As part of its commitment to deliver the best possible experience for its members, award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen has made a five-figure investment in fitness venue refurbishments across the city.
The exciting upgrades come as a result of invaluable customer feedback and staff input, as well as the charity’s dedication to delivering continuous improvements to the city’s leisure venues.
Following a competitive tender process, a new four-year partnership will see Pulse Fitness provide state-of-the-art fitness equipment in three Sport Aberdeen venues: Get active @ Alex Collie, Get active @ Kincorth and Get active @ Peterculter.
Each venue will boast new fitness equipment updated with the latest digital software which is compatible with TRAKK, the free Pulse Fitness app. Featured new equipment includes a dual multi-pulley, a dual chest and shoulder press, a half rack with platform and a stepmill machine.
Users will also benefit from an enhanced exercise environment, with access to a combination of cardio equipment, fixed resistance machines and free weights. Key developments include a new extension and stretching area at Get active @ Alex Collie, a dedicated weightlifting area and revamped space at Get active @ Kincorth, and a refreshed gym layout and visual makeover of the free weights room at Get active @ Peterculter.
One frequent user of Get active @ Alex Collie, said:
“I love what’s been done to the gym. I can really see a massive improvement to the layout and equipment. Sport Aberdeen has done a great job.”
Allan Rae, Group Operations Manager, said:
“By offering a refreshed layout and new gym equipment, we are providing our members with everything they need to have a fun and effective workout. We know that many members like to focus on strength-based training and our new layouts will support this.
“Placing customers at the heart of our services, we are excited to bring new pieces of kit to these venues and look forward to upgrading other venues throughout 2022.”
Sport Aberdeen’s Active Schools team is seeking new volunteers who are eager to play an important role in improving the health and wellbeing of Aberdeen’s young people.
The invitation to volunteer extends to anyone over the age of 13 with an interest in sport and a desire to give back to the local community, who is inspired to help young people. Secondary school pupils who opt to volunteer will be accompanied by an adult when helping to deliver sessions.
A sportscotland national initiative that aims to provide all children with high quality opportunities to take part in sport and physical activity, Active Schools is delivered in Aberdeen by award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen.
The team engages with all local authority primary and secondary schools across the city, with a responsibility to encourage young people to participate in free physical activity sessions and join extracurricular sports clubs.
Prior to Covid-19, a notable 89% of Active Schools activities were carried out by volunteers including parents, teachers, students, secondary school pupils and family members. The 2018 to 2019 school academic year saw 891 volunteer deliverers, with some 9588 pupils attending sessions.
Eilidh Shanks, former Active Schools volunteer during secondary school, said:
“I really enjoyed volunteering for Active Schools. I was involved in helping at netball clubs, holiday activity camps and fun runs. I loved that I got to work with kids of all ages, encouraging them to take part in sport. It was rewarding to see the kids enjoying themselves and improving each week.”
Volunteering can also help to shape a career in sport. Rory Anton, former Active Schools volunteer, commented:
“During my time volunteer coaching for Active Schools, it really helped me see the power of sport for young people and allowed me as a young coach to develop my leadership capabilities.
“There are definitely aspects of my job as a Club Development Officer at RGU SPORT supporting the development of our Student Leaders that I couldn’t do without the experience of leading so many sessions for Active Schools.”
This is a key opportunity to join a supportive team and individuals will receive full training to ensure safe delivery of all sessions.
Those who have the desire to make a difference, acquire new skills and positively impact the lives of local children through sport and physical activity are urged to get involved.
Find out further information about becoming an Active Schools volunteer here or contact the team directly at activeschools@sportaberdeen.co.uk
It is fair to say that the level of tree damage at Hazlehead is unprecedented and the storm impacted on many courses in the north-east of Scotland. The damage is particularly extensive on the MacKenzie Championship Course with the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 17th and 18th holes being the most affected. The amount of work required on the MacKenzie course means the approach to tackling the tree damage is more complex and needs greater consideration and planning.
However, we are pleased to share that Hazlehead Pines is back to the full 18-holes, weather permitting, with final tidying to be carried out during week commencing 20 December.
MacKenzie Championship Remedial Works
Further updates on the works required on the MacKenzie Championship Course will be provided in the near future. We hope that the actions we are taking demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the courses and getting 18-holes back in play at the earliest possible opportunity.
