The 18-year-old, who is currently a leisure attendant at Linx Ice Arena, will be taking part in two different events in the coming months to raise money and awareness for Cancer Research.

Samantha sadly lost her Grandma recently who passed away with mesothelioma, a lung cancer which is caused by asbestos.

Her passion for the cause is the driving force for her efforts: “For me, I have such a personal motivation to raise awareness of the disease and to raise funding for Cancer Research.

“Being so passionate and caring is a large part of why I’m doing it. I also don’t want to see other people have to go through what we have had to as a family.”

The first event Samantha has signed up for is the MacMillan 100 push ups a day in April challenge. The second is the Cancer UK Race for Life on 30th June where Samantha will be taking part in the 10km run.

Speaking of the challenges, Samantha has no fear going into them: “I’ll be throwing myself into the deep end when it comes to the push up challenge. My plan is to do sets of 25 spread out over the day to make the challenge a bit more manageable.

“With the Race for Life event, I used to enjoy doing 5k runs a few times a week, so I am aiming to train to try and get my 10k time down.”

Samantha’s family have been there every step of the way: “My friends and family have been so supportive of everything. It was actually my mum who sent me the link to sign up for the Race for Life! They have been amazing.”

Speaking about a target of raising money, Samantha hasn’t set her sights on a particular amount, she is just keen to raise as much as possible: “I haven’t set a certain amount as to how much I want to raise.

“Every little helps when it comes to such a great cause. I would just ask for people to donate however much they can, every penny can make a difference.”

“I love my fitness and helping others. Having the opportunity to put those two things together to try to make a difference is an amazing opportunity. If I can help Cancer Research and make the fundraising more widely known, then I will feel happy.”

https://www.facebook.com/donate/901332965025006/?fundraiser_source=external_url

https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/samsraceforlifeea

Since last speaking to Sport Aberdeen leisure attendant Liam Howe, he has competed in three fights at Rox Hotel in Aberdeen in May and November of 2023 respectively and won them all.

Most recently in January this year, the young prospect competed at the Scottish Development Championships at the Raven’s Craig Centre in Motherwell and went one step further than last year and won! Having won the same event in 2022, the latest victory makes him a two-time Scottish champion.

Liam who is usually based at Get active @ Alex Collie or Get active @ Jesmond is now training for his next competition – The National Open Elite Championships, more commonly known as the Golden Gloves. The event takes place over three weekends with the final being held on Saturday 13th April should he progress.

Speaking about the training going into the event, Liam believes that maintaining high standards will be the key to success: “I fight at 60kg so to make the weight I need to be 60 on the dot or below and can’t be any heavier”

“For the first time since I began boxing, I got a nutritionist involved at the beginning of December 2023. My nutritionist also helps me with meal preparations and macros.

“My nutritionist sends me meal plans which consists of high protein low carb diets but enough carbs to get me through my training but I need to stay in a calorie deficit throughout so I’m burning more than I eat every day. On top of that train in sweatsuits to lose water weight in the lead up to fights

“I would usually give myself one month to cut the weight, but this can be incredibly tight. However, this time I have given myself double the time to get to the weight I need to be. Reducing the weight more gradually over time has definitely been a better way of cutting.”

The final preparations for an upcoming fight can really take its toll and Liam believes that this is the most difficult time: “I always find the final push towards the fight the most difficult. When it gets to 3-4 days before the fight, I am only eating 300 calories per day.

“I’ll have a diet of liquid egg whites for dinners, shredded lettuce plus a little bit of sauce so it’s not as bland. Black coffee is my go-to in the morning with a splash of milk.

“I tend to take the week off work before a fight as I can get a bit moody!”

The training schedule for Liam is incredibly intense: “I’ll train at Byron Boxing Club either three or four times a week for 2-hour sessions. We spar three nights a week and at weekends we do circuits.

“There are 5 or 6 coaches there per session, and there’s maybe about 15 actual boxers. There are also a few kids and “keep fitters” who are there for fun, training and skipping or hitting the punchbags.

“I use Get active @ Alex Collie or Get active @ Jesmond on the days I’m not at Byron. At a minimum, I get one rest day a week. Sometimes I’ll do double sessions, gym and then Byron at night. I always want to push my fitness to the next level.

“I will do sprints on the treadmill or up a hill trying to emulate a fight by doing intervals of 3 mins of sprinting with one minute to rest. I’ll do this 3 times to try and mimic the duration and structure of a bout.

