The Linx Ice Arena was transformed into a winter wonderland as Ice Aberdeen, part of registered charity Sport Aberdeen, held their spectacular Christmas ice skating showcase on Saturday 14 December.
‘A Festive Celebration on Ice’ saw over 160 children take to the rink for the annual show which featured talented Learn to Skate participants alongside members several north-east skating clubs.
The fun filled family event used the cast’s ice-skating talents to tell stories inspired by winter and classic Christmas tales to a captivated audience.
Lochside Academy School Choir were also on hand to welcome in guests and get everyone well and truly into the Christmas spirit.
David Selkirk, Sport Aberdeen Director of Community Leisure Operations, said:
“The cast and coaches worked tirelessly over the last few months to ensure that this year’s festive showcase was one to remember and it’s safe to say that it all paid off.
“These annual shows are a great way for Learn to Skate participants to show friends, family and loved ones just how much difference a dedicated coaching programme can make.
“We were all thoroughly pleased with the great turn out on the day and everyone who came together to make this show possible should be very proud of what they have achieved.”
Sport Aberdeen offered up over 100 tickets to local care experienced and looked after children, Aberdeen charity We Too! and the Archie Foundation, to ensure the festive spirit was extended right across the city.
‘Learn to Skate’ with Sport Aberdeen: From total beginner to advanced skaters, it’s a fun, safe and great way to get into the sport or practice your skills. The programme is taught by our professional ice coaches on a variety of days and times. Click here for more information and to sign up to the Learn to Skate programme.
Sporting stars at Skene Square School deservedly received a top national sporting accolade in November, recognising how the school place physical education and sport at the heart of their ethos and the effort that goes into getting more young people healthy and active.
The Granite City primary school was the only one in Aberdeen to be awarded the sportscotland Gold School Sport Award this year. The Gold School Sport Award is the highest accreditation within the initiative.
The sportscotland School Sport Award is presented for innovation and achievement in delivering school sport and physical activity, with 747 schools across the country now in possession of an award. It recognises schools that put young people at the forefront of decision making and planning of school sport and PE while increasing participation opportunities.
The number of gold schools across Scotland now stands at an all-time high of 399, an increase of 40.5% from last year’s total of 284. A further 274 schools achieved silver and 74 bronze after a significant number of schools completed their continuous improvement journey towards the gold award.
Over the last two years Skene Square School has worked closely with Active Schools Aberdeen, run by registered charity Sport Aberdeen, to improve provisions and increase opportunities for their young people in sport and physical education.
Keith Gerrard, Sport Aberdeen Director of Healthy and Active Communities commented:
“This is a brilliant achievement and one made possible through close partnership working between our Active Schools Coordinator and the staff at Skene Square School.
“This is an exciting time for sport in our city. Figures published by sportscotland showed a record number of young people taking part in physical activity over the last year and we are thrilled to be playing our part in creating more opportunities for school pupils to take part in sport and lead a healthy and active lifestyle.”
Chief Executive of sportscotland, Stewart Harris, said:
“It’s testament to the work of a variety of partners, including thousands of pupils, parents, volunteers and teachers, that we can now say this is a record-breaking year for the School Sport Award. Each and everyone involved should be very proud of this fantastic achievement.
“There is an undoubted value in sport being at the heart of school life. With that in mind we are committed to helping build a Scotland where sport is a way of life and young people in schools are central to this.”
Councillor John Wheeler, Convener of Aberdeen City Council’s Education Operational Delivery Committee, said:
“This is fantastic recognition for the pupils and staff at Skene Square School and on behalf of Aberdeen City Council my congratulations go to all involved. We want every young person in the city to have the opportunity to fulfil their potential and leading a healthy, active lifestyle is an important piece of the jigsaw. The energy, enthusiasm and commitment of everyone at Skene Square is a real inspiration.”
Pam Burney Skene Square School Deputy Head Teacher also added:
“Over the last two years we have worked hard to provide an exciting range of sports for our pupils. As a city centre school with very little outdoor space we have had to think ‘out of the box’ at times but have managed to offer everything from basketball, running, badminton dance and even hosted our own Duathlon! We are very proud of our Gold School Sport Award, it’s an amazing achievement!”
Funded by the National Lottery, the School Sport Award is a national initiative designed to encourage schools to continuously improve extra-curricular sport. It also encourages links between schools and local communities, providing opportunities for young people to progress and further develop their sporting experiences. The award also encourages sporting links between schools and the communities around them, providing opportunities for young people to progress.
