Award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen has launched a brand-new residential outdoor instructor training programme with the hope of inspiring the next generation of adventurous leaders.
The Adventure Speyside Instructor Training Academy, set in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, is led by the charity’s Adventure Aberdeen instructors who are among the best in the country at their chosen sports and are passionate about passing on their skills and knowledge.
The residential course takes on six participants, aged 18 and over, per programme and runs for 14 weeks.
Over the course of the programme, National Governing Body awards will be gained in:
- First Aid at Work
- Foundation Safety Rescue Training
- Paddlesport Instructor
- White Water Safety Rescue
- Level 2 Mountain Bike
- Summer Mountain Leader Award
- Rock Climbing Instructor Training
Participants will also be fully trained as coasteering and gorge walking leaders and learn skills in the following activities: hill walking, scrambling, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, sea kayaking, gorge walking, coasteering, mountain biking, team building activities, orienteering and wilderness skills.
We are really excited about launching our brand-new training academy and it is my hope that it will inspire budding outdoor instructors to take the leap and dive into what for me, has become a dream job.
Mike Gifford
Mike Gifford, Adventure Aberdeen Manager, said: “Enrolling in the Adventure Speyside Instructor Training Academy will provide a unique opportunity in a breath-taking setting and participants will leave with real and exciting employment prospects, with opportunities to become part of the Adventure Aberdeen team.
“Whether you are looking for an alternative to university or have decided to re-skill in the wake of the pandemic, we really hope to encourage the next generation of outdoor leaders in the north and north-east of Scotland.”
On completion of the course participants will be given the opportunity to interview to become an Adventure Aberdeen and Adventure Speyside Outdoor Instructor, providing adventurous activity across the north-east of Scotland for people of all ages and abilities.
For further information please click here or email adventureaberdeen@sportaberdeen.co.uk
Award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen has been able to offer a number of educational outdoor activity days for children in the city thanks to funding received from Aberdeen City Council.
Almost five weeks of outdoor and adventurous activity sessions have been organised by Adventure Aberdeen, part of Sport Aberdeen, for children and young people who would otherwise not have access to these opportunities.
Up to 80 children and families can take part in activities each week ranging from forest walks and wilderness skills to hill walking and gorge walking. Participants will also have the opportunity to try canoeing at the city’s historic Rubislaw Quarry culminating in a family fun day at the end of the programme.
Participants taking part in a wilderness skills and forest walk session
Children and young people have been identified through close partnership working with key children’s services across Aberdeen City including Action for Children -Aberdeen Priority Families, Barnardo’s and Intensive Support at Craigielea.
We are really pleased to be working in partnership with several children’s services throughout the city, giving families who would perhaps not ordinarily have the chance to take part in these types of outdoor activities this summer the opportunity to do so.
Graeme Dale
Graeme Dale, Sport Aberdeen Head of Sport and Active Communities, said: “We have a fantastic outdoor activity offering on our doorstep and thanks to funding received we are able to facilitate five weeks of adventurous and educational sessions this summer.
“Working together with key services allows us to target and reach more children and young people and it is my hope that this initiative will help to inspire more young people to get out and get active while making the most of the amazing natural landscape that we are fortunate to have around us.”
Mary-Louise Clipston, Northern Star Project Worker (Barnardo’s), who attended one of the forest walk and wilderness skills sessions, said: “I went along on the forest walk with a 9-year-old boy who I work with. I was a little nervous that a child whose main interests are Fortnite and football might not find it very interesting… but it quickly became clear there was no cause for concern!
“The time whizzed past as we explored nature, played games, learned how to safely light fires, and had a den building contest. This particular child has very little opportunity to engage in these sorts of activities and I have no doubt that the chance to access these events will positively impact his wellbeing.”
Registered charity Sport Aberdeen has been announced as a finalist in two categories for the Northern Star Business Awards, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce’s annual celebration of business success across the region.
Now in their 18th year, the awards recognise companies in the north-east for their exceptional accomplishments across a range of fields from internationalisation and innovation to people development, environmental action and customer service.