“I also do weight training once or twice a week mixed in with body weight exercises. It keeps me strong and keeps muscle on as I’m losing weight and on a tight calorie intake.

“You really have to be disciplined in turning up to do the work but once you actually get going it’s fine, I just do it. Even if I’m hungry, I queue a schedule of songs I want and that gets me motivated.

“Despite it being quite repetitive for training, I just have to think to myself “I need to do this” and don’t want to give any edge to the opposing side. I’ll get the work done no matter how I feel.”

“The little things really do matter, it’s the unseen stuff that matters most. It’s all about the journey to getting where I want to be.”

When he does get a break from training, Liam tries to make the most of it: “I make a list of things I can eat. Chocolate, bakery items and takeaways – usually Chinese or Dominos. I definitely overindulge for a few weeks and then get back to normal eating. It’s nice to get back to a bit of normality after cutting so much weight.

Liam has a home show to look forward to in May at Pittodrie Stadium in one of the lounges!

If you feel inspired and motivated by Liam’s story, then why not sign up for a Fitness membership here. You can get a free fitness consultation to support with your goals too!

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.

Sport Aberdeen’s Active Schools team was delighted to receive funding of £3037 in November after a successful application to the Aberdeen City Health Improvement fund to deliver its ‘Stay, Play & Connect’ programme.

The programme offers sessions across the city to help young people with neurological conditions, hearing or visual impairments to be more physically active by creating an inclusive and non-judgemental environment.

So far, 65 young people have attended throughout February across 10 different sessions, with 41 of these being first time participants.

The sessions have taken place at 8 different venues and pupils from 22 different schools have taken part from all stages of primary school, as well as some S1, S2 and S5 pupils.

Each session is delivered in a relaxed environment offering exploration through play in style with equipment set up to allow all participants to engage with it as and when they choose to do so.

More sport-specific activities are also offered including basketball and tennis and sensory and play equipment.

The sessions are for the whole family to attend so that parents and carers have the opportunity to socialise with other parents and create a community they feel a part of. Siblings can also attend, eliminating any issues around childcare. 

One participant who attended said: “I would just like to say how much we have enjoyed the sessions and hope they continue to run moving forward, as there are limited classes for children with ASN across the City.”

Another person who goes to the sessions added: “We have attended many of the sessions across Aberdeen city and the staff have been absolutely brilliant with my son who has ADHD. He can be very rough and hyper! There is no judgement and they know exactly how to speak to him and guide him when he’s doing something he shouldn’t.”

A parent of one of the children who attends said: “I loved the relaxed sessions and my son enjoyed the activities also. I felt at ease knowing that my child could be himself and no-one would stare. And the icing on the cake you can bring siblings!” 

Another parent said: “I am really pleased we found these sessions; my child is much happier and calmer on days we’ve attended and he looks forward to the sessions. He has taken a shine to Scott and Jamie and looks forward to seeing them each week!”

On the evening of Sunday 10 March, Aberdeen Synchronised Ice Skating Club held its end of season showcase at Linx Ice Arena which was deemed a huge success, raising almost £500 on the night.

To mark the end of the 2023/2024 season, the club’s five teams performed their routines to family, friends, invited guests and skaters interested in joining the club, with skaters ranging in age from 8 years old up to their most senior skater who is in her 70s.

Head coach, Sara Paterson, was delighted with how the evening went: “At the end of the season we invite all our families and friends down to the rink in an evening to see the end product of our hard work.

“This year Keith Heslop, CEO, and Lois Barnard, Group Operations Manager, from Sport Aberdeen also kindly attended and it’s great to have their support.

“Synchro sessions take place early morning and late at night so they tend to happen away from the public eye, so it’s nice to have an evening where the kids can show off all their hard work to what turned out to be a pretty big audience.”

“We also had some members performing solo routines. It really was a great showcase of the vast talent our club has produced and a testament to all the hard work they have put in over the year.”

The event comes at the end of a successful season for the club who came home from the Scottish Championships with 4 Scottish titles in pre-juvenile, basic novice, beginner and senior B.

The 5 teams part of the club skated in both the Trophy D’Ecosse in Dumfries and the Steel City Trophy in Sheffield. 