Any queries can be directed to golf@sportaberdeen.co.uk where the team will be happy to respond.
A partnership providing free use of leisure facilities in areas across Scotland, including Aberdeen, is back in action.
Award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen is part of the Leisure Link Partnership which gives its members access to gym, public swimming and fitness classes at participating leisure facilities in Argyll and Bute, the Borders, Highlands, Moray, Orkney, and the Western Isles at no extra cost to their existing membership.
Leisure Link was created so that people working away from home or on holiday can use local facilities from participating areas as part of their existing home-based membership.
David Selkirk, Sport Aberdeen Director of Community Leisure Operations, said: “I’m delighted that the Leisure Link Partnership is back, giving our members increased flexibility and even more opportunities to get active and I hope the added value that this brings encourages people to keep up with a healthy and active lifestyle whether on holiday in Scotland or away for work.”
Sport Aberdeen runs over 30 citywide venues and delivers more than thirty-five different activities for people of all ages and abilities.
Those making use of the scheme are asked to check directly with the site they are planning to visit whether advanced booking is necessary. For more information and to check out which facilities are included, click here.
Award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen has issued its latest annual report; highlighting the resilience of community sport and the people behind the north-east’s largest leisure provider throughout a “year like no other”.
The 2020/21 report reveals that even whilst venues were forced to close due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Sport Aberdeen continued to ensure that local people could stay active.
The charity was able to loan equipment to 150 customers, including over 80 body pump kits, 700kg of dumbbells and, 100 step blocks while over 100 live online fitness classes were delivered as part of a free Get active @ Home programme.
Sport Aberdeen’s Active Schools team supported children of key workers and vulnerable young people in 10 schools across the city and were able to support the delivery of several educational hubs, providing over 5,400 hours of assistance.
Almost 250 sports packs were delivered to care experienced children and young people as part of an initiative in partnership with Children 1st and Sport Aberdeen’s SPACE (Supported Physical Activity for Care Experienced) project.
The project, delivered in partnership with Aberdeen City Council, was recognised in the category ‘Developing and Supporting Communities during Covid-19’ at the ukactive Awards 2021 in August, capping off a successful year for Sport Aberdeen and highlighting the impact that it’s had on the community throughout the course of the pandemic.
Tony Dawson, Sport Aberdeen Chairman, said: “This has been a year like no other and so much has changed in this relatively short period of time, but there is so much that Sport Aberdeen can be proud of.
“The recognition of the advantages of living a healthy lifestyle has perhaps been one of the few positives to emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, a shift in attitude which is long overdue, and I’m pleased to say that we have, and we will, continue to keep Aberdeen active.
“The dedication of each member of the Sport Aberdeen team who remained at work during this time was just fantastic and I am personally very proud of our response and the support we provided to our community during this time.”
Alistair Robertson, managing director of Sport Aberdeen, said: “This report highlights the successes of an extremely challenging year, but it also serves as a reminder of how powerful community sport and physical activity can be, particularly in the face of such adversity. Not even a pandemic could stop us creating opportunities, inspiring people and changing lives through sport and physical activity.
“I want to pay tribute to everyone for coping, adapting and responding to our city, which was in crisis and in need of our help. We have absolutely risen to the challenge and met head on all that has been thrown at us, demonstrating great resilience throughout these unprecedented times, which has helped keep Sport Aberdeen afloat.
“During times of so much uncertainty we have managed to not only survive but have come out of the pandemic in a positive position. It has been the resilience and fortitude shown by our people in our community, and everyone who works with and for our charity that has allowed us to continue to play our part in the city’s recovery. Collectively, we have achieved so much, and we are a credit to the city of Aberdeen.”
You can view Sport Aberdeen’s full 2020/21 annual report here.
Police Scotland’s North East Division and award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen have teamed up with local organisations to host an event aimed at encouraging more young people to make the most of opportunities available to them throughout the city.
The initiative will focus on mitigating anti-social behaviour among young people by encouraging them to take part in local youth clubs, activities and participate in sport and adventurous activity.
The Police and Partners Youth Event will take place at Adventure Aberdeen Snowsports Centre in Garthdee on Saturday 18 September and run from 18:00 – 21:00.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage with local organisations and sign up to clubs and activities whilst taking part in free interactive stations including Transition Extreme’s climbing wall. ASDA and Sainsburys will provide refreshments free of charge for participants.
