“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.
Sport Aberdeen’s 2018/19 Annual Report has revealed that more than 1.3 million people used its facilities in the last financial year.
The report highlights a year of achievements for the award-winning charity that includes an 18% increase in Get active memberships and £13.7 million in income, a 2% increase on the previous financial year and the highest for six years.
The last year has seen Sport Aberdeen focus on investment and modernisation of its venues in order to make an impact on the people and communities it serves.
This project of investment has included £306,000 into the transformation of Get active @ Sheddocksley, £121,000 worth of improvements to the MacKenzie Championship course and the creation of four LTA approved competition courts at Aberdeen Tennis Centre in Westburn Park.
Colin Taylor, Sport Aberdeen’s chairman at the time of the report said:
“Being recognised nationally and locally by external organisations, our partners and stakeholders, gives me a sense of great pride.
“This year, Sport Aberdeen has been recognised by ukactive, winning the Scottish Centre of the Year Award for the refurbishment of the Get active @ Jesmond project.
“The refurbishment of Get active @ Sheddocksley was a huge success. I was enormously pleased to be part of the volunteering task force, made up of my fellow directors and staff which mobilised one weekend to help paint the outside of the building.
“The commitment and enthusiasm of Sport Aberdeen staff and individuals who volunteer, never ceases to amaze me. Without them, we would not be able to have such an impact on people’s lives.”
Sport Aberdeen strives to ensure that everyone in Aberdeen is able to enjoy the benefits of participation in sport and physical activity, regardless of ability or age, and this is reflected in the participation statistics in the report. Participations in the Active Lifestyles programme for over 65’s went up by 17% to 31,033 and Adventure Aberdeen recorded 1,497 additional support needs participant sessions.
Participations in the Active Lifestyles programme went up by 17% to 31,033 and Adventure Aberdeen recorded 1,497 additional support needs participant sessions.
Alistair Robertson, managing director of Sport Aberdeen, said:
“It makes me extremely proud to look back on what has been another brilliant and busy year for Sport Aberdeen.
“We saw significant growth of our fantastic ‘Get Active 1-5’ membership offer, bringing us ever closer to our target of 10,000 members and getting more people more active across Aberdeen, creating opportunities for everyone to take part in sport and physical activity.”
Sport Aberdeen’s 2018/19 Annual Report can be read in full here
Every month Sport Aberdeen will be on the lookout for an individual or group of volunteers who deserve to be crowned ‘Volunteer of the Month’, and we need your help to identify them.
Volunteers are an essential part of the Sport Aberdeen team, with many of our programmes and events relying on people giving up their own time to make them a success.
It could be that helper at your child’s swimming lessons who gives them the extra attention they need, the team of volunteers who ensure your Sunday morning game of golf is just right whatever the weather or a Holiday Camp Leader who went the extra mile.
If you know someone who has gone above and beyond the call of duty volunteering for Sport Aberdeen, we want to hear about it!
Nominate today at www.sportaberdeen.co.uk/volunteer-of-the-month
The latest data published by sportscotland shows that the national Active Schools programme continues to have a positive impact on children’s physical activity levels with 7.3 million visits made to activities across Scotland in 2018/19, an increase of 0.4% on the previous year.
The national Active Schools programme, which is delivered in Aberdeen by registered charity Sport Aberdeen, seeks to create more opportunities for young people to take part in sport and physical activity across the country.
A whopping 281,742 visits to sessions were recorded across the city during the last academic year – 1.3% more than the previous year (2017/18).
During this time a total of 9,044 children and young people took part in Active Schools sessions in Aberdeen, where they were given access to an extensive range of activities.
The number of people delivering sessions across the country has also increased by 3.3% over the past year. In the Aberdeen area, 91% of the 980 deliverers were volunteers.
Keith Gerrard, Sport Aberdeen Director of Healthy and Active Communities, said:
“The data speaks for itself and highlights how working with sportscotland we are continuing to make a real difference to young people’s lives in Aberdeen. The Active Schools programme plays a key role in encouraging the next generation to get involved in sports and to be healthy and active, and our dedicated Active Schools team successfully engages with an increasing number of young people across the city each year.
