Sport Aberdeen’s Community Sport team, in partnership with Aberdeen City Council’s Family Learning team and Sustrans, recently hosted a series of engaging cycling sessions for nine children from the Northfield and Cummings Park areas at the Aulton Cycle Hub. These sessions, which took place over the last three Thursday mornings, were specifically designed for young participants who either had not yet learned to ride a bike or were still building their confidence as cyclists.

With the sun shining brightly on each session, the children made remarkable progress. Many successfully mastered riding without stabilizers, while others are well on their way to doing so with a bit more practice. The positive atmosphere and supportive environment also inspired some of the mothers and Family Learning staff to join in on the fun.

These initiatives, led by Sport Aberdeen’s Community Sport team, not only provided valuable skills to the children but also strengthened the community’s connection to cycling. Sport Aberdeen looks forward to welcoming these new riders and their families to the regular Rock Up & Ride sessions when they resume after the holidays.

32-year-old Sylwia Kazmierczak started swimming lessons at RGU Sport in September 2022, after posing a question in the Aberdeen Helping Hands Facebook community group asking where she could take lessons.

She attended RGU Sport every Tuesday for 30 minutes until March 2024, completing 18 months of lessons. 

Sylwia explained: “I have always loved water and I wanted to learn to swim but I couldn’t do it because of Covid-19 and the lack of availability.

“I absolutely loved my lessons – it was such a challenge starting from zero but with the teachers always believing in you and pushing you, this really helped.

“It was frustrating at times when I couldn’t get something, I’d research and watch videos on YouTube before lessons to see particular techniques.

“Anytime something wasn’t going my way, they’d reassure me that it would come and to keep practicing (which I do), I practice my technique occasionally at weekends.”

Sylwia describes how she felt in the beginning: “I was anxious going to the lessons at the beginning but I stuck to it and it started getting better and better. I would progress to the next level and then I was doing lanes and reaching the deep end.

“I was diving to pick things up from the bottom of the deep end. I felt amazing and excited!”

The road to teaching

Telling us about how the next steps naturally happened, Sylwia said: “One of my teachers at RGU encouraged me to do something with teaching.

“I was surprised and thought… me? I have only just learned to swim.”

Encouraged by the teacher’s enthusiasm, Sylwia applied for the swimming teacher training course at Sport Aberdeen.  

“I managed to get a place on the course and I just became fully qualified last week. I’m waiting on my certificate after being assessed by Aileen Dawson at Dyce Swimming Pool on 10^th July.      

“As part of the training course, you have to do some shadowing and helping shifts to gain more experience. Most of my shifts as an Aquatics helper were at Get active @ Northfield and Tullos Swimming Pool.     

“I’m willing to teach at any Sport Aberdeen swimming pools to gain more experience at the moment, I’m happy to take any shift that will help with my progress and development. Ideally, I’ll eventually only teach at Get active @ Northfield to be closest to home.”

Sylwia is delighted to have passed her training: “It’s so fresh and I’m still buzzing. I’m over the moon! My partner is so proud of me. My daughter is doing swimming lessons at Get active @ Cults so we are doing the demonstrations together, it’s ace. She has been learning since she was 3 years old and my young son will hopefully soon get into toddler swimming.”

“I think because I recently completed swimming lessons myself, I could really relate to the feelings of anxiety and I try to help people with those feelings and put them at ease. It’s making them realise that anything can be achieved, it just takes some time.

“I did one of the helping sessions two weeks ago with a group of adults. I was really able to get in their shoes about how they were feeling. I remembered my times when I was starting out.”

“My partner has now started swimming lessons – he could swim but he wanted to learn as well so he goes to Tullos Swimming Pool. I’m happy that I inspired him!”

Piece of advice

Sylwia gives her advice for anyone looking to start swimming lessons: “Definitely go for it, it’s so rewarding to do something for yourself. It was the time for me.

“Go and achieve something, take it step by step. I thought to myself… I can’t not achieve this, that’s not an option. Everything is achievable.

“Swimming makes you happy, it makes you relaxed. It’s just awesome!”

Over the month of July, the Community Sport team piloted a series of skateboarding and BMX taster sessions in partnership with Aberdeen City Council’s Family Learning team. Using local, free-to-access facilities and engaging over 30 families, these short sessions introduced kids and their parents to the basics of these exciting Olympic sports. The team collaborated with renowned BMXer Ashley Armstrong to deliver the BMX segment of the sessions.

Held at Northfield Skatepark and Sunnybank Park, the sessions also included other sports and arts activities. These events aimed to gauge the popularity and demand within local communities for such offerings. Feedback collected so far indicates a high level of enthusiasm from young people who might not typically engage with traditional, mainstream sports.

