Dozens of schools around the north-east sign have signed-up for Aberdeen FC Community Trust’s (AFCCT) education partnership programme.
The Dons aim to close the poverty-related attainment gap by drawing on the power of the the club’s brand and the north-east’s passion for football.
The initiative is marking the new school term with a number of new signings for its award-winning Partner Schools Initiative.
Already 23 schools across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have signed up for the 2020/2021 season.
In the past two years, the trust has worked with 14,000 children, many of whom require behavioural, emotional, and social support, with each school invited to choose from a range of programmes to find those that best suits their pupils.
Councillor John Wheeler, Aberdeen City Council’s education operational delivery convener, said he is “delighted” Hazlehead School is taking part in the initiative.
Mr Wheeler said:Â “Even before the Covid-19 pandemic struck, outdoor learning was taking on even greater importance in our approaches to education.
“I know head teacher Barbara Jones shares the view that sport is a great way to engage with learners and feels that the partnership compliments the school’s values of respect, responsibility, courage, fairness and opportunity.”
Head teacher at Banff’s King Edward School, Audrey Clark, said she had “no hesitation” in signing the school up for the session as she believes they have a positive impact on pupils.
Aberdeen FC was named Best Professional Club by UEFA at its 2019 Grassroots Awards.