Adventure Aberdeen, part of Sport Aberdeen, operates the city’s only dry ski slope and will be offering free ski, snowboard and tubing taster sessions for up to 100 participants on a first come first served basis. Participants are encouraged to wear suitable clothing and bring gloves if they intend on taking part in the dry slope activities on offer.
North East Division officers will be manning the event alongside a number of other local organisations including:
- Sport Aberdeen
- Aberdeen Boat Club
- Girl Guides
- Aberdeen City Council youth work team
- Transition Extreme
- Boys Brigade
- Sea Cadets
- Capoeira club (Brazilian martial arts)
- Street Sports
- Goals
- Army Cadets
- Armed Forces recruitment office
- Police Youth Volunteers
PC Gavin Haigh, from Nigg Community Policing Team, said: “This is a great opportunity for the local community, clubs and businesses to come together for an informal evening. Everyone is welcome along to find out more about any of the clubs or representatives at the event. We hope to showcase some of the rewarding activities that young people can become involved with, rather than engaging in antisocial behaviour.
“I am encouraged to see so many local groups wanting to take part and thank them all for their involvement and support.”
Graeme Dale, Sport Aberdeen Head of Sport and Active Communities, said: “This is a great example of local partners coming together to encourage more young people to make the most of the abundance of sporting and other opportunities the city has to offer.
“We are delighted to be hosting the event at our Adventure Aberdeen Snowsports Centre and hope that our ski, snowboard and tubing taster sessions might inspire more young people to take up these exciting outdoor sports.
“Sport Aberdeen offers physical activity opportunities for everyone regardless of age or ability from the age of four upwards and our Active Starts and Active Futures memberships give young people access to swim, golf and tennis in the heart of Aberdeen. We really believe that participation in sport has the power to positively change young people’s lives.”
Funding has been officially extended to allow for an award-winning initiative to continue to provide opportunities for care experienced and looked after children in the Granite City.
SPACE (Supported Physical Activity for Care Experienced) is an innovative project delivered by registered charity Sport Aberdeen, which uses the positive benefits of sport and physical activity to help care experienced children and young people reach their full potential through bespoke interventions.
The project was the first of its kind in Scotland and is the evolution of the ‘Looked After Project’ which began in August 2016 in partnership with Aberdeen City Council, supporting children to get active while improving their confidence and physical and mental wellbeing. Aberdeen City Council is currently corporate parent to 520 children and young people.
Working together, Sport Aberdeen and Aberdeen City Council’s Integrated Children’s and Family Services aim to provide support for participants to achieve positive destinations utilising sport as a catalyst for positive change.
Following a four-year investment in the initiative, Aberdeen City Council have extended the agreement for a further year which will allow for two project activators to continue to support participants.
Graeme Dale, Sport Aberdeen Head of Sport and Active Communities, said: “I am extremely proud of the positive changes that the project has introduced over the last four years and with the funding extension we can reach even more young people throughout the city and improve physical and mental wellbeing through sport and physical activity. The impact that the programme has on the lives of our participants is fantastic, we have seen dramatic changes in the lives of our cared for young people.
“This is a really exciting time for SPACE as we announce the official rebrand, which was heavily influenced by the participants, ensuring that we have young people at the very heart of what we do. The rebrand also represents the expansion of the programme with it linking more closely with the Active Schools programme to increase capacity. The extension of funding is testament to the hard work of the project activators out in the community and all staff that have been involved behind the scenes.
“As a corporate parent Sport Aberdeen has the power to positively impact the lives of young people within the care of Aberdeen City Council, and through partnership working it is my hope that this initiative will continue to thrive.”
One young person enjoyed a walking group, set up in response to the pandemic, so much that he is starting to lead sessions, plan routes and has expressed interest in ‘helping the local community access this activity to combat loneliness’. This same young person was referred to the project to build relationships and social skills, which he now talks positively about. “[He is] excited to return to school for the social aspect. He walks with confidence and is now wearing designer clothes. His PE teacher has also commented on his improved fitness.” – Foster Parent
Another young person added: “This opportunity has been great for me and I am so thankful for the experience.”
Larissa Gordon, Virtual School Head Teacher, added: “Sport Aberdeen is a great example of a Corporate Parent and constantly look to do more to support our care experienced young people. During the pandemic they have adapted to ensure that they can continue to offer support where it is needed most within our community. This has had a huge impact and the SPACE programme has been vital in supporting the mental and physical health of some of our most at-risk young people during this period.”