Joe Coleman, Lead Community Sports Hub Coordinator at Sport Aberdeen, said: “There are great skateparks dotted all over the city but young people often don’t know how to use them or have the correct equipment.  These sessions have been great in introducing families to the basic skills needed to access these spaces and to inspire young people in new ways of getting active on their doorstep.  We’re stoked on how it went and hope to do more work in this area based on the success of the pilot”

You can read more about Ashley Armstrong’s inspirational story here.

On Monday, July 8th, 15 dedicated staff members began the challenge at 5 AM, going on to complete 72 holes and cover 20 miles!

The group started the challenge at 5 AM at Balnagask, then proceeded to play Kings Links. They were scheduled to play Hazlehead, but due to the weather, both Hazlehead courses had to close. This meant that Kings Links had to be played three times to make up the 72-hole challenge!

The last teams finished their 72nd hole at 10:30 PM!

This was all in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, and the golfers raised an amazing £400. A big thank you to everyone who donated and shared the link; it’s very much appreciated!

The link will remain live, so it’s not too late to contribute: JustGiving

Sport Aberdeen wants to congratulate all who took part and give a big well done to everyone who participated.

The golfers said, “It truly lived up to its name; it was a challenge alright.”

In May and June, the Active Schools team organised 4 weeks of primary school races across seven city venues. The Fun Run Series is open to P1 to P7 pupils from any Aberdeen school where pupils get the chance to race against their friends and against the clock, as well as against pupils from other schools. These Fun Run events are focused on participation, but the races were timed so that pupils can try and improve on their times each week.

This year, the venues were Bucksburn Academy, Cults Academy, Harlaw Road pitches, Loirston Primary, Oldmachar Academy, Sheddocksley pitches and St Machar Academy.

Each venue held four weeks of races; P1, P2 and P3 pupils ran in 400m races; P4 pupils ran 800m races and P5-P7 pupils had the choice of running 800m or 1600m. Pupils were given a participation medal at the end of term if they took part in 3 or 4 race events and we are delighted to acknowledge that 660 pupils from 40 different schools received a medal this year! The total number of pupils who took part were over 700 as there were children who came along to events but could only take part in 1 or 2 weeks of races.

The final Fun Run event took place in June, which is called the Champion of Champions – this is an invitational event for the top P4-7 boys and girls from each venue to come together to race against each other. This year’s event saw over 100 pupils from 31 schools taking part at Sheddocksley pitches. Medal winners from our Champion of Champions event represented Airyhall, Braehead, Brimmond, Broomhill, Charleston, Cults, Glashieburn, Greenbrae, Hazlehead, Kingswells, Loirston, Mile End, Milltimber, St Joseph’s, Stoneywood and Westpark primaries.

Active Girls Day is an annual initiative that celebrates the amazing work going into girls’ sport the progress around their participation, and acknowledging the incredible role models making it all happen.

Historically it was celebrated on a single day, but Active Schools has decided to extend the celebrations for the whole month of March.  

It is so important for everyone to get involved in sport and physical activity, but some groups face unique challenges and barriers to participation. For girls specifically, some of these barriers include their experiences in PE, struggles with self-esteem and body confidence, and wider issues such as access to facilities and the lack of visible female role models in sport.

Despite progress in breaking down these barriers, there is still a noticeable gap between female and male participation rates, especially during the teenage years. There is some incredible work happening across Active Schools in Aberdeen in attempt to bridge this gap to make sport and physical activity more inclusive for everyone.

Active Girls Day is all about raising awareness of this work and celebrating the positive impact made!

‘Confidance’ Programme

A new ‘Confidance’ programme has been launched by Active Schools Aberdeen in Abbotswell Road School and Greyhope School, building girls’ confidence through dance. With participants from P6 and P7, this exciting initiative aims to empower young minds while promoting physical activity and mental well-being.

At its core, the programme seeks to act as a vehicle of change for young people. By engaging in dance, participants not only enhance their physical well-being but also cultivate self-esteem and confidence.

Sarah Masterson, Active Schools Assistant and Programme Organiser at Sport Aberdeen, said: “I am excited to share my lifelong passion for dance with young people in schools! Dance is such a powerful expression of self, together with physical intensity, that really allows us to explore and process what it means to be human. I hope that my work helps to develop self-belief and confidence in future generations.”

Each week, Sarah gathers with the girls in the programme to discuss various aspects surrounding confidence such as how to build self -belief and what it means to be authentic. Sarah then links the music track choice and choreography to that discussion to consolidate and implement the chosen topic.

