The Club has reached a major milestone in its efforts to attract the next generation of fans with the announcement that it has signed‐up 7,000 AberDNA Junior members.
Prize winners
Faye Garner Smith – pictured below – from Bridge of Don has become the 7,000th member of AberDNA Junior, the Club’s free membership for children under the age of 12.
She is one of three lucky winners of an Easter Prize Bundle, comprising a home shirt, an Easter egg, an AFC puzzle, AFC branded water bottle, hand sanatiser and shinpads.
The 2 further Easter Prize Bundles will be drawn from existing AberDNA Junior members and will be contacted by the club in the coming days.
Building for the Future
AFC commercial director, Rob Wicks, believes this U12 membership is nurturing the fans of the future. He said: “AberDNA Junior is the driving force to increase our loyal fanbase. Reaching 7,000 AberDNA Junior members is fantastic, particularly given that we’ve had to put on‐hold so much of what we had planned for these young fans due to COVID.
“Our aim to be at the heart of our 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 and to be able to access top‐flight football.
“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.”
Fan Engagement
“Fan engagement is critical and in order to foster the fans of the future, win back a lost generation of fans, 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 big part of achieving this.”
Every AberDNA Junior member will have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of their football heroes and ‘Sign for the Dons’ for a day where they will be invited to Pittodrie to officially ‘sign their contract’ and be unveiled as AFC’s latest signing. The Club is hopeful of finally being able host these events in the October holidays and give youngsters a behind the scenes experience they will remember forever.
All U12 members will be able to access two free match tickets during the 21/22 season, allowing them to enjoy a matchday experience at Pittodrie, as soon as full crowds are allowed back into the stadium. In addition, AberDNA Junior members are able to enjoy experiences, events, prize draws along with discounts on AFC merchandise and match tickets.
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).
How to Join AberDNA Junior
New members can sign-up now online or by calling 01224 63 1903 Monday-Friday 10am-5pm
If you have forgotten your Dons ID or login details please e-mail [email protected] or call the Ticket Office during the hours above.
If you have forgotten your Dons ID or login details please e-mail [email protected] or call the Ticket Office during the hours above.
