The Northfield community will soon have access to one of the best health and wellbeing facilities of its kind in the city, with progress well underway for the revamp of the former Northfield Swimming Pool, based at Kettlehills Crescent.
Award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen secured sportscotland’s highest value grant of £100,000 to bring this project to life.
Stewart Harris, chief executive at sportscotland, said: “It’s terrific to see the progress on Northfield Pool. This will be a fantastic asset for the local community, and a great addition to the sports facilities on offer across Aberdeen.
“We are delighted to work in partnership with Aberdeen City Council and Sport Aberdeen to help make this project a reality. By combining our expertise and resources, we are able to target investment where it will have a real impact. It is thanks to National Lottery, which raises £30 million a week for Good Causes, that we are able to invest in projects like the Northfield Pool, providing more opportunities for people to take part in sport and physical activity.”
Now over halfway through the construction programme which commenced in September 2021 by CHAP Group, the new venue – Get active @ Northfield – is on target to open late summer 2022.
In addition to the swimming pool, the venue will boast a large, fully accessible changing village, 40-station fitness suite, multi-purpose studio, dry changing facilities, clinical suites for use by NHS Grampian and ample car and cycle parking.
“We are really looking forward to the doors opening at Get active @ Northfield.
“It is fantastic for us to receive endorsement from sportscotland and we are delighted that Sport Aberdeen is a trusted partner to deliver this project effectively.
“We know this will be an impressive venue for the Northfield community to enjoy and hope that individuals of all ages and abilities will feel inspired to get active and make use of the variety of facilities.”
Tony Dawson, Sport Aberdeen chairman
Councillor Jenny Laing, Aberdeen City Council Leader, said: “Aberdeen City Council is proud to be working with partners to deliver a pool and fitness centre that will benefit not just the people of Northfield and Mastrick but communities across the city.
“The investment is line with our commitment to providing opportunities to improve physical and mental health, and in addition it will better position the facility to be financially self-sustaining in the future.”
Image: L-R Grant Duncan, Senior Project Manager, sportscotland, Councillor Jenny Laing – Leader of Aberdeen City Council and Tony Dawson, Chairman, Sport Aberdeen
Award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen has recently enhanced its portfolio by launching new professional fitness coaching for members.
Designed for those who could benefit from further support on their fitness journey, a block of sessions with a professional fitness coach will provide motivation, support on how to perform exercises properly, as well as a personal training programme tailored to the individual.
Typically, a session with a professional fitness coach will last for one hour, however there are options to train with up to one or two friends to reduce the cost.
Sport Aberdeen Professional Fitness Coach, Will Wilson, said “There are several benefits from engaging with a professional fitness coach including workout variety, improving technique and form, gaining a motivation boost and feeling challenged and inspired. Our mission is to support our members to achieve their fitness goals and have fun along the way.”
Further details and enquiries can be made here.
Non-members are encouraged to sign up for a free guest pass which can be used for a gym visit or attending a fitness class at any Sport Aberdeen fitness venue across the city. To redeem a guess pass today, follow the link here.
An Aberdeen partnership has recently launched a new project to draw attention to the importance of strength and balance training for preventing falls.
The initiative – ‘Stand Up To Falls’ – will highlight a series of exercise videos and useful online resources to help individuals who are at an increased risk of having a fall or are concerned about a friend or family member having a fall. The resources are free to access and available to anyone who may benefit from them.
Stand Up To Falls is as a collaborative effort between Sport Aberdeen, Bon Accord Care, ACVO and Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership (ACHSCP).
The collaboration forms part of the wider working group ‘Stay Well Stay Connected’ – focused on enhancing health and wellbeing, developing impactful community relationships, improving inclusion culture and reducing social isolation.
Andrinne Craig, Healthy Communities Manager at Sport Aberdeen, said: “It is so important that we collectively raise awareness of falls prevention in order to support our local community as best we can.
“The one simple way to reduce the risk of falls is through exercise, so the resources we’re providing include simple, easy to follow exercise videos for improving strength and balance.
“We really hope our campaign will be a convenient one-stop source for beneficial information and tools to aid the prevention of falls.”
Pamela Mackenzie, Managing Director at Bon Accord Care, said: “Keeping active and preventing falls is key to retaining your independence at any age, but particularly as we get older. These exercises are a great way to support your strength and balance. A few minutes a day can make all the difference.”
Jayne Boyle, Senior Project Manager, Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership said:
“Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership is delighted to be part of the ‘Stand Up To Falls’ campaign. We want our communities to achieve positive mental and physical health outcomes and this initiative offers access to easy-to-follow exercises, information and resources in one place, which will enable people to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding to look after themselves and help prevent falls.