The project was recently named winner at the ukactive Awards 2021, a UK wide awards ceremony celebrating the active lifestyle sector.
An Aberdeen partnership has launched a brand-new initiative encouraging people to get active this September in the hope of reducing social isolation whilst improving mental and physical wellbeing.
‘Step out September’ is a campaign to encourage people of all ages and abilities from across the city to take part in safe and local activity, meet new people, and improve their wellbeing.
Step out September is a partnership project between Bon Accord Care, ACVO, Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership and Sport Aberdeen and is part of ‘Stay Well Stay Connected’ which has an aim to promote better health and wellbeing, develop meaningful community relationships, promote better inclusion and help reduce social isolation.
A range of gentle social walks will take place from 13 to 19 September with a key aim of connecting people in some of Aberdeen’s open spaces.
The initiative is open to people of all abilities; if you use a wheelchair, use walking aids or if you are pushing a buggy, you’re encouraged to take part and enjoy the social aspect. No special equipment is required although participants are encouraged to bring a jacket and wear comfy shoes.
Andrinne Craig, Sport Aberdeen Healthy Communities Manager, said:
“We are really excited to launch Step out September and this is a fantastic example of partnership working, and the first opportunity these organisations have had to work together out in the community since the pandemic.
“Alongside a full timetable of social walks taking place, we have pulled together a free resource pack of alternative activities for anyone who cannot get outside to participate in the walks. We want to break down barriers and ensure everyone in Aberdeen, regardless of age or ability, can get active and connect with others in some way shape or form this September, and beyond.
“For many people the pandemic has been a period of isolation and activity levels have dropped. It is our hope that Step out September will act as a starting point for people to reengage with the community and get out and connect once again, in a safe and enjoyable way. Together we can, and we will, walk and talk our way back to wellbeing!”
Alison Wills Operations Director at Bon Accord Care Ltd, said:
“Keeping active is vital in helping keep people fit, healthy and independent. We will be encouraging our residents and service users to take part in the walks and if they prefer to stay indoors, we will point them in the direction of the alternative activity pack. We think the sock boccia sound great!”
A full timetable of citywide walks and more information is available to view here and additional walks are being added regularly.
We want to include as many people as possible and realise that not everyone can get outside just now, we have lots of ideas and free resources for your use on our website so that we can all take part. Click here to view and download our free Alternative Activity Guide.
Step out September Pledge
By pledging to take part in Step out September, you are playing your part in helping us work towards a healthier, happier, and more active city and community.
We would love to know what you are doing to celebrate Step out September so please send any photographs to SWSC@aberdeencity.gov.uk and you can share your own Step out September stories and photographs on social media using #SoS2021
Sport Aberdeen has been named as a winner at the ukactive Awards 2021, a UK wide awards ceremony celebrating the active lifestyle sector, which took place virtually on Thursday 12 August.
Sport Aberdeen’s SPACE (Supported Physical Activity for Care Experienced) project, delivered in partnership with Aberdeen City Council, has been recognised in the category ‘Developing and Supporting Communities during Covid-19’.
SPACE is an innovative project delivered by Sport Aberdeen, which uses the positive benefits of sport and physical activity to help care experienced children and young people reach their full potential through bespoke interventions.
The project was the first of its kind in Scotland and is the evolution of the ‘Looked After Project’ which began in August 2016 in partnership with Aberdeen City Council. As a corporate parent, Sport Aberdeen has a commitment to over 450 care experienced young people within the care of Aberdeen City Council.
Working together, Sport Aberdeen and Aberdeen City Council’s Integrated Children’s and Family Services aim to provide support for participants to achieve positive destinations utilising sport as a catalyst for positive change.
The project mentors the city’s most vulnerable children and young people who would otherwise have little or no access to many opportunities. These opportunities include boxing, cycling, horse-riding and accessing local greenspaces alongside free-of-charge membership to Sport Aberdeen’s citywide gyms.
During the first Covid-19 lockdown, Project Activators were deployed into educational hubs, established to support children living in vulnerable situations. In total, 1,095 hours were spent directly impacting three hubs, with another 5,000 hours of Active Schools, part of Sport Aberdeen, time supporting children and young people across six hubs for children of keyworkers, and Orchard Brae School.
