The Russell Anderson Foundation (RAF) scooped the Inspiring Futures award - sponsored by Sodexo - at this year's Northern Star Business Awards.
RAF