Aberdeen legend Eric Black has agreed to become a patron of the AFC Community Trust in its 10^th anniversary year.

Eric Black is one of the greatest forwards ever to have played for the Club and now the number 10 from our most famous team, will lend his support to AFCCT as it celebrates its special anniversary throughout 2024.

Eric was one of a number of Sir Alex Ferguson’s rising young Scottish stars in the early 1980s that went on to greatness with the Dons in Gothenburg. Eric scored the opening goal in the 1983 UEFA European Cup Winners’ Cup Final against Real Madrid and was also on target in many big Aberdeen games. It total, he made 180 appearances for Aberdeen, scoring 69 goals and as well as winning the Cup Winners’ Cup and European Super Cup, the striker won two League titles, three Scottish Cups, One League Cup during his time at Pittodrie.

As the Trust kicks of its birthday celebrations, Eric joined staff and participants at a number of programmes during a two-day visit to the North-east.  He met pupils of St Joseph’s Primary School who were enjoying a MINDSET Olympics with this innovative, play-based programme targeting improved adolescent mental wellbeing whilst having fun. He then joined a Football Memories session where the group were enthralled to have a hero visit and to listen first hand to Eric reminiscences about that famous game in Gothenburg.

The following day Eric enjoyed a health walk with the active ageing group along the beach front – where he shared memories of training there under Sir Alex Ferguson back in the 1980s.  He rounded off his trip with a visit to one of the Trust’s partner schools, Northfield Academy, where the power of football, and a love of AFC, is used to engage with pupils, improving attendance, behaviour and attainment.

“I’m honoured to be invited to be patron of AFCCT”, said Eric Black.

“Aberdeen clearly holds a special place in my heart and having been in the city last year as part of the Gothenburg celebrations it was fantastic to witness firsthand the difference the club and Trust are making in the North-east. The power of football to break down barriers and bring people together is exemplified through the fantastic work being carried out by everyone at the Trust.

“I look forward to supporting them during their anniversary year as they work towards a collective goal of making a positive change in the local community, helping to build brighter futures and make positive change.”

Commenting on the appointment of Eric as Patron, AFCCT chief executive Liz Bowie said:

“In this special 10^th anniversary year, we are delighted that one of Aberdeen’s most famous number 10s is lending his support to the work of the Trust.

“Everyone involved in the Trust from participants, volunteers and staff have enjoyed providing him with greater insight into the wide range of activities that cater for people of all ages.  I know how much Eric means to the fans and I hope that his involvement will help more people to engage with the work of the Trust not only this year, but in the years ahead.

“We look forward to working with Eric and to him bringing some of that Gothenburg magic to the Trust.”

The Trust is starting a year of fundraising where it hopes to encourage people and organisations to fundraise in aid of its work to provide support and opportunity to change lives for the better. It will continue its series of events during the year such as its annual golf day and fundraising lunch in February 2025.