Aberdeenshire Clubsport SCIO were absolutely delighted to pick up a national award at the weekend following the annual Scottish Clubsport conference, AGM and awards evening - Sports Council & Clubsport network of the Year 2023.
The award is to recognise the ongoing support that a ClubSport network provides to its members through the adaptations, new approaches and support delivered over the last 12 months. The award recognises the contributions that have improved the sports community, and celebrate the nominees' efforts to go beyond the ordinary and highlight the positive impact they have had on their local community.
Over the past 12 months Aberdeenshire Clubsport SCIO continued to support their membership with holiday activity funding allowing children to take part in sport for free, which, added to the previous 4 holiday programmes has seen over 4000 free sessions delivering to over 11 thousand children.
March 2023 saw the return of their annual awards after a 3-year gap with 45 nominations over 13 categories. Introducing 2 new categories championing youngsters in sport - young coach and young volunteer, attracting the largest number of nominees, very positive for the future of sport. The awards also attracted 6 new sponsors from local businesses.
Partnering with numerous local and national sport partners they delivered the first sports club conference held in the area for many years attracting some significant key speakers. They continue to support the North East Youth Sports Panel currently recruiting and also have two new U25 Board members at ACS.
Aberdeenshire Clubsport in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council have just launched their Positive Participation Grant to help get more people active, bring communities together through community sport, promote community sports clubs, helping to enhance memberships and help our communities to become healthier both physically and mentally.
Aberdeenshire Clubsport are passionate about promoting the sporting opportunities available within Aberdeenshire and supporting the community sports clubs who regularly deliver activities within our rural communities.
Chair of Aberdeenshire Clubsport SCIO Jackie Smith: I was absolutely delighted to pick up this award on behalf of our 8 trustees who are all volunteers. To have your work and commitment recognised at a national level is just amazing. This award also reflects all the hard work from the dedicated volunteers within our community sports clubs who deliver week on week.