Aberdeen FC Community Trust (AFCCT) has published its annual Impact Report, highlighting the ongoing positive work throughout the region.
In the last year, AFCCT supported 9,473 people as it works to close the poverty attainment gap, improve physical and mental wellbeing and support people through the cost-of-living crisis.
The trust also picked up the Inspiring Futures award at the 2023 Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce Northern Star Business Awards.
It recognises the partnership AFCCT has cultivated with local schools helping to ensure young people are inspired and supported to find fulfilling careers
Liz Bowie, chief executive of AFCCT, said this years report demonstrated how they continue to successfully provide support to the local community during what remains a challenging time for many.
She said: "As an organisation we have had to be agile in the last twelve months in order to ensure we are properly equipped to respond to the needs of our local community and to ensure we continue to provide support and opportunity to change lives for the better.
"We continue to take positive strides in our work with young people and I’m particularly proud of the impact our innovative MINDSET programme has helping to shine a light on adolescent mental wellbeing."
Improving education
More than 1,000 pupils have benefitted from the MINDSET programme, equipping them with the tools needed to navigate adolescent mental wellbeing.
The trusts works in 27 school in region, at both primary and secondary level.
Ms Bowie added: "Through our invaluable work in both primary and secondary schools, AFCCT continues to use a shared passion for football and the power of the Aberdeen Football Club brand as a starting point to help close the poverty-related attainment gap and support wellbeing."
New appointments
Last week, AFCCT announced a number of new board appointments.
Elaine Farquharson-Black is the chair, with Barry Duncan stepping into the role of vice-chair.
"We now have a strong leadership team in place as the Trust moves towards its 10th Anniversary”, said Ms Bowie.
"They bring with them an abundance of knowledge, as well as a shared passion for the fantastic work we do in the community, and we look forward to working together to further our ambitions and reach in the future.
"We continue to be encouraged by the commitment of our staff, volunteers and youth ambassadors who generously give their time to drive many of our programmes forward and we are indebted to both councils, our corporate supporters and the many donors who undertake many challenging fundraisers helping to raise vital funds."