“We are very much looking forward to another busy year ahead and are committed to creating opportunities for more and more people, regardless of age and ability, to participate in physical activity.”
Mel Young, Chair of sportscotland, said:
“It is fantastic to see that Active Schools continues to grow year on year with more opportunities delivered and another increase in the number of people participating. Our mission is to help the people of Scotland get the most out of the sporting system at every level and Active Schools has a crucial role to play in engaging young people in sport and physical activity.
“We talk about making an impact together and Active Schools is a great example of working with the right partners in the right way to deliver results. The Active Schools network is reliant on strong local partnerships with schools, local authorities, sport development teams, regional managers from governing bodies of sport, volunteers and the clubs who welcome children and young people into their communities.”
Active Schools, one of sportscotland’s longest running flagship programmes, is designed to provide more and higher quality opportunities to take part in sport and physical activity before school, during lunchtime and after school. Developing effective pathways between schools and sports clubs in the local community is a key factor in its success and there are now 2,700 clubs linking directly with schools giving children and young people the opportunity to continue in sports to the level they choose.
Over 100 girls from secondary schools across Aberdeen gathered today (Friday 4 October) for an action-packed Active Girls Day event, celebrating the amazing work going into girls’ sport and the incredible role models making it happen.
The pioneering Active Girls Committee (AGC), supported by Sport Aberdeen’s Active Schools team celebrated the national sportscotland initiative by hosting an activity day at the Beach Leisure Centre.
A record number of girls took part in a series of taster sessions run by Sport Aberdeen staff and community coaches including dance classes, spin classes, ice skating and a welcome talk delivered by members of the fifteen strong committee.
The AGC is run by girls from secondary schools across the city who are championing a move to get more young girls involved in sport and physical activity.
Committee members welcomed Kevin Stewart MSP to the 2019 gathering to witness the revolutionary initiative first hand and meet some of the dedicated young girls who are paving the way for their peers, helping to build confidence and break down barriers through sport and physical activity.
Kevin Stewart MSP commented:
“I’m extremely impressed with what I’ve seen here today, and obviously this is a great opportunity for young girls to get involved in sport.
“It is quite amazing to see some people being a little bit reticent at the start of a session and by the end really enjoying it and I hope that many of the young girls that have been here today will take the opportunity to build on their experience and continue participating in sporting activity.”
(Left to right) Keith Gerrard Sport Aberdeen Director of Healthy and Active Communities, members of the Active Girls Committee and Kevin Stewart MSP.
Keith Gerrard, Sport Aberdeen Director of Healthy and Active Communities, commented:
“The Active Girls Committee has gone from strength to strength, highlighting the value of working together with governing bodies in Scotland to inspire more young people to take up sport and physical activity in Aberdeen.
“The Active Girls Day is a fantastic opportunity for girls from across the city to come together and, for many, try something completely new within a fun and friendly environment, helping to boost confidence and pave the way for more young people to reap the benefits of leading an active lifestyle.
“This group of enthusiastic girls have already produced impressive and positive results and it really is inspiring to see first-hand what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.”
sportscotland chief executive Stewart Harris said:
“We want as many people as possible to enjoy the benefits of sport and physical activity. From improving physical and mental health, to developing skills and strengthening communities, sport can be life changing.
“The Active Girls Committee in Aberdeen is already having a positive impact, encouraging girls to participate in sport and this event is a fantastic way to celebrate Active Girls Day.”
Sport Aberdeen show that ‘Staff Matter’ at Granite City business awards
Sport Aberdeen last night celebrated yet another successful awards night at the prestigious Northern Star Business Awards 2019, being announced as winner in the ‘Staff Matter’ category.
The award recognises the local charities commitment to the development and support of its employees and the culture of retention and promotion of internal talent that the charity prides itself on.
Nickie Scorgie, Head of HR and Organisational Development said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to have taken home the top spot in the Staff Matter category. This award is for each and every member of Team Sport Aberdeen, and I was honoured to be the recipient on their behalf.