“By working together with partner organisations in ‘Stay Well Stay Connected’, we aim to move closer to achieving our aspiration of Aberdeen being one of the healthiest places to live in Europe.”
Janet Thompson, Occupational Therapist at Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership, said:
“The culture of inter-agency working that exists between NHS Grampian, ACHSCP and Sport Aberdeen has remained resilient and productive throughout COVID-19. This is something very special and should be treasured.”
To find out more and view the full range of resources, head to the dedicated page on our website here.
Keep an eye on social media updates by searching for the hashtag #StandUpToFallsAberdeen.
Momentum continues for award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen as it makes a significant investment in dry ski slope upgrades at Adventure Aberdeen Snowsports Centre.
The key improvements, with a value exceeding £125,000 – will see 600m2 of synthetic matting replaced across two high-traffic areas on the ‘Great White’ – one of five slopes at the venue.
A credible alternative to snow, the matting is a high-performance synthetic system which offers two essential properties for the enjoyment of skiing and snowboarding; slip for speed and grip for the ability to switch direction and regulate the speed of descent.
Other recent developments at the centre include the installation of a travellator on the tubing slope, widening and flattening of surrounding paths as part of enhanced Covid-19 safety measures, and redecoration of the main building’s interior to welcome customers back after a period of closure due to the pandemic.
Skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts can expect to reap the benefits of the new slope improvements immediately as the works concluded in early January.
Home to the only dry ski slopes in the city, Adventure Aberdeen Snowsports Centre currently supports around 600 participants weekly on its lessons and coaching programme.
The programme consists of continuous improvement lessons for adults, juniors and individuals with additional support needs, as well as race training, freestyle sessions and taster sessions.
Those who wish to travel further afield to a ski resort can hire all the necessary snowsports kit from the centre’s rental service.
Graeme Dale, Head of Sport and Active Communities, said: “At Sport Aberdeen, we are committed to providing first-class sporting facilities which are inclusive and accessible to everyone.
“We are delighted to again be reinvesting back into the communities that we serve through the slope replacement work at Adventure Aberdeen Snowsports Centre. This represents a substantial investment and we’re sure the improvements to the quality of the facility and experience will be warmly welcomed by our regular users.
“With the growing popularity of snowsports, it is hoped that budding skiers and snowboarders will be inspired to take to the slopes too.”
Trafford Wilson, Chief Executive Officer at Snowsport Scotland, said: “It is great to recognise Sport Aberdeen’s commitment to continuous improvement and further development for the future.
“It is vital that we encourage more individuals to get involved in the action-packed and thrill-seeking nature of snowsports and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it.
“I am confident that Sport Aberdeen’s latest investment will boost grassroots participation in snowboarding and skiing in the north-east.”
If you fancy hitting the slopes, you can view the public open session timetable here, otherwise please email snowsports@sportaberdeen.co.uk to find out more about lessons.
We are pleased to share that tree clearance works began at the MacKenzie Championship Golf Course on Monday 17 January, once the required license was granted by Scottish Forestry. This was necessary due to the sheer volume of tree damage and the scope of work required to remedy this.
The initial focus will be on clearing the trees from the MacKenzie Course and then undertaking a selective programme of tree thinning around the tees and greens on both the MacKenzie and Pines courses
While matting has been hired as a protective measure, it is likely there will still be some degree of damage to the course caused by these works. This is due to the ad-hoc nature of the tree damage and the movement of machinery around the site being more complex. Please be assured that any resultant damage will be addressed, and the course fully reinstated as a priority once the tree works are complete.
In addition to the tree works, the drainage improvement programme on the MacKenzie Course will begin week commencing 24 January. This had been delayed as a result of Storm Arwen, the festive holidays and latterly Covid-19. It is likely that drainage on the 8th,14th, 15th and 16th holes will be completed first which will allow the trees on the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 17th holes to be cleared for work to start on these holes. Turf, as opposed to re-seeding, will be used to ‘make good’ the areas impacted by this work and should help with the bedding in and re-establishment process post completion.
Lastly, we are pleased to report that excellent progress has been made on the tee levelling and general improvement work being undertaken on both the MacKenzie Course and The Pines, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to investing in the courses.
We are grateful for your continued patience and understanding while these works are undertaken. We look forward to works being completed smoothly and welcoming you back to fully reinstated and improved courses in time for spring / in a matter of weeks.
If you have any queries, please contact golf@sportaberdeen.co.uk where the team will be happy to help
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.