One of the standout features of the ‘Confidance’ programme is its emphasis on connection. Participants are encouraged to connect with themselves, their coach, fellow participants and the music. This holistic approach creates a supportive environment where girls feel both challenged and encouraged to express themselves freely.

These sessions have been running successfully in 45–60-minute blocks for the past three weeks. The duration strikes a balance between engagement and accessibility.

The ‘Confidance’ programme is not solely about dance; it is about fostering confidence, connection, and empowerment. As participants continue to explore the world of movement and expression, they are equipped with valuable tools to navigate the challenges of growing up with confidence and resilience.

Young Ambassadors at St Machar Academy

Young Ambassadors at St Machar Academy – Alesha and Ebony – are having an incredible impact on their peers by getting them excited about sport and physical activity.

With the guidance of Active Schools Co-ordinator James Sadio and PE teacher Mr. Derek Kasslestrand, Alesha and Ebony have been brainstorming ideas to promote sport and physical activity within their school and the wider community. Their brainstorming sessions have led to some fantastic initiatives including the lunchtime volleyball club exclusively for female pupils. What started with only a few participants has grown into a thriving club, with 20-25 girls showing up each week.

Ebony recently suggested starting a sports club for P6-P7 students for all schools across the Hazelhead ASG (associated school group which she will coach it herself – a brilliant opportunity to see her confidence and leadership skills grow and shine through.

Every six weeks, Alesha, Ebony, James and Mr. Kasslestrand come together to brainstorm strategies for promoting sports participation and enhancing the overall Active Schools experience. This led to Alesha’s brilliant idea of creating a notice board to celebrate student sporting achievements. Because at Active Schools, every success is worth celebrating!

So, here’s to Alesha, Ebony, and all the Young Ambassadors making a real difference in their schools and communities. With their passion and dedication, the future of sports at St Machar Academy is brighter than ever!

With Sport Aberdeen celebrating Active Girls Day for the entire month of March, it is a perfect time to highlight the remarkable efforts of programmes like ‘Confidance’ and the dedication of young ambassadors like Alesha and Ebony. Together, we’ll continue to dismantle barriers and nurture confidence in girls’ sports and physical activity.

International Women’s Day is a global day celebrated on March 8, recognising the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

At Sport Aberdeen, we want to create an environment that helps to forge a better, more inclusive world for women and collectively celebrate their achievements.

We spoke to our Group Health & Fitness Manager, Evelyn Mair about her journey to date and what inspired her to pursue a career in the fitness industry.

Reflecting on her school days, Evelyn tells us: “I wasn’t into PE or sport when I was at school, I think having to wear little blue pants and a white vest was probably the most off-putting part.

“However, I did do Shotokan Karate through to age 21 – I started karate when I was 8 years old, so I was very active, training 5 days per week, even though PE wasn’t my thing.

“My experience with karate was very positive and inclusive despite it stereotypically being male-dominated back then.”

“I achieved black belt when I was 12 years old (1^st dan) and competed for Scotland in both the singles and ladies’ team. I then got my 2^nd dan when I was 16 and I still keep in touch with my Sensei now, he is one of my greatest role models and was like a second dad to me.

“At school I always wanted to be a dentist, but I didn’t get the grades I needed for university, so I went on to study dental hygiene and nursing at Edinburgh Telford College for two years.  

“I worked as a dental nurse for a couple of years and decided that university wasn’t the right path for me. 

“Opting for a different route, I then worked in bar management and the hospitality industry for Caledonian Heritable in Edinburgh. Strangely this was a higher paid industry than one that required me to study for two years; I absolutely loved it and met so many amazing people who helped to influence the person I am today.”

“When I fell pregnant with my first son, the 3am finishes just weren’t practical anymore, so I considered other options.

“My family have always been and still are heavily into sport and fitness, so I leaned into this and completed my Level 2 Gym Instructor course and worked in a small hotel gym in Dunfermline to build my confidence.

“I moved up to Aberdeen in 2003 and worked for Aberdeen Leisure (what was Sport Aberdeen back then) as a gym instructor at the Beach Leisure Centre.

“I then worked at Bannatyne Health Club & Spa in Aberdeen for 15 years as a part-time gym instructor and picked up other qualifications along the way such as Les Mills Body Combat Attack, Pump & Vive, Indoor Cycling, Aqua Aerobics, Kettlebells, as well as my Level 3 Personal Trainer course.

“I became the Fitness Manager in 2005 for four years, and then from 2009 to 2018 I was appointed as General Manager.

“I think working in the fitness industry has made me realise that I am motivated by helping people to become the best version of themselves – seeing people happy in the environment that you create gives you a real buzz.  

