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King Edward Primary joins Aberdeen FC's education programme


By Kyle Ritchie

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King Edward Primary is one of the latest signings for the Dons as part of the Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust’s partner schools programme.

It is one of 20 schools from across the north-east to join the scheme.

Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust (AFCCT) works with schools, breakfast clubs, after school and community clubs across the region to re-engage pupils in education through their passion for football.

The schools are partnering with the trust to deliver health and wellbeing interventions with children who require behavioural, emotional and social support.

In the last two years, the trust has worked successfully with more than 14,000 children through 23 schools and other education projects to reduce absenteeism and lateness, improve pupil health and well-being and support their behavioural, emotional and social needs to raise attainment.

The results of the trust’s education programme were a key factor in Aberdeen Football Club being recognised by UEFA as Best Professional Club in its Grassroots Awards 2019.

Education is the main driver of the trust’s mission, linked to its healthy communities and football for life programmes.

Last year, the Trust reported that for every £1 invested in football participation in the region, there is a £10 cumulative economic, social and public health return.

Robbie Hedderman, partnership and business development manager, at AFCCT said: “It’s widely acknowledged that football, more than any other sport, has the power to inspire young people.

"Our coaches act as positive role models, go into schools, after school clubs and community projects to work with young people who have been identified as requiring additional support.

"By capturing their attention through a range of football-related activities, we can encourage them to attend class, turn up on time, learn how to cope with any behavioural or emotional issues and teach them invaluable life skills such as team-work and communication.

"Our partner schools programme is well positioned to support these schools and headteachers have seen first-hand the influence and positive impact we can have on individual pupils which, in turn, supports their teachers and their school’s attainment levels.”

The interest in the trust’s partner schools programme has increased year-on-year for the last three years.

Aberdeenshire Council works in partnership with the community trust.

Councillor Gillian Owen, Aberdeenshire Council’s education and children’s services committee chairwoman, said: "The national recognition this innovative combination of education and sport has received is very pleasing.

“I am therefore delighted Aberdeenshire Council is continuing to work in partnership with Aberdeen FC Community Trust and others to resume this worthwhile programme that makes such a difference to upskilling young people from various backgrounds to play important roles in our communities.”


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