A long-term partnership has recently been established between North East Scotland College (NESCol) and Active Schools in Aberdeen.
46 generous NESCol students from the HND Sports Coaching and Development course are supporting the delivery of extracurricular activities in 15 schools across the city who have agreed to participate.
The students involved go on placement in these schools, providing young pupils with more opportunities to get active.
The placements commenced on Tuesday 8 February and will run until Tuesday 14 June, offering a variety of activities for children of different ages.
Sarah Fraser, Lead Active Schools Coordinator, said: “We are so grateful to the NESCol students for volunteering their time to help inspire our young people across the city to get involved in sport and physical activity.
“As a result of the students’ time, we have been able to advance our extra-curricular programme.”
Zoe Lewis, Lecturer in Sport at NESCol, said: “This is a valuable placement for students as it gives them industry-related experience to put their coaching skills into practice and an opportunity to gain experience working with children with a range of ages and abilities. During their placement, our students will encourage more primary school children to get active and participate in sport.”
Active Schools is a sportscotland national initiative that aims to provide all children with high quality opportunities to take part in sport and physical activity. It is delivered in Aberdeen by Sport Aberdeen.
Find out more about the rewarding work carried out by Active Schools here.
The Saltire Energy Caledonia Cup, the largest Youth Rugby Finals Day in the country, will be hosted by Scottish Rugby and Sport Aberdeen on Sunday 1 May at Sheddocksley playing fields.
A total of 32 teams from across the Caledonia region will congregate in Aberdeen. The sides have competed in a series of regional leagues and then Cup, Shield, and Bowl knockout rounds, culminating in 24 boys’ and 6 girls’ teams reaching Sunday’s Finals Day event. The series of games will be played in three intervals, with the first kicking off at 10.30am.
Sport Aberdeen will also be investing additional resources to introduce two new rugby pitches to the facility at Sheddocksley with the vision of bringing regular rugby activity to the community following the Finals Day.
“We are thrilled to be co-hosting this prestigious rugby event with Scottish Rugby and sponsors Saltire Energy.
“We hope the event will act as a catalyst for rugby development in the Sheddocksley, Mastrick and Northfield areas, inspiring more young people to participate in a sport which is not only enjoyable, but helps to develop key life skills including teamwork and communication.
“We wish all participants the best of luck for the day and would be delighted to host an event of this scale again in the future.”
Tony Dawson, Sport Aberdeen chairman
Ahead of the event Vicky Cox, Scottish Rugby Competitions and Compliance Manager, said: “The Caledonia Youth Finals Day promises to be another exciting event in the Scottish Rugby calendar.
“We’re delighted to continue supporting our Caledonia clubs and communities to access a long-standing and meaningful competition that encourages participation and opportunities for players from across this unique and vibrant region.
“With teams from all over the Caledonia region competing, it will no doubt be an event to remember, particularly following a two-season hiatus due to Covid-19.”
In recognition of the event, Scottish Rugby will be displaying the Calcutta Cup in the main marquee, to allow those present on the day to see the trophy in person.
This year’s competition is sponsored and supported by Saltire Energy, which joined Scottish Rugby as a partner on a three-year deal in July 2021.
Chief Executive at Saltire Energy, Mike Loggie said: “We are delighted to support the Caledonia Cup, as it very much signifies the positive impact sport has within our communities. Saltire Energy takes huge pride in supporting Scottish Rugby, whose core values of respect, leadership, achievement, engagement and enjoyment are fundamental to all that we stand for. “I wish all involved the very best of luck, the day will no doubt hold many successes but most importantly it will be a fun, exciting and enjoyable event for all involved.”
Image: Stirling County, winners of the Caledonia U18 Youth Cup in 2019 when the Caledonia Cup was last contested in Perth (Scottish Rugby/SNS).
As part of our commitment to reinvest in our venues and deliver the best possible experience for our members, we are excited to be revamping the gym at Get active @ Jesmond.
The upgrades come as a result of invaluable customer feedback and staff input, and we hope that users will benefit from an enhanced exercise environment.
The gym floor will be reworked, and fitness equipment will be updated with the latest digital software to be compatible with TRAKK, the free Pulse Fitness app. Featured new equipment includes a half rack with platform, a stepmill machine, a classic airbike and a StairMaster HIITMill X.
Please note: the gym floor will be out of use from Saturday 9 April when the refurbishment works will take place. The newly refurbished gym will reopen on Wednesday 27 April.
There will be some access to fitness equipment in Studio Two during the renovation period, however we’d advise you to visit one of our other nearby venues in the interim – Get active @ Alex Collie or Get active @ Beach Leisure Centre – to really maximise your workout.
There will be minimal disruption to fitness classes and these can be viewed on our Timetable and booked on MySportAberdeen here.
We thank our customers and members for their patience as these upgrades take place, we’re sure everyone will love the result.
We’re excited to reveal that we have a new studio at Get active @ Beach Leisure Centre for fitness classes!
Starting from Monday 4 April, we’ll have the following additional classes taking place weekly in the new studio which overlooks the swimming pool:
Monday – 1120 to 1220 – Body Balance
A relaxing class that builds strength and improves flexibility.