To achieve a bronze or silver sportscotland School Sport Award, schools self-assess their current practice. However, to gain gold status an extensive external assessment is also carried out by an independent panel of experts.
Award-winning registered charity Sport Aberdeen was delighted to welcome the latest addition to its Senior Leadership Team in September this year.
Sarah Gray joins Sport Aberdeen in the newly created Head of Marketing and Commercial Development role based at the charity’s HQ at Broadfold House. Sarah is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of marketing and communications activity and increasing inward investment to the company.
Sarah brings over fifteen years of extensive marketing experience to the role, having previously worked predominantly in the oil and gas sector, latterly as Marketing Manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa for oil and gas services company, Hoover Ferguson.
Her areas of expertise include strategic marketing planning and execution, social media strategy, corporate communications and event management.
The skillset which Sarah brings to Sport Aberdeen is highly valued and will be a great asset as the company moves into its second decade.
Q&A
You bring over 15 years of marketing experience to your new role with Sport Aberdeen. What has been your proudest achievement to date?
I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in many exciting and rewarding projects over my career, with some exceptional teams. There are a few which stand out for me, including the strategic marketing rebrand and launch of a newly merged business which required delivery within a very tight timescale. I’m also very proud to have launched, developed and managed a successful social media marketing strategy as part of my previous role. Starting this from nothing a few years ago and watching our following and engagement grow and develop into a lead generating marketing tool, which also delivered value to our followers, was very rewarding.
How have you found moving from a career in oil and gas to one within a leisure trust?
It has been a really interesting and enjoyable change! Many of the principles remain the same but being part of public facing charity brings some unique elements to the role, which I have really enjoyed learning more about. I’m very proud to be part of an organisation which brings such value to the people of Aberdeen, I have been really moved by the feedback and results that some of our community projects have delivered. I believe that one of the most important aspects of any role is the people that you work with and I’m delighted to be part of such a dedicated, supportive and fun team at Sport Aberdeen.
As Sport Aberdeen moves into its second decade in 2020, what do you look forward to achieving in your new role as Head of Marketing and Commercial Development?
In the near-term I’m particularly looking forward to enhancing our digital offering across both web and social media. Its such an ever-evolving landscape and it’s vital for all businesses to be able to effectively engage with their customers and stakeholders online.
We are delighted to be working in partnership with Aberdeen City Council to bring Northfield Swimming Pool back into use and I’m looking forward to communicating and engaging with the local community though 2020 and 2021 as we develop the venue, bringing another opportunity for people to get active to the area. I’m also really looking forward to developing the commercial offerings that are available with Sport Aberdeen. We have so many great opportunities available to other local businesses to allow them to reach a wide market as well as some fun and unique opportunities for corporate hospitality and team building which are going to be exciting to develop
Walk Aberdeen, run by award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen, has received £4,000 of funding from Scottish walking charity Paths for All in a bid to improve health and wellbeing at a local level.
Walk Aberdeen, which delivers Health Walks across the city on a weekly basis, secured the grant after submitting an application outlining plans to offer sessions aimed primarily at developing a new programme to encourage people of all abilities to take up walking.
‘First Steps’ aims to break down barriers to participation including lack of confidence, mobility or fear of falling and will allow more people to take part in physical activity within a community setting.
The funding will also enable Sport Aberdeen to train new volunteers in leading the programme.
Sport Aberdeen’s Healthy and Active Communities Team developed First Steps in response to an increased number of referrals from Allied Health Professions for people looking to continue their rehabilitation in the community.
The group’s grant is part of a £160,000 pot from Paths for All’s annual Walking for Health fund which is supported by the Scottish Government.
The fund aims to increase the number of people taking part in Health Walks, improve wellbeing, and expand the amount of physical activity taken by people in Scotland.
Keith Gerrard, Sport Aberdeen Director of Healthy and Active Communities, said:
“Receiving this grant from Paths for All allows Sport Aberdeen to continue to make a real difference to peoples lives throughout Aberdeen. First Steps sessions are designed to encourage and enable people to walk more often, with more confidence helping to boost overall wellbeing.
“Not only can a simple activity like walking improve strength and balance for people of all abilities, but the positive benefits for those living with a long-term health condition can be lifechanging.