Results were as follows:

TROPHY d’Ecosse 

  • Starz – 2nd 
  • Lil Starz – 2nd 
  • Topaz – 3rd 
  • Zariba – 1st 
  • Quartz – 5th

Steel City Trophy International 

  • Starz – 4th
  • Lil Starz – 4th
  • Topaz – 4th 
  • Zariba – 2nd 
  • Quartz – 8th

Images courtesy of RS Photography

Each year, on March 8, the world marks and celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD) to recognise the collective commitment to achieving gender equality.

This year’s theme is to “Inspire Inclusion” which emphasises the importance of diversity and empowerment across all aspects of society.

We spoke to one of our Active Schools Coordinators covering the Northfield Associated Schools Group (ASG) – Stacey Stuart – to hear about her role and how she enjoys trying to increase female participation in sport and physical activity. 

Reflecting on her time at school, Stacey said: “I did Higher PE at school, but I was one of only three girls in the class.

“I also did gymnastics and athletics as hobbies and completed coaching qualifications in both sports – by working as a coach, this saved me from having to pay any tuition fees in gymnastics or athletics, so it was a win, win.

“I studied sport and physical activity at the University of Strathclyde and completed an exchange year with Laurentian University in Canada.

“My first post-uni role was working as a sports assistant and lifeguard at Robert Gordon University (RGU) and whilst there, I gained my fitness instructor qualification and started teaching classes.

“I then took a gap year and went travelling to places including Vietnam, Singapore and New Zealand which was lots of fun!

“Once I returned from my travels, I worked for Barnardo’s in a children’s residential unit and started coaching for Active Schools on the side – Graeme Dale was the Active Schools Coordinator I worked for at the time.

 “My next stint saw me change direction and work in corporate fitness for a period of time, and then I worked in a few administration roles in the oil and gas industry. It was the right time to leave oil and gas when I had my first child. 

“The ‘Looked After Project’ is what I worked on next, now known as the SPACE (Supported Physical Activity for Care Experienced) programme through Sport Aberdeen. Then I went on to have my third child.

“I enjoyed working for the Looked After Project, so I ended up going back to do this and I worked at one of the vulnerable children’s hubs in Manor Park School for a year through Covid. I then got promoted to Active Schools Coordinator and my previous experience made me the one best suited to being based in the Northfield area.

“I have worked for Active Schools now for over five years and it’s great because the schools in my area really buy into it – they really believe that sport is for the greater good.”

Helping to inspire more young girls to get into sport and physical activity…

Stacey stated that participation in sport and physical activity between boys and girls at primary school age is about 50/50, but at Academy age, there is a much higher drop off in female participation.

She said: “I totally notice a shift in attitude. Primary 7 girls will be feisty and competitive and then when they join S1 you see such a drop off. I suppose when you’re younger, you are care free and then in secondary school, you’re trying to fit in and change your social circles.

“There are various ways we try to boost participation from young females at Northfield Academy and some of the ways we do this are through fitness classes and dance classes.

“We also keep gym kit in the classroom so that girls can use this and then once they are old enough, they can progress over to Get active @ Northfield and become Teen Fitness members to use the gym.

“Some of the young people we work with receive free supported memberships. 

“We’ve put on girls only sessions in the past and during exam periods, we carried out stress buster sessions and took the girls out for walks so they could reap the benefits of being out in the fresh air and exploring.

“We pretty much try to give them as many opportunities as possible and it helps that a lot of them want to get into sports coaching or studying a sport-related subject at college.

“One of the girls I supported Kerin is now at college studying sports coaching and is an Active Schools Volunteer – she is a finalist in the ‘Young Coach/Young Volunteer of the Year’ category of the Aberdeen Sports Awards 2024 so I’m wishing her loads of luck.”

Stacey’s advice…

“Don’t let any stigma around something put you off, and don’t compare yourself to others – focus on you.

“Everyone has their successes and differences at school, and not everything has to be academic-based. Learn to appreciate why you are different from someone else and allow yourself to embrace it.

“Just because you think someone else is better than you at something, doesn’t mean you can’t do that same sport or activity and enjoy it too. Everyone has a chance and you can still enjoy participating in something without having to be the best.”

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 (1st dan) and competed for Scotland in both the singles and ladies’ team. I then got my 2nd 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.”

We are excited to announce alongside North East Active Parkinson’s Group, Parkinson’s UK, Robert Gordon University, and AFC Community Trust a new Walking Football session for those living with Parkinson’s.

