Aberdeen FC has reached a major milestone in its efforts to attract the next generation of fans with 10,000 children now signed up as members of the Club.

AberDNA Junior, part of the Club’s successful membership programme, gives children under twelve the chance to join the Club for FREE and access FREE tickets for matches as well as entry into competitions for exclusive prizes and events at Pittodrie.

The children also get the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of their football heroes and ‘Sign for the Dons’ when they get a behind the scenes tour of Pittodrie, officially ‘sign their contract’ and be unveiled as AFC’s latest signing.

More than 150 young members descended on Pittodrie this weekend as the Club hosted its fifteenth AberDNA Junior ‘Sign for the Dons’ day.

Over 3,000 of the 10,000 AberDNA Junior members have already attended signing days, where they enjoyed a behind-the-scenes experience they will remember forever.

Aberdeen FC director, Willie Garner, who was on hand to greet the children at the weekend, says AberDNA Junior is all about nurturing the Dons’ fans of the future. “This initiative is the driving force behind our ambition of increasing our fanbase. Attracting 10,000 young fans is a major milestone and it’s been great to see so many of them, and their parents, at these signing days, having a great time.

“Every Dons supporter remembers their first match and we want to give every child in the region the chance to access top-flight football.

“We have a strong and loyal support but we must not be complacent and continue to build on it to ensure the Club’s financial sustainability. Over the last decade, we’ve seen our fanbase fluctuate between 8,000 and 9,000 paid season ticket holders. Significantly growing our season ticket base is a marathon, not a sprint, and encouraging young people to get involved from an early age through our AberDNA Junior initiative is key.”

“In order to foster the fans of the future, win back a lost generation of support, and improve the relationship with existing supporters, we must reward them through pioneering initiatives, a better matchday experience and ultimately a renewed sense of passion, belief and pride in our Club. AberDNA Junior is a major part of this.”

All U12 members are able to access two free tickets to home league matches every season, allowing them to enjoy a matchday experience at Pittodrie. Over 5,000 free tickets have already been claimed this season, with at least three home games still to come.

In addition, AberDNA Junior members are able to enjoy experiences, events and prize draws throughout the year.

With approximately 45,000 children from over 200 primary schools across the region, this bold membership programme is building on the excellent schools’ outreach work being carried out in the community by the Club’s partner charity, Aberdeen FC Community Trust (AFCCT).

Launched in 2020, AberDNA Junior stemmed from the successful membership programme which has over 6,000 local, national and international paid members. All net income from AberDNA is used exclusively to support the Football Operation.