Earlier this year we announced free membership for U12s, AberDNA Junior, as part of our long-term strategy to attract the next generation of Dons’ fans. After a strong response throughout city, the shire and beyond, we can now announce that 2,500 youngsters have signed-up to the initiative with the next milestone in sight!

AFC Chairman, Dave Cormack, gave his reaction to reaching the milestone. “The response has been encouraging given that we have had to put on-hold so much of what we had planned for those under-12s signing up.

“Our aim to be truly at the heart of the community, with a growing fan base, begins with our young people. Every Dons supporter remembers their first match and we want to give every child in the region the opportunity to have this experience.

“Historically we have had a strong core support, but we have not filled the stadium regularly, even back in 1983 when the team delivered European silverware. Over the last decade, we’ve seen our fanbase fluctuate between 9,000 and 10,000 season ticket holders. Getting to our ambition of 15,000+ will be a marathon, not a sprint and our kids are the way to do this.

“With that in mind, we needed to do something dramatic to get the next generation on board. Offering Aberdonians something for free is as dramatic as it gets! We believe that AberDNA Junior can be the driving force to increase our loyal fanbase.

“I would encourage every parent in the region to take us up on this offer and see what we can do – we want to make this a success, get the region behind our team and drive pride and loyalty among a new generation.

“We have 2,500 members today but there are around 43,000 primary school pupils in the region. There is no reason why every child in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire should not be a member of the club. That is our goal and through Aberdeen FC Community Trust we will be reaching out to areas where the club has perhaps not gone before and building those relationships.”

All AberDNA Junior members will receive 2 free tickets when full crowds return to Pittodrie and will also be invited to Sign for The Dons over the coming months in a unique, ceremonial signing event for each member. In addition to those benefits, members will also enjoy experiences and events along with discounts on AFC merchandise and match tickets.

Currently members can also get £5 off our brand new 20-21 mini-kit, youth and goalkeeper kits!

As our initial plans have been delayed due to COVID-19, all Junior members who have already signed-up will receive a welcome pack this week which includes details on how to claim their kit discount and vouchers for two free match tickets and a limited-edition collectable Joe Lewis AberDNA Junior card, the first of a range of cards for members to collect throughout the season. Keep them safe as prizes will be issued at the end of the season!

We are also excited to announce that when we reach 3,000 members, some lucky kids will be invited to meet a member of the first team squad via a video call. The winners will be selected at random and there is still time to be in with a chance of being selected, simply sign-up online now or call 01224 63 1903 Monday-Friday 10am-5pm.

Who will you sign for The Dons? Son? Daughter? Niece? Nephew? It’s up to you!

Who will you sign for The Dons? Son? Daughter? Niece? Nephew? It’s up to you!