Fans Project

The Fans Project is an exciting initiative designed to enhance the matchday experience and to unite fans, fostering a stronger sense of community among supporters.

Now that the season has come to a close, The Fans Project would like to thank everyone who has donated since its launch in the summer of 2024 and share an update on what has been accomplished with the funds raised.

Planning is already underway for next season, with exciting ideas in the works to build on this year’s progress and further enhance the fan experience.

In the summer of 2024, The Fans Project received a generous donation of 10 season tickets for the Richard Donald Stand Upper from a Dons fan based in Norway. This incredible gesture allowed the project to connect with organisations across the city and shire, offering groups the chance to attend matches together. A key part of The Fans Project’s vision is to make the matchday experience accessible to all—especially those who might not be able to attend regularly due to financial pressures, personal challenges, or other commitments.

Thanks to this generous donation to The Fans Project, we were able to offer tickets to 17 deserving organisations, giving 190 people the opportunity to experience a matchday at Pittodrie.

The following organisations have had the opportunity to benefit from the donated tickets:

• Changing room
• Middlefield Community Project
• Russell Anderson Foundation
• Fersands and Fountain community project
• Children 1^st
• Friends of Anchor
• Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust
• Andy’s Man Club
• Aberdeen Carers Support service
• Polish School Community group
• Barnado’s
• Charlie House
• CFine
• Northfield Community centre
• Westdyke’s Girl’s Community football club.

In addition to supporting various causes and supporter groups, The Fans Project was especially grateful to receive a generous £600 donation from the Bad Lads, who raised the funds during their annual get-together. Their contribution has made a meaningful difference and highlights the strong community spirit that drives our shared passion for the club.

For manager Jimmy Thelin’s first home Premier league game of the season we wanted to give him and the players a memorable welcome in front of a packed Pittodrie. In collaboration with the club and our dedicated display team volunteers, we unveiled Pittodrie’s first-ever 3D Tifo banner, featuring the iconic sunhat character, designed by Dons fan David from Delta Seven Design.

The sunhat character was proudly showcased in front of the Richard Donald Stand, while a vibrant mosaic of the Swedish flag filled the South Stand, ensuring Jimmy Thelin received a warm and unforgettable welcome to Pittodrie.

When the news broke that Dons legend Neil Simpson was leaving the club after 35 years of service, The Fans Project felt it was only fitting to organise a special Tifo in his honour. We launched a fundraising campaign and were incredibly grateful to Berriedale Funeral Directors for donating their executive box, which we raffled to help boost funds for the Simmy tribute.

Once sufficient funds were raised, we purchased materials to spell out SIMMY in the South Stand, along with a large flag featuring an image designed by Mark Elrick of Dolly Digital Design. The fans’ participation was incredible, and with Neil on the pitch receiving their adulation, it made for a truly memorable tribute and send-off.

The Fans Project proudly made a £500 donation to C-Fine on behalf of the ASC Heavenly Dancers to support their annual food drive initiative.

As the season progressed, Ultras Aberdeen launched a fundraiser to create the first-ever full stadium Tifo display at Pittodrie. Thanks to the overwhelming support from fans backing The Fans Project initiative, we were proud to contribute over £3,000 to their fundraiser. Alongside Ultras Aberdeen members and Display Team volunteers, some Fans Project supporters spent two to three days in the stadium carefully setting up the materials for this historic display.

One of the motivations behind launching The Fans Project was to create a fund that allows fans to quickly respond to events as they unfold during the season. Thanks to the incredible generosity of Dons fans from around the world, we were able to honour former Aberdeen and Dunfermline Athletic manager Jimmy Calderwood during our Scottish Cup fifth-round tie against Dunfermline Athletic.

Jimmy was fondly remembered by many fans for unforgettable moments in European competitions, both at home and away, games across the continent. With the funds raised, we were able to purchase 3,500 printed paperboards featuring an image of Jimmy, allowing fans to use them as part of the Tifo tribute display, and then take them home as a commemorative souvenir.

And finally, as the Dons secured their place in the Scottish Cup Final, The Fans Project was proud to support the Ultras Aberdeen fundraiser for their Tifo display in the West Stand at Hampden with a £1,500 donation—and what a display it turned out to be. It was a powerful visual show of support that reflected the passion and unity of the Red Army on one of the biggest stages.

As we look ahead to the upcoming season, and with European group stage football on the horizon—The Fans Project is once again aiming to support all of the incredible initiatives mentioned above. Our goal is to help make these big nights at Pittodrie truly special for everyone involved.

None of this would be possible without the incredible backing of Dons fans across the globe. We’re deeply grateful to each and every one of you for your continued support.

Dons fans can get involved by purchasing an official Fans Project pin badge, with all proceeds going directly to support the initiative. It’s a great way to show your backing while helping us continue to fund meaningful projects that enhance the matchday experience and support the wider community.

There are several ways you can get involved and support The Fans Project—please follow the links below to find out more.