End FC to deliver a FREE training session to their teams along with FREE tickets to a cinch Premiership game at Pittodrie.

The sessions build on the great work of the Aberdeen FC Community Trust in encouraging children in the north-east to play and watch football, actively encouraging the improvement of physical and mental wellbeing, the building of friendships and the opportunity to create memories with family and friends through Football.

AberDNA Junior

Since the return of supporters to Football Stadiums earlier this year, over 1,300 youngsters have attended a game at Pittodrie completely FREE of charge.

More than 8,400 U12s across the North-East and beyond are now signed up to the FREE membership initiative that seeks to grow our supporter base in the next generation by recapturing the imagination within the community.

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Grassroots football

Aberdeen Football Club has long been engaged in the North-east community through the role of its partner Charity, Aberdeen FC Community Trust.

AFCCT has worked in partnership with Colony for several years and Community Coach, Stephen Boddie discussed the benefits for local teams, “The big thing has been making coaches better, which, in turn, is making the players better.”

The Trust offers support in the development of grassroots sides, “We have been supporting the new start groups, including both girls’ and boys’ groups.”

The physical and mental health benefits for children, in playing football are well documented and the Trust continues to provide assistance for clubs and schools across the region.

Attending Top-Flight Football

Seeking to build on the great work done by the Trust in the local community, AberDNA Junior gives the club the perfect platform to engage with local kids, no matter their background, inviting them to watch Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

Whether attending with family, or as part of a group of friends, we all remember our first games at Pittodrie, and AberDNA Junior’s FREE tickets enable more kids to enjoy the experience of live, top-flight football.

Membership Executive, Neil Halliwell touched on how we need to battle with alternatives in order to reach the next generation, “The teams in England and abroad have a constant presence on TV and that is very difficult to compete with, but we have something that those teams don’t have. We are here and we are in the Community”

“The way that AberDNA Junior can help with that is improving and offering experiences that these clubs can’t and the opportunity to come to games and experience live football for what it is.”

Fan Engagement Experiences

AberDNA Junior Members have also been given an incredible opportunity to ‘Sign for the Dons’ at Pittodrie.

On the day, Junior Members get the opportunity to emulate their heroes by officially ‘signing their contract’ and giving their first RedTV interview. They will also be given an unbelievable behind-the-scenes tour and walk out the tunnel at the famous Pittodrie Stadium.

Socio-Economic Barriers

As an AberDNA Junior member, U12s can access two FREE tickets to home league games at Pittodrie. AFC hopes to encourage fans from every walk of life to attend games at Pittodrie. This has also been reflected in pricing for Season Ticket Memberships for younger supporters this season.

In further efforts to make football accessible for all, Aberdeen renewed its partnership with First Bus as Official Public Transport partner.

First Bus will once again be offering Dons fans a discounted rate* for travel available to purchase ahead of every home league match at Pittodrie

*Instructions on how to access discounted travel to home games will be sent to fans by Aberdeen Football Club via email ahead of the match. Keep your eyes on your inbox in order to take advantage of the offer. This is valid using the First Bus App only.

Contact Us

Interested in hearing how AFC and AberDNA Junior could help your grassroots team?

Complete the Form below and a member of our Team will be in touch.