“I am absolutely thrilled that the SPACE project has been recognised at a UK level and this achievement is really a testament to the hard work and determination of everyone who works to make this project so successful.
Graeme Dale
Graeme Dale, Sport Aberdeen Head of Sport and Active Communities, said: “The impact that SPACE has had on young people, improving physical and mental wellbeing through sport and physical activity, has been incredible and with wider recognition it is my hope that we can continue to grow and develop this initiative and reach even more children and young people across the north-east alongside our partners, Aberdeen City Council.”
Councillor Jenny Laing, leader of Aberdeen City Council, added: “As a council we are proud to be a partner in the SPACE project, which has harnessed the city’s sports and leisure offering as a way of helping care experienced children young people reach their full potential.
“Exercise and activity – whether that’s participating in team games or accessing green spaces – can greatly enhance physical and mental wellbeing, and this brilliant initiative could not have been more timely. Staff at the council and Sport Aberdeen, along with community supporters, thoroughly deserve to be recognised for their efforts.”
Two award-winning Granite City charities have teamed up to deliver relaxed canoeing sessions for children of all abilities as part of a free activity programme this summer.
Aberdeen City Council’s Summer of Play programme aims to support the wellbeing of children and young people across the city who have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sport Aberdeen is one of several partners offering a huge range of free activities based on what young people and their families said they missed most during lockdown.
In partnership with award-winning charity We Too!, an organisation which empowers families of children with disabilities in the north-east, Sport Aberdeen has been delivering relaxed canoeing sessions at the city’s historic Rubislaw Quarry, specifically designed to allow children of all abilities to enjoy the sport in a safe and welcoming environment.
We Too! has supported Adventure Aberdeen staff with additional training and resource packs and each family session has had an additional staff member on hand to help support all participants.
This has been a very challenging year and it is so important to support young people of all abilities not only in reconnecting with family and friends but also by giving them the opportunity to try something completely new.
Graeme Dale
Graeme Dale, Sport Aberdeen Head of Sport and Active Communities, said: “We are thrilled to be offering such a diverse range of free sporting and outdoor activities as part of the Summer of Play programme and by working in partnership with We Too! we have been able to extend our offering even further.
“Our relaxed canoeing sessions, delivered by specifically trained staff, create a safe place for young people with additional support needs to take part in a fun activity in a breath-taking setting alongside family members completely free of charge and the response we have had has been fantastic.”
Depute Lord Provost, Councillor Jennifer Stewart was at Rubislaw Quarry to see the adventure activity at first hand. She said: “It was wonderful to be at Rubislaw and see the participants experiencing the freedom of being on holiday, of being outside and enjoying adventure – a true gift of experience.
“We’ve had a tremendous response from children and young people to our huge and unprecedented Summer of Play. It’s such a pleasure to be able to provide our young people with the fun and enjoyment that they have missed over the last year.
“With partners such as Sport Aberdeen and WeToo! Aberdeen City Council is delivering the biggest tailor-made programme of play and creative activities in our history. Importantly, as we work towards becoming a UNICEF-recognised Child Friendly City, the Summer of Play has been co-designed by our children and young people who told us exactly which activities they have most missed because of the impact of the pandemic.”
It’s been wonderful to strengthen our existing partnership with Sport Aberdeen, delivering our Summer of Play offering to children with additional support needs within the city.
Phionna McInnes
Phionna McInnes, Chief Executive of We Too! added: “The feedback has been incredible from families who have been unable to attend previous sessions, not just due to the pandemic, but also due to shielding, young carers roles and financial considerations. Fantastic, positive memories are being made this summer by all families within the area and we are delighted to be able to play our part.”
The Summer of Play programme sees a huge range of activities, completely free to participants, across the city from sports to science, arts and crafts to interaction with the city’s wildlife and green spaces.
The activities are based on a consultation undertaken by Aberdeen City Council with children and young people being directly involved in shaping the programme, suggesting activities they missed most during lockdown and the activities they most wanted to get back to when restrictions eased.
The involvement of children and young people is a key element of Aberdeen’s ongoing work towards becoming a UNICEF-recognised Child Friendly City.
The priorities for access to the programme are those, including low-income families, who have experienced the most significant negative impacts associated with extended periods of isolation and lack of participation in normal activities during the pandemic.