“Our staff are the heartbeat of Sport Aberdeen and because of their dedication and hard work, we, as a charity, can continue to offer so many opportunities to people across the whole city, to encourage more people to get active and reap the benefits of participating in sport and physical activity.
“We are all dedicated to creating opportunities, inspiring people and changing lives through sport and physical activity.”
The Northern Star Business Awards, now in their 16th year, recognise companies in the north-east for their exceptional accomplishments across a range of fields from internationalisation and innovation to people development, environmental action and customer service.
Sport Aberdeen has announced the appointment of Tony Dawson as Chairman of the Board of the award-winning charity, having previously served as Vice Chairman for the past two years.
Outgoing Chairman, Colin G. Taylor, stepped down after two years in the post, but will remain on the board as a Trustee Director, commenting “I very much look forward to continuing my work with this fantastic charity, which makes such a huge and lasting difference within our local community.”
During Mr Taylor’s tenure, Sport Aberdeen has celebrated winning numerous prestigious industry awards alongside welcoming two new businesses to the charity, broadening the scope of services on offer to each and every person in Aberdeen, with a key goal of getting more people active.
Mr Dawson commented on his new appointment, saying:
“I am honoured to be stepping up to lead this brilliant and inspiring charity. Sport Aberdeen is at the heart of community sport and wellbeing within our city and I am extremely proud to be a part of one of the UK’s best leisure trusts.
“The continued developments and achievements that can be so clearly seen are a testament to the hard work of everyone involved and stand to highlight Sport Aberdeen’s value within the city, providing opportunities and changing lives through sport and physical activity.”
Mr Taylor added:
“It has been both a pleasure and a privilege to be Vice Chair and Chair of this award-winning charity over the last two years and I am delighted that Tony will be stepping up to take the reins, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and experience which will allow Sport Aberdeen to continue to flourish.
“I am in no doubt that Tony will continue to improve and foster our services, inspiring more people to take part in sport and physical activity, and I have every confidence that the charity has an extremely exciting and positive future ahead”.
Aquatics Aberdeen hope to make a splash at Scottish Swimming Awards
An Aberdeen swimming programme has, for the second time, made the final shortlist for a highly respected industry award.
Aquatics Aberdeen, run by award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen, will look to secure the title of ‘Scottish Water Learn to Swim Provider of the Year’ at the 2019 Scottish Swimming Awards.
The popular Granite City programme took home the award in 2017 and will be looking to replicate that success at this year’s ceremony which takes place at Glasgow’s Radison Blu hotel on Saturday 28 September.
Aquatics Aberdeen provides swimming tuition from birth to adulthood as part of the ‘Learn to Swim’ programme which follows the Scottish Swimming Framework, with over 5,000 swimmers participating in weekly lessons across Aberdeen.
Dianne Breen, Sport Aberdeen Coached Programme Manager, said:
“We are all thrilled to have made the shortlist again for the ‘Provider of the Year Award’. This really highlights the dedication and passion that the Aquatics Aberdeen team put into their work day after day, year after year.
“The ‘Learn to Swim’ programme is a fantastic vehicle for children and adults alike to learn new skills and develop confidence in the water all whilst encouraging physical activity.”
The awards look to celebrate the fantastic work and commitment carried out in Scotland by athletes, coaches, clubs and partners across all disciplines of swimming.
Sport Aberdeen is celebrating the completion of exciting new developments at Aberdeen Snowsports Centre which will ensure an enhanced experience for snow sport fans in the north-east.
Colin G. Taylor, Sport Aberdeen Chairman, with Aberdeen primary pupils.
Managed by award-winning charity, Sport Aberdeen, Aberdeen Snowsports Centre has invested over £100,000 into improving the slopes, including £72,000 from Aberdeen City Council’s Developer Obligations Fund.
The works include the installation of a travelator, a state-of-the-art conveyor to make access to the centres tubing slope and birthday party activities much easier and more fun, new high performance LED lighting and access improvements to the centre’s Hobbit Hut, a popular feature for parties and school groups.
