Aberdeen Football Club fans are being called to action to search out hidden gems from the club’s past, as two football fanatics prepare to embark on a journey across the north of Scotland to raise funds for a museum celebrating the club’s history and heritage.
Local businessmen Jock Gardiner and Bob Bain, both trustees of Aberdeen Football Club Heritage Trust, have raised over £7,000 to date for the #AFC18in18 challenge, which will see them attempt to visit all 18 Highland League clubs in just 18 hours on Monday, July 2. The money raised will be used to establish a museum and learning centre at Aberdeen FC’s new purpose-built stadium.
Aberdeen supporters are encouraged to dig out any rare memorabilia from days gone by that could form part of the museum’s exhibitions and tweet photos of them using the hashtage #AFC18in18. Fans can also support the fundraising efforts by donating to the AFC Heritage Trust’s JustGiving account at www.afcheritage.org.
Jock says, “Bob and I are Dons fans through and through, and between us we’ve been to thousands of matches both at home and away. We both have programmes and mementos that we’ve collected over the years that we hold dear – but we know that there are probably even bigger fans out there than us, with even bigger collections.
“While we’re fundraising for a new museum to celebrate Aberdeen’s history, we’d love to see what unique items fans have out there.”
Beginning at 5am, Bob and Jock’s journey will take them over 500 miles from Cove Rangers’ Balmoral Stadium to Wick Academy FC’s Harmsworth Park.
Bob adds, “It’s really important for us that fans recognise Aberdeen FC’s long history and achievements over the years. The club has so many connections to the Highland League that this journey seemed like the perfect opportunity to celebrate that shared history, while raising funds for the new museum.
“We first started talking about the #AFC18in18 challenge a few months ago, and it seems to have come around very quickly. It’s quite a daunting proposition, however we’re both ready to embrace the challenge and can’t wait to set off – even if we do have to get ready for a 5am start!”
Part of the trip is sponsored by independent accountancy firm Hall Morrice, of which Bob Bain is managing partner. Transport for the trip has also been supplied by Eddie Morrison of Morrison Motors, Turriff.
Follow Bob and Jock’s journey on social media using the hashtag #AFC18in18. For more information about the AFC Heritage Trust, and to donate to the JustGiving page, visit www.afcheritage.org.