The inaugural session took place from 1100 to 1230 at Get active @ Kincorth sports hall on Friday 9 February.

Sessions on the 8th March will still be indoors at Get active @ Kincorth, and the first outdoor session at Adventure Aberdeen Snowsports will be held on the 15th March.

The programme gives a great chance for those with Parkinson’s to stay active which is proven to slow the disease process and help with pain.

Andrinne Craig, Healthy Communities Manager at Sport Aberdeen, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside our partners to bring walking football to a new group of players in Aberdeen.

“Being regularly active is beneficial in helping manage some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s and it’s great to be adding a team sport to our programme which will offer camaraderie and peer support.

“It is our hope that the pilot programme will help break down barriers and ensure everyone in Aberdeen, regardless of their health, can get active and connect with others in the same position as themselves.”

Gary Laing  at North East Active Parkinson’s Group, said: “As someone who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s since 2016 I am aware of the importance of regular exercise, I am keen, along with other members of the North East Active Parkinson’s (NEAP) group, to support these walking football sessions and get as many PWP involved. It’s a great activity to help develop and maintain regular exercise whilst meeting up people in a similar situation.

“NEAP is a local group and with the support of Parkinson’s Scotland whose aim is to encourage People with Parkinson’s to continue with regular exercise sessions and to meet with other People with Parkinson’s.”

Amanda McKay, Physical Activity Delivery Manager for Parkinson’s UK in Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be working with partners to create a walking football programme for people with Parkinson’s in Aberdeen. We are supporting this work through our Physical Activity Grants Programme.

“Physical activity can help people with Parkinson’s live better with some of the symptoms of the condition, improve their wellbeing and lift their mood.

“We encourage anyone interested to come along, get active and become part of a real community of support.”

For participants interested in this incredible class, they should phone 01224 507701 or email  activelifestyles@sportaberdeen.co.uk

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.

Emotion charts were also introduced at the holiday camps including creative elements such as name tags for children to identify and express their emotions. A3 sheets with vibrant characters provided a visual aid for emotional articulation. There were seven distinct emotions categorised by colour and the children were told to express their emotion by placing the tags on characters such as a minion or Stitch.

Emotion cards helped to stimulate conversations about feelings, emphasising the significance of behaviour as a form of communication. Coaches –serving as a reliable adult presence – became a safe space, fostering an environment where children felt comfortable expressing themselves. In dance camps and multi-sports activities alike, the focus extended beyond physical skills to encompass emotional well-being, creating a supportive and enriching experience for all young participants.


“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.

In an effort to enhance relationships between Sport Aberdeen and local schools, a group of 20 girls were invited down for a group bike session, studio fitness and small group sessions in the gym at Get active @ Jesmond. This was a 4-week block which took place prior to the Christmas holidays.

Pupils from Oldmachar Academy thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to take part in what was a new experience for most of them.

Following the success of the sessions, S3 boys have since been given the opportunity to visit and practice their gym-based lifts and exercises under personal trainer, teacher and Active Schools supervision.

17 of the 20 girls who participated in the sessions at Get active @ Jesmond said they really enjoyed the classes and as a result, feel more confident in an exercise-based setting. Many of the girls are now considering joining as Sport Aberdeen members.

Enrika, who particularly enjoyed the different challenge, said: “It was something new, away from the school in a new environment. I liked the fact it was mainly all girls which allowed me to build confidence. I really appreciated this opportunity and it allowed me to have the correct mindset around exercising in a public gym.”

Another female who participated, Grace, said she has been enjoying the environment at the gym: “I volunteered to join one of the small groups who trained in the gym, I really liked this as we worked on squat variations and weight machines.

“The employees were really nice, funny and comforting. They explained the exercises well and talked us through warm-ups, gym routines/plans and cool downs. This has made me less stressed deciding what I can do when going into the gym and I can follow a gym plan which allows me to track my progress.”

Lily said she believes she’s gaining more confidence: “I would say yes, I am more confident, and I didn’t find it as awkward as I thought I would. I was shown new exercises, which I now feel comfortable doing. I really enjoyed the coach part, as it can be difficult when you are doing it on your own or copying a video. I signed up to the gym after the sessions finished.”

If you feel you could benefit from a personalised training plan and advice from our health and fitness instructors, then this is included in our Teen Fitness membership. Find out more here.