As a way of celebrating the new improvements Aberdeen Snowsports Centre will be running a free tubing taster session on Saturday 24 August for people of all abilities aged five and up. The session will run from 15:00 – 16:30.
Aberdeen Snowsports Centre users will be able to make full use of the brand new travelator which has been installed on a section of the tubing slope. The equipment, often used in ski resorts worldwide, will enable people to hop on and off with ease, leaving more time for the slopes.
The addition of this moving walkway will also enable children and adults with additional support needs to access the slopes with greater ease, creating an inclusive environment where a wider range of people can participate in these exciting sporting activities.
Colin G. Taylor, Sport Aberdeen Chairman, officially opened the brand-new travelator, and commented on the improvements:
“We are delighted with the improvements to the Aberdeen Snowsports Centre and it is my hope that this will inspire more people to take to the slopes and enjoy the brilliant facilities we have on offer here in our city.
“Providing and maintaining first class sporting facilities which are accessible to the local community is a key factor in breaking down barriers and encouraging more people to participate in sport and physical activity, and in doing so reaping the social and health benefits attached to this.
“The new travelator for the tubing slope, and the wider improvement works, will help Aberdeen Snowsports Centre to offer more inclusive activities for customers of all abilities and interests, all year round which I am sure will be warmly welcomed.”
Image caption: Colin G. Taylor, Sport Aberdeen Chairman, right, with Wajeeha Hamid, Gavin Pedrog, Junaid Hamid, Abbie Pedrog, Matthew Johnston, Josh Karim, Hunter Castello, Emily Johnston, Talha Khan.
Award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen has highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for young people to take part in work experience programmes as a way of gaining invaluable industry experience.
Sport Aberdeen was delighted to offer placements to two students this summer, providing a real hands on feel for working in the leisure industry.
Twenty-year-old Stephanie Watson, an International Business student at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, recently finished a six-week placement which saw her working under Sport Aberdeen’s Digital and Communications leads within the busy Marketing and Communications department based at the charity’s head office in Bridge of Don.
Stephanie spoke fondly of her experience, saying:
“Work Placements are becoming increasingly more important to young people. There is a huge amount of competition when trying to secure a job post-graduation and therefore having internship experience puts you in an advantageous position.
“Sport Aberdeen has provided me with invaluable experience within their marketing department.
“They have created an opportunity which has allowed me to apply the knowledge I have gained at university to real-life situations and have also allowed me an insight into how a large organisation operates, which will be very beneficial for my future career.”
Megan Westwick, who is going into her final year at Banff Academy, was appointed to her position through Aberdeen City Council as part of their ‘Career Ready’ internship scheme, which aims to support young people to develop skills, confidence and gain the experience needed to kickstart a rewarding future career.
Megan’s four-week placement saw her assist Sport Aberdeen’s Active Schools team in the running of their busy summer holiday camps programme at the Beach Leisure Centre.
Image caption: Nickie Scorgie, Sport Aberdeen Head of HR and Organisational Development, Megan Westwick Sport Aberdeen placement student, Joanna Bell Sport Aberdeen Active Schools Assistant and Neil Yacamini, Aberdeen City Council Employee Transition Team Lead.
Nickie Scorgie, Sport Aberdeen Head of HR and Organisational Development, said:
“It has been fantastic having Stephanie and Megan on board with us over the summer in two very different, yet equally rewarding roles and Sport Aberdeen prides itself on providing an environment that attracts, develops and retains talent, from volunteers and interns right through to senior management positions.
“From citywide gyms and fitness facilities, to work within the wider communities through our Active Schools and Active Lifestyles programmes, we are in a unique position to offer a diverse range of work experience opportunities.
“The charity benefits hugely from investing in young people and we look to build a local network through work experience opportunities, aiming to attract students who share Sport Aberdeen’s vision of inspiring people, creating opportunities and changing lives through sport and physical activity.”
Image banner caption: Nickie Scorgie, Sport Aberdeen Head of HR and Organisational Development and Stephanie Watson, Sport Aberdeen placement student.