“We recognise the benefits of combining strength and balance with walking for everyday activity, functional fitness and social interaction, and by developing First Steps we hope that this will encourage people of all levels to take up a positive social and lifestyle change.”
Ian Findlay CBE, Chief Officer at Paths for All said:
“Many congratulations to Sport Aberdeen on securing this funding which I hope will see many more people enjoying regular walking in Aberdeen and the north-east.
“This project is just one of many to receive a grant from our Walking for Health fund. Throughout the country, organisations working at the community level have come up with a range of initiatives and ideas that are making it easier for people to join Health Walks and reduce health inequalities.
“This is an important step towards increasing the number of people walking in our communities which will, in turn, have a positive impact on health and wellbeing across Scotland.”
For more information, contact Brian Harrison, Sport Aberdeen Health Walk Coordinator on 01224 507701 or click here. https://www.sportaberdeen.co.uk/walk-aberdeen
Registered charity Sport Aberdeen and NHS Grampian have come together in a community wellbeing partnership.
The move is aimed at getting more NHS employees healthy and active through increased participation in sport and physical activity.
Over 15,000 NHS Grampian staff could benefit from discounted memberships and access to ongoing support through the Sport Aberdeen Active Workforce programme; a bespoke fitness offering for public, private and third sector organisations.
According to Government figures 131 million working days are lost to sickness absence every year in the UK, with 14.3 million days being due to stress, depression and anxiety.
It is widely acknowledged that both physical and mental wellbeing, alongside staff morale, can be significantly lifted by participating in regular exercise, and through this partnership all employees will be provided with more opportunities to enjoy a healthier lifestyle, including:
- Discounted Sport Aberdeen memberships, giving access to 19 venues citywide, for anyone who lives at the same address as an NHS Grampian employee including those from outside Aberdeen City;
- Membership options for ages three to 65+ years;
- Support from experienced and qualified Health and Wellness Advisors
Keith Gerrard, Sport Aberdeen Director of Healthy and Active Communities, commented on the partnership:
“NHS Grampian employees are incredibly hard working and provide a hugely valuable service to the people of the north east of Scotland. We are thrilled to be working in partnership to support and champion a move towards a more active and healthier workforce, and all of the benefits that brings.
“It is our hope that this partnership approach will be adopted by other regions, helping to get as many people active across Scotland as possible.”
Rachael Little, NHS Grampian Employee Director, said:
“We are delighted to launch this partnership with Sport Aberdeen.
“It will be of real benefit to our staff and help ensure they have the opportunity to take part in regular exercise and help look after their own physical and mental health as a result.”
Sport Aberdeen currently works closely with NHS Grampian to deliver a number of exercise referral programmes including the pioneering Move More Aberdeen initiative, aimed at reducing costs and freeing up NHS capacity by adopting a preventative ethos.
Award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen has handed out 260 free memberships to care experienced young people (CEYP), both in and out-with Aberdeen, through a pioneering initiative since the beginning of 2017.
The Looked After Project has provided CEYP aged five to 26, who are currently looked after or care experienced, with a free Sport Aberdeen membership, giving them access to a variety of gyms, swimming pools and sports centres across the city.
The project, which started in 2016, is a joint venture between the charity and Aberdeen City Council, supported by the Virtual School. The main aims are to increase the participation of CEYP in sports and physical activities to promote confidence, self-worth, positive self-esteem and mental health, all of which impact on a child and young persons’ ability to engage in their learning.
The Looked After Project has also provided in the region of 115 additional memberships for parents and ‘Kinship Carers’ enabling them to support the child or young person by attending activities or gym sessions alongside them. A further 20 memberships have been provided to young people engaged with Action for Children’s Priority Families Project.
Keith Gerrard, Director of Healthy and Active Communities, said:
“This initiative is such an important source of positivity for care experienced young people and those that look after them across the city. The strong, ongoing partnership between Sport Aberdeen and the Education and Children’s Service at Aberdeen City Council is integral to its success, allowing us to create opportunities for people and change the lives of looked after children and young people through sport and physical activity.
“It is my hope that we can continue to reach more people in the north-east who are most in need of the mental and social benefits that participation in sport can bring about.”
Laura Gray, Kinship Team Leader with Aberdeen City Council also commented on the positive impact:
“The initiative between Sport Aberdeen and our Kinship Carers and the children they look after has been greatly appreciated.
