Statoil is now the exclusive Aberdeen Football Club ‘Talent Partner’ with the emphasis specifically on the future development of elite youth players through the AFC Youth Academy. The Statoil “Heroes of Tomorrow” sponsorship concept supports talented young people, not just in sport but also in culture and education to help them achieve their ambitions. The Statoil Young Talent and Talent of the Month awards are awarded to players who show an exceptionally high standard of talent during academy training sessions and matches at club and international level. For the month of September 2016 the winners were:

The Statoil Young Talent of the Month Award was presented to Finlay Neat for the month of September.  Finlay consistently performed at a very high level throughout the month and is unique in that he has played for the Under 10s, Under 11s & Under 12s during September.  Not only has he played at each level, but he has also contributed with a large number of goals and assists, whilst having a very positive attitude towards working hard and doing well for the team.  Finlay has continued to be challenged 2 years above his own age group moving into October.  Head of Junior Academy, Gavin Levey said “Finlay is a young player who always arrives at training and matches with a firm handshake and smile on his face, ready to perform to his potential.  He has already shown that for a young player he has the ability to rise to the challenge when faced with difficult situations and never lets his head go down.  Playing across three age groups at Aberdeen Football Club is a real achievement, and one that I know he and his family are very proud of so far”.

Kieran is a worthy winner of the September Statoil Talent of the month.   His overall determination to improve his game at training and matches has been rewarded with outstanding performances for the Under 14 squad.   Kieran is an adaptable player and is equally effective playing in both midfield and as striker and sets high standards in every match.