The north-east’s largest leisure trust has been shortlisted as a finalist in the ‘Making the Difference’ category, recognising the charity’s commitment to positive change within the community, and the ‘Rising Star’ category which highlights the achievements of a member of staff who has made a significant impact within their organisation.
Sport Aberdeen is committed to creating opportunities for everyone to take part in sport and physical activity and has one simple goal; to get more people active, breaking down barriers such as cost, age, ability and gender and prides itself on making a real difference to the local community.
Throughout the last year, despite two significant periods of closure during lockdown, Sport Aberdeen has continued to create opportunities for the people of Aberdeen to engage in sport and physical activity, from its free Get active @ Home hub, which provided online classes and resources for all ages and abilities, to specific programmes for care experienced young people, older adults and people living with respiratory conditions.
Sport Aberdeen’s ‘Rising Star’ Craig Roberts, joined the charity in in September 2015 in the role of HR Administrator during which time he was completing his master’s degree in Human Resources Management at Robert Gordon University. Now an HR Business Partner, and part of the charity’s extended leadership team, Craig has raised the bar in demonstrating company pride, loyalty, commitment and work ethic.
We are thrilled to be shortlisted in two categories along with so many deserving organisations and we are very much looking forward to what is always a fantastic night.
Alistair Robertson
Alistair Robertson, Sport Aberdeen Managing Director commented on the announcement: “After an extremely challenging time for charities and businesses everywhere, the Northern Star Business Awards are more important than ever in celebrating the north-east’s resilience and achievements.
“Despite these challenges, we have continued to create opportunities for everyone in Aberdeen to remain active and I am extremely proud of the whole team who have worked hard to carry on supporting the local community throughout the pandemic. Now, as we look towards further easing of restrictions, we are more determined than ever to make a difference in the north-east through sport and physical activity.”
The winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony on Friday, February 11 2022 at P&J Live, Aberdeen.
Work is to start on the transformation of an Aberdeen swimming pool that will include a gym and wellness centre and combine with other amenities to create a new community sports hub.
CHAP Group has been appointed by Aberdeen City Council (ACC) to carry out the £4.8 million refurbishment of Northfield Swimming Pool following a competitive tendering exercise. The work is being funded by ACC with significant support from Sport Aberdeen, which operates the city’s leisure venues, as well as from sportscotland.
The council-owned facility was built in 1996 and comprises a traditional 25-metre six-lane tank.
The pool closed due to equipment failures and as part of the contract significant elements of the mechanical and electrical plant will be replaced along with fixtures and fittings. In addition, the new facility will include:
- A larger, fully accessible changing village;
- Group changing and family changing;
- 40-station fitness suite;
- Multi-purpose studio;
- Dry changing facilities;
- Clinical suites for use by NHS Grampian;
- Additional car and cycle parking.
The business case was approved by the City Growth and Resources Committee but the plan had to be put on hold because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting restrictions.
Councillor Gordon Graham, vice convener of Capital Programme Committee, said: “To be progressing with the build is fantastic news for both the local community and Aberdeen as a whole.
“Together with Sport Aberdeen the council is committing a very significant financial investment to deliver a state-of-the-art health, fitness and sport hub. In addition to technical upgrades to the pool itself, the new facilities will provide an exciting wellness centre for the local communities of Northfield and Mastrick, and people across the city.
“The new dry facilities will greatly broaden its appeal, increase income, and so help make the pool more financially self-sustaining long into the future.”
Sport Aberdeen has been awarded funding of £100,000 from sportscotland, Scotland’s national sporting body, to support the project – the maximum amount awarded for capital projects.
We look forward to delivering this fantastic venue for the Northfield community, creating the opportunity for more people of all ages and abilities to access first class sport and physical activity facilities.
Tony Dawson, Chairman
Sport Aberdeen chairman Tony Dawson said: “We are delighted to reach this significant milestone in the refurbishment and expansion of Northfield Swimming Pool.
“Along with our partners at Aberdeen City Council, we have been working incredibly hard behind the scenes to ensure this project has kept momentum over the last, very challenging year.