“To ensure that looked after and care experienced children living in kinship are included, and physically and emotionally healthy, we recognise the benefits of engaging in sport and sport-based activities.
“Many kinship families have been able to sign up for a Sport Aberdeen membership and take part physical activity, which may not have been otherwise affordable, whilst having fun and spending time as a family.”
Larissa Gordon, Virtual School Head Teacher with Aberdeen City Council:
“Since the project started, children and young people have been able to try out a variety of sporting activities that they may otherwise not have had the opportunity to do.
“Head Teachers have reported the positive impact they have seen in the confidence and self-esteem of the young people who have been involved in activities as part of an alternative curriculum. This has led to more positive social interactions in the classroom, an increase in engagement in their learning and an increase in their attendance, all of which helps to close the attainment gap and support young people into positive destinations.
“Some young people have also benefited from the opportunity to increase the breadth of qualifications undertaken as well as being able to take part in volunteering and work experience.”
Sport Aberdeen is proud to announce that it has received the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award.
The awards, which work in a bronze, silver and gold tier system, aim to recognise employers who pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to the Armed Forces Community in alignment with the Armed Forces Covenant.
Sport Aberdeen signed the Covenant and received the bronze award in July 2018, honouring an agreement between the Armed Forces and Sport Aberdeen, ensuring servicemen and women and their families will not be left disadvantaged because of their service.
By receiving the Silver Award this November, Sport Aberdeen has demonstrated ongoing support for Defence by employing at least one Reservist and showing flexibility to plan and allow them to fulfil their annual training and mobilisation requirements.
Joe Robson, who served 12 years as a Corporal in the British Army, Joined Sport Aberdeen in October 2019 and will remain a reservist whilst in his new position.
Joe’s new role as a Senior Instructor with Adventure Aberdeen allows him to impart unto others some of the outdoor skills he has honed over a decade of service. Adventure Aberdeen operates across three venues; Kingswells, Adventure Aberdeen Snowsports at Garthdee and the Cromdale Outdoor Centre in Speyside.
Commenting on the announcement of the 2019 Employer Recognition Scheme Silver awards Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace said:
“These awards recognise the outstanding support for our armed forces from employers across Britain and I would like to thank and congratulate each and every one.
“Regardless of size, location or sector, employing ex-forces personnel is good for business and this year we have doubled the number of awards in recognition of the fantastic support they give.”
Nickie Scorgie, Head of HR and Organisational Development at Sport Aberdeen said:
“We entered into the Covenant with an immense sense of pride in 2018 and we are elated to have been awarded the Silver Award this year.
“Sport Aberdeen is proud to show solidarity with this nation’s servicemen and women and their families.
“We fully recognise the undeniable value that veterans, reservists and military spouses can bring to Sport Aberdeen and how they help us continue to create opportunities inspire people and change lives through sport and physical activity
Active Schools Coordinators in Aberdeen have organised a series of training and development courses for volunteer sports coaches across the city.
This series of free coaching clinics will be offered throughout November and are designed to engage with the local sporting community.
Registered charity Sport Aberdeen has brought together Regional Development Managers and Sport Clubs, who, along with Active Schools Aberdeen Coordinators, will run and deliver a number of free coaching sessions for community programmes.
Keith Gerrard, Sport Aberdeen Director of Healthy and Active Communities, said:
“From teachers, coaches and volunteers to young leaders, senior pupils and even parents, it is my hope that the community will seize this free opportunity to brush up on skills, or pursue a passion, which will in turn be passed on to the community through local clubs and sports initiatives.”
The clinics are aimed at helping anyone who is interested in coaching within the north-east. Participants will gain valuable insight and helpful tips from qualified coaches with the sessions being delivered citywide in order to engage with as many people as possible, all completely free of charge.
The coaching clinics will also take place throughout February 2020.
Mr Gerrard continued:
“These clinics are for anyone who is looking to either get their foot in the door in a particular sport, or even just to freshen up their ideas with tips and useful information around best practice for effective delivery of community sports coaching.
“The sessions will be run by qualified coaches who will pass on their knowledge and expertise, allowing participants to take back boosted confidence and a new skill set to their sessions, or may encourage them to start a new session or get involved with a club for the first time.
“Sport Aberdeen is committed to creating opportunities for more people to get active, whether that be through participation or leading sessions themselves, and through partnership working we can make this possible in the north-east.”