Tuesday – 1730 to 1800 – Sprint
A short, intense style of training using an indoor bike to achieve fast results.
Wednesday – 1800 to 1830 – Circuits, followed by 1840 to 1910 – Kettlebells
If you fancy going the extra mile and challenging yourself to a double class!
Thursday – 0930 to 1000 – Spin
Using a stationary bike to burn maximum calories in a short space of time.
Thursday – 1855 to 1940 – Body Balance
A relaxing class that builds strength and improves flexibility.
You can view the full timetable on our website here and book your class spaces to attend via MySportAberdeen.
If you are unable to attend, please remember to cancel as we have limited spaces available.
Award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen strengthens its board with the recent appointment of Alan McLean as trustee director.
Alan is a Chartered Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (FCIPD) and in his career to date, has held senior positions in human resource management in both private and public sectors.
He is the former President of The Gordonian Association and previously served on the Board of Governors at Robert Gordon’s College.
With a keen interest in sport and fitness since his youth, Alan has played various sports throughout his life including rugby and cricket and is a keen hillwalker.
“Alan is the perfect fit for Sport Aberdeen and makes a great addition to the board.
“With more than 30 years’ experience in human resources coupled with his passion for sports, we know his wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm will serve him well in this role.”
Tony Dawson, Sport Aberdeen chairman
He was awarded Scottish Rugby Union ‘Volunteer of the Month’ in April 2017 for establishing a Mini Rugby Section at his club and collaborating with the Scottish Rugby Union and local schools to bring rugby to children in the local community.
He is currently an assistant senior coach at Aberdeen-based rugby club Gordonian RFC and since June 2019, has lead coached the 2nd XV.
Commenting on his appointment, Alan said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Sport Aberdeen’s Board and giving what I can to further the drive to encourage more people to lead active and healthy lifestyles.
“I have a life-long passion for sport and fitness, so this role will help me give something back by offering my professional knowledge and experience to a charity similarly passionate about making sport accessible.”
Since June 2019, Alan has held voluntary roles within three local organisations – Community Food Initiatives North East (CFINE), Aberdeen Science Centre and Cairngorm Connect.
We are pleased to share that, from Saturday 2 April, we are updating the way our customers access weekend public swimming sessions at Get active @ Beach Leisure Centre.
Individuals or families can choose a suitable time to swim at the weekend between 13:00 to 17:00 – customers can arrive anytime during this period, with last admission at 16:00.
Upon arrival at Get active @ Beach Leisure Centre, customers will be issued with a coloured wristband to wear whilst in the pool. Each wristband allows the swimmer to enjoy a session lasting up to one hour and 20 minutes.
The allocated wristband colour, for example pink, will be called out once the swimming session has ended.
To ensure an efficient turnover of customers in the pool and changing areas, there will be a maximum of 40 people entering the pool every 20 minutes, with no more than 160 people in the pool at any one time.
We are implementing this change in line with changes to Covid-19 guidance and to align with best practice demonstrated across other swimming pools and leisure centres in Scotland. As a result, we hope this will make our sessions more convenient and accessible to customers, with increased capacity and reduced waiting times.
These changes will remain in place at the weekend during the Easter holidays.
During the Easter holidays from Monday to Friday, swimming sessions will take place between 10:30 to 15:30, with last entry at 14:30.
Should you have any further queries, please email GetActiveatBLC@sportaberdeen.co.uk
A radical transformation is set to take place to convert former Dyce Library into a vibrant new sports clubhouse, providing first-class facilities to support the adjacent Dyce sports pitches.
Award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen is leading the project on behalf of Aberdeen City Council and Dyce Boys Club F.C., after ownership of the former library was transferred over to the charity.
Aberdeen City Council and Sport Aberdeen have made a £300,000 investment in the refurbishment works – carried out by KW Contractors and scheduled to begin imminently.
The investment will allow a venue to be created which will become a community sports hub, providing much-needed changing, meeting and storage facilities for players, officials and referees.
Current users of the sports pitches as well as the wider Dyce community will reap the benefits of the new changing space by the end of summer when the works are due for completion.
“I’m delighted that Sport Aberdeen is leading this innovative project and has come up with an imaginative way to make good use of the former library facility.
“The new sports clubhouse will be a sustainable facility and we look forward to working with key project partners Dyce Boys Club F.C. and Dyce Rugby Club to give them a place to call home.”
Tony Dawson, Sport Aberdeen chairman
Councillor Jenny Laing, Aberdeen City Council Leader, said: “The transformation of the former library site will encourage people to make full use of the nearby sports pitches and enjoy the modern facilities.
“I am sure the improved facilities will become even more of a focal point for the community, and as a council we are delighted to be promoting leisure activity and the wider benefits that brings.”
Len Nicol, Treasurer and Coach at Dyce Boys Club FC, said: “Dyce Boys Club FC is looking forward to this much needed facility which will compliment the already established 3G pitch.”
Image: Taking advantage of the space before the renovation are L-R Zack Mournian and Ryan Nicol players for Dyce Boys Club FC-both 12 YO watched by Councillor Jenny Laing-Leader of Aberdeen City Council, Len Nicol-Treasurer and Coach at Dyce Boys Club FC and Tony Dawson- Sport Aberdeen chairman
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.