“The support of sportscotland, by way of a significant funding grant, is very gratefully received and we look forward to delivering this fantastic venue for the Northfield community, creating the opportunity for more people of all ages and abilities to access first class sport and physical activity facilities.”
Stewart Harris, chief executive, sportscotland, said: “This is a fantastic example of partnership working where, by combining our resources, we can make a real impact where it matters. That’s why we were delighted to provide support and investment to Aberdeen City Council and Sport Aberdeen to help make this project a reality.
“It is thanks to funding from the National Lottery, which raises £36 million a week for Good Causes, that we are able to invest in projects like the Northfield Pool. This development will provide more opportunities for people to take part in sport and physical activity right at the heart of the communities where they live.”
The pool is expected to open in summer 2022.
Hugh Craigie, Managing Director at CHAP Group, said: “CHAP Group are pleased to have been awarded the upgrade project at Northfield Swimming Pool. The planned upgrades and extension to the existing facilities will rejuvenate Northfield Swimming Pool and bring the amenity up to date. We look forward to working alongside Aberdeen City Council and Sport Aberdeen to deliver this exciting project.”
The site is next to a recently completed third generation 3G artificial turf pitch at Northfield Academy, and a sports centre comprising bowling greens and tennis courts. Part of the project will involve landscaping to connect these facilities.
Pictured: (left to right) Sport Aberdeen board chairman Tony Dawson; Sport Aberdeen managing director Alistair Robertson; Councillor Gordon Graham; and Ron Liddell, CHAP construction director.
Step out September, have a stroll with us!
Step out September is a campaign to encourage people across the city to take part in safe, local opportunities in September, it is a partnership project between Bon Accord Care, ACVO, Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership and Sport Aberdeen. Step out September 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.
There will be a range of gentle social walks and talks advertised where you can connect with other people both in and around your local area and in some of Aberdeen’s open spaces. You don’t need any special equipment, just bring yourself, wear your comfy shoes and bring a jacket.
If you use a wheelchair, use walking aids or if you are pushing a buggy, come along for a blether! We really want your company!
If you would like to do something in your school, in your housing complex, or workplace then let us know. We will have lots of ideas and resources we can share with you for inspiration so get in touch via SWSC@aberdeencity.gov.uk and we can add you to our Step Out September list. We’d love to get some photos to capture what you are doing to celebrate Stepping out this September!
If you already host a regular activity that you would like to include in Step out September, we would be delighted to hear from you!
If you are interested in training to become a walk leader then we can arrange this too. For more details on FREE Paths for All Walk Leader Training please click here or contact Sport Aberdeen Health Walk Coordinator Brian Harrison on ActiveLifestyles@sportaberdeen.co.uk
We are especially keen to reach those who have lost confidence and feel isolated due to the pandemic, so if this is you or someone you know, then come along!
We will give regular updates on Step out September but please get in touch if you have any queries or if you want to share your own ideas.
Together we CAN and together we WILL walk and talk our way back to wellbeing! We can’t wait to see you!
Registered charity Sport Aberdeen is delighted to announce that it has been named as a finalist in the ukactive Awards 2021, a national awards ceremony celebrating the UK active lifestyle sector.
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 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. 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.
This is a really exciting time for SPACE as we announce the official rebrand, which was heavily influenced by the participants, and now also being selected as a finalist alongside so many other deserving projects, we are absolutely thrilled for the project to be recognised in this way.
Graeme Dale
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.
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, in particular the work carried out during the very challenging months of the pandemic. The impact that it has had on young people, improving physical and mental wellbeing through sport and physical activity has been incredible.
“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 and with national recognition we will be able to reach many more children and young people within the city.”
Larissa Gordon, Virtual School Head Teacher with Aberdeen City Council added: “The SPACE project has gone from strength to strength and its fantastic to watch as it develops, but more importantly seeing the real difference it makes to the lives of the children and young people who take part in it is invaluable.