All the sessions are free of charge and bookable via the Sport Aberdeen website: https://bit.ly/34qk6ck
Sport Aberdeen continued its winning streak at last night’s inaugural Society Awards in what has already been a stellar year of recognition for the local charity.
The award-winning leisure trust took home the award in the Leisure/Fitness Facility of the Year category which saw them up against fellow local fitness facilities AKR Fitness and Village Gym.
The award recognises the work that Sport Aberdeen carries out within local communities and celebrated the investment and modernisation across many of its venues in order to make a positive impact on the people it serves.
This included over £300,000 investment into the transformation of Get active @ Sheddocksley and over £120,000 worth of improvements to the MacKenzie Championship golf course.
David Selkirk, Sport Aberdeen Director of Community Leisure Operations was in attendance to collect the award. He said:
“It is fantastic to see the hard work of the Sport Aberdeen team acknowledged and celebrated and to recognise the investments that we continue to make, in partnership with Aberdeen City Council across the city which makes a genuine difference within the communities that we serve.
“This ongoing recognition only strengthens our platform and allows us to continue to build upon new and existing partnerships, broadening our reach and allowing us to continue to change lives through sport and physical activity in Aberdeen.”
The Society Awards 2019, which took place at The Sandman Hotel in Aberdeen, aims to recognise and reward hard-working businesses within Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire’s retail, entertainment, leisure, food, drink and tourism sectors.
“Every time I put on my uniform, I feel very proud and happy to do so.”
A former Orchard Brae pupil, who was inspired by Sport Aberdeen’s Active Schools team, landed himself a permanent job with the award-winning charity earlier this year after volunteering over 1,000 hours of his time.
Alex started helping the Active Schools Assistant at Orchard Brae during lunchtime clubs, setting up stations and helping to get participants warmed up prior to the session. Before long Alex was helping throughout whole sessions and leading drills with the continued support of the assistant.
Alex also helped with the delivery of the holiday programmes and began to lead activities, whilst being assisted by other members of staff and was given the responsibility of leading the school football team.
He was very caring with all his participants, ensuring they had ample information and time to pick up skills. His confidence grew with every session and he acted in a very professional mature manner, treating his volunteering as someone well beyond his years.
Once Alex left school and went to North East Scotland College, he continued to volunteer his time with Sport Aberdeen, completing over 10 hours each week. This included curricular, lunchtime and evening sessions in a range of sports. Alex would try his hand at anything, doing his research and coming to every session well prepared.
Through his interactions with the Active Schools Assistant and Coordinator, Alex became more and more involved with the coaching sessions and has now been volunteering for around three years, and within this period has given in excess of 1,000 hours of volunteered time.
Due to his continued professional standards and ever-growing confidence in delivery, Sport Aberdeen was delighted when he successfully went through the coach recruitment process and secured a role as Holiday Camp Leader.
Alex is the first pupil from an additional support needs school to volunteer with the Active Schools programme, and the first to secure a coaching job with Sport Aberdeen, an outstanding achievement.
Alex commented on his achievements and experiences, saying:
“I’m very excited to be working for Sport Aberdeen. Working with Active Schools has given me more confidence. I work with Scott and Grant who have both helped me to get better at delivering sports and activities. I really hope I can help more children to get the same chance in the future.
“Every time I put on my uniform, I feel very proud and happy to do so.”
Grant Wilson, Lead Active Schools Coordinator for the Additional Support Needs Provision, also commented:
“Alex specifically works with children with additional support needs and acts as a role model for them to aspire to. He is a trailblazer and we are very excited to support him on his journey of employment.”
Keith Gerrard, Sport Aberdeen Director of Healthy and Active Communities, said:
“We are thrilled that Alex decided to pursue a career with Sport Aberdeen and will continue to fully support him every step of the way, as is the case with any budding young employee who shows this level of enthusiasm and commitment.
“Securing this role is testament to his unwavering dedication and hard work and I think clocking up over 1,000 of volunteered hours is an incredible achievement in itself. As a registered charity we pride ourselves on offering opportunities to people of all ages and abilities and realise the importance of fostering the next generation of sporting stars, whatever capacity this may be in.
“Sport Aberdeen is committed to creating opportunities, inspiring people and changing lives through sport and physical activity.”
At the start of October Alex’s dedication and commitment was celebrated when he took home the title of ‘Young Volunteer of the Year’ at Aberdeen’s Sports Awards.