“In 2018 I started at Sport Aberdeen in the role of Group Operations Manager, I went for this role so I could progress but still stay close to home.

“I really enjoy my role now as Group Health & Fitness Manager at Sport Aberdeen – I started in post in September 2022 and prior to this I worked within the Active Schools division for a year (from April 2021 – April 2022).  

We asked Evelyn about her greatest piece of advice for young females…

“Trust yourself, go with your gut, don’t be swayed by the masses. Try new things, get comfortable with being uncomfortable and take risks.”

“It’s so easy to let self-doubt get in the way and talk yourself out of something, but my advice is to be open to trying new things, you never know you might like it or at the very least, you will learn something about yourself.”

“I started CrossFit almost 8 years ago – when I first walked in, I almost walked straight back out. To this day I am still learning, practicing, challenging myself and progressing…

“Don’t ever not walk through the door because you don’t think you can – you absolutely can so have that belief in yourself.”

The ProActive Minds programme is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) and Sport Aberdeen, created to embed the principles of sport and exercise psychology within Aberdeen schools.

Sport and exercise psychologist Dr Ciara Reidy is the KTP Associate employed to drive the project forward, with her knowledge integrated throughout the existing work of the Active Schools team as well as more widely across every area of Sport Aberdeen.

Further details on initiatives taking place as part of the project are highlighted below.  

Active Schools Leadership Programme

The Active Schools Leadership Programme proved to be a transformative experience for the young participants involved, helping them develop personal growth and leadership skills.

Throughout the summer, approximately 12 young people per course, predominantly S3s and S4s, engaged in dynamic leadership courses at St Machar Academy, Northfield Academy, Bucksburn Academy and Hazlehead Primary School.

The programme began with an activity exploring fear, hopes and concerns, allowing the students to express apprehensions about making friends and more. Following the leadership activities, the programme integrated reflective sessions, providing the participants with notebooks to document their experiences, both good and bad. These notebooks served as a tangible reflection of their achievements, fostering a more developed understanding of their personal growth.

A symbolic Gingerbread person was used at the start and end of the notebook to show the progressive journey of each young person through the programme. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from the young people highlights the programme’s success in nurturing leadership skills and instilling a sense of accomplishment and self-awareness.

Summer Holiday Camps

ProActive Minds holiday camps provide more than just physical activities for young children; they prioritise the mental well-being of participants through thoughtful initiatives.

During the school holidays, Sport Aberdeen runs a series of holiday camps for children and young people. The ProActive Minds project introduced daily mental health check-ins during a select number of holiday camps as a pilot to ensure each child’s emotional wellbeing was acknowledged.

During warm-ups and cool-downs, coaches conducted brief 5-minute wellbeing check-ins, opening up the dialogue an allowing the young people to feel comfortable when speaking about their feelings.

“Just Being” Mental Health Training

Another great example of work carried out by the ProActive Minds project was the “Just Being” mental health training programme, designed to create a person-centred, safe space for young people.

Active Schools Assistants and Project Activators working for the SPACE and community sport teams received the training initially across two days, with a focus on fostering an environment that encourages active listening, reflection, and empowerment of a young person’s voice.

The goal of Just Being is to eliminate barriers between coaches or support staff and the young people they are interacting with, showing the staff that all they need to do is simply be themselves and truly listen. By embracing this approach, those working with young people are equipped with the tools to create a supportive atmosphere that benefits not only the Active Schools Assistants and Project Activators, but also the young people they are helping.

Being Me Pilot

Another fantastic upcoming ProActive Minds pilot is called “Being Me”, dedicated to supporting young people in navigating the complexities of body image, aiming to reduce body dissatisfaction. In collaboration with Aberdeen City Council’s education department, the initiative will be piloted in selected schools who have been identified that could benefit from the support.

Employing a comprehensive full year group approach, Being Me will have a combination of full-class sessions and private tasks throughout the programme. The curriculum covers various aspects including body ideals, body comparison, appearance teasing and prejudice, with different themes addressed during group work sessions. The pre-intervention phase is crucial for understanding and combating the challenges faced by young people. The programme emphasises that there is no perfect standard and encourages students to focus on areas of positivity and what they like about themselves.

Through interactive activities including different games of physical activity, the initiative delves into the impact of social media and everyday life comparisons. Various examples including sport stars with diverse body types are highlighted to promote acceptance and appreciation. Homework assignments include identifying false glamour, encouraging continued learning beyond the programme’s duration.

With Active Schools Assistants delivering the programme across six schools, the “Being Me” initiative started in January for P5 and April for P6, aiming to instil lasting positive perspectives on body image.

If you would like to find out more about the ProActive Minds project, click here.