“The positive changes that can be seen in participants both within and out-with the school environment is fantastic and through our joint working approach we are able to create opportunities for so many people in Aberdeen. I’m thrilled that SPACE has been shortlisted as a finalist for the ukactive awards and would like to wish the best of luck to all the other brilliant projects that make a difference to local communities.”
Find out more about the SPACE project here.
Sport Aberdeen is set to host gymnastic instructor training sessions in the hope of attracting more coaches in order to expand the city’s sporting offering.
The official Scottish Gymnastics Activity Instructor Course will run in July for people aged 18 and over and is aimed at anyone interested in gymnastics coaching and has experience working with children. It will take place at Get active @ Kincorth on Corthan Crescent during the week commencing 19 July and will be spread over four days; three practical and one theory.
There may be an opportunity to receive funding for the course, please contact Programme Coordinator Aynsley Henderson on Ahenderson@sportaberdeen.co.uk if you would like more information or to book a space by Monday 28 June.
Dianne Breen, Sport Aberdeen Programme and Membership Services Manager said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for anyone who is interested in delivering basic gymnastics skills and is looking to develop their knowledge and help others. It is our hope that by up upskilling more people in Aberdeen we will be able to expand our extremely popular gymnastics offering, creating more opportunities for people to take part in community sport.
“Spaces are filling up quickly so I would encourage anyone who is interested in developing their skills to get in touch with us as soon as they can.”
The gymnastics programme at Sport Aberdeen is an ideal way to get involved in gymnastics and trampoline in Aberdeen. We operate at a number of venues across the city and our gymnastics and trampoline coaches are qualified through the Scottish and British Gymnastics coach education programme. Click here for more information.
Sport Aberdeen has received investment from Action for Children to extend a partnership project supporting local families facing challenges in Aberdeen.
Sport Aberdeen and Action for Children, a UK children’s charity committed to helping vulnerable children and young people, joined forces in 2019 to appoint a new Project Activator post within the city, made possible through a grant from the Changing Lives Through Sport and Physical Activity Fund – a partnership between The Robertson Trust, The Scottish Government, sportscotland and Spirit of 2012.
Following a very successful three-years, the Priority Families Service, which saw the Project Activator embedded into the Priority Families team, has been awarded further investment and Action for Children will facilitate the local post until March 2022.
The additional resource has allowed the project to offer a greater level of support to meet the needs of families and individuals within the city who often have fewer opportunities to engage in sport and physical activity and are frequently affected by negative outcomes leading to health inequalities.
Programme interventions work both on a one to one basis and with the family as a whole. The project uses activities offered by Sport Aberdeen and partnerships within the local sports network, providing a wide range of opportunities that help meet key objectives including enabling vulnerable families in Aberdeen to:
- enjoy better physical and emotional wellbeing;
- better engage in positive and constructive behaviours and choices;
- and have increased confidence and self-esteem.
I am delighted that Action for Children has been able to extend its partnership investment and we are very much looking forward to continuing the work we do, giving everyone access to physical activity, improving physical and mental health.
Graeme Dale
Graeme Dale, Sport Aberdeen Head of Sport and Active Communities, said: “Extending this project not only means that we can support even more families across the city but also highlights the vital role that partnership working plays within the third sector, creating more opportunities to reach the local community.
“The last year has been exceptionally challenging and with this extra lifeline we will look to support the community’s recovery through harnessing the power of sport and bringing about real and positive change to vulnerable families in Aberdeen.”
Paul Carberry, Action for Children Director for Scotland, said: “We are pleased with this award of extended funding. This continued partnership will enable children, young people and their families we support from across Aberdeen City to access varied support through sport.
“Covid lockdowns have shown how much people value and link their physical and mental health to their general well-being. It is vital in aiding the recovery of individuals and communities that we can continue to offer people that increased engagement with sport and physical activities.
“We are grateful to Sport Aberdeen and the funders for their support and commitment to the children, young people and families we work with in Aberdeen.”
One of the north-east’s most popular golf courses has reopened to the public following a significant programme of restoration works over the autumn and winter months.
Golf Aberdeen, part of award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen, which also manages the MacKenzie Championship, Hazlehead Pines and Balnagask Golf Courses, officially re-opened the greens at Kings Links Golf Course on Saturday 2 May.
Following chemical damage to the greens last August, work on the course has been overseen by Golf Aberdeen’s maintenance partners idverde with on-going expert independent advice from the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) who have commended the maintenance team on the quality of work undertaken and progress made to date.
I believe the overriding success of this project was due to the team ethic at Golf Aberdeen and their partners at idverde.
Gary Smith, STRI Regional Turfgrass Agronomist
Gary Smith, STRI’s Regional Turfgrass Agronomist who worked in partnership with Golf Aberdeen said: “The challenges of regenerating damaged grass plants alongside germinating new seedlings into mature grasses in poor weather conditions are enormous, however, with perseverance and patience, underpinned by the decisions made to close the greens to play, allowed the targeted outcomes to be achieved.
“All parties should be congratulated on the positive can-do attitude taken and adoption of the primary concerns of cardinal importance for grass plant health and longer-term improved surface renewal.”
The programme has consisted of: regular surface brushing, reseeding with fine turfgrass, topdressing, rolling and mowing and a nutritional programme which includes fertilisers and soil improvers. A monitoring programme saw daily photographic records of each green and soil sampling throughout.
Alistair Robertson, Sport Aberdeen Managing Director, said: “We are very pleased with the outcome of the intensive programme of rectification works on the greens. The Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) gave a very positive and encouraging final review and were impressed at how they have stood up to the snow and ice over the winter months.
“I am delighted that we are now in a position to re-open the greens and I am confident that, as we move through spring, the better weather will mean the course will continue to recover from the prolonged winter weather and flourish.
“I am sure that we have a very positive season ahead for Golf Aberdeen members and players and I would like to extend my thanks to them for their patience while these rectification works took place. I would also like to thank our staff and maintenance partners who have worked hard to ensure the greens are in the condition they are now.”
Golf Aberdeen members flocked to the newly opened greens on Saturday. John Wood, William Pirie and Scott Davidson were the very first to tee off after reopening and commented on the condition of the greens after almost a year of hard work to bring them back to their former glory.
John Wood said: “It’s good to see lots of familiar faces back out on the course. I thought the greens were in really good condition. I’ve been on different courses over the last four or five weeks and this is right up there with the other ones I’ve been playing on, so well done.”
William Pirie said: “It’s fantastic. We played here most of the winter and the course was always in good nick but today was exceptional. For early season greens they were all really good, a few bumpy bits but that’s to be expected. It’s great to be back on a lovely day like today.”
To find out more about Golf Aberdeen memberships, click here.
Sport Aberdeen welcomed almost 1,300 members back to several of its citywide venues on its first two days of reopening, after four months of closure due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Alongside Aberdeen Tennis Centre and Adventure Aberdeen Snowsports Centre, seven of Sport Aberdeen’s gyms opened their doors. Sport Aberdeen staff have been attending training in preparation for reopening, ensuring that enhanced safety protocols are in place to protect employees, volunteers and members.
Alistair Robertson, Sport Aberdeen Managing Director commented: “The response from the community has been fantastic. Gyms, pools and community leisure centres are absolutely vital to the mental and physical health and wellbeing of our community and these encouraging numbers only serve to highlight the eagerness to return to fitness.
It was fantastic to be back. The staff were welcoming and friendly as usual. I was made to feel like a valued member and felt exceedingly safe to be there and can’t recommend it highly enough!
Sport Aberdeen member
“Everyone has been working incredibly hard behind the scenes to ensure that our venues are safe, clean and ready and from the very encouraging feedback we have received over the last few days I am proud to say that our team has been going above and beyond in creating a friendly and welcoming environment for people returning to activities.”
At Get active @ Jesmond, another member appreciated the support of staff when returning from a lengthy break from the gym: “The staff are so lovely. Always helpful. Always smiley. Always friendly. The gym is 10000000% outside my comfort zone, so these small ‘acts of kindness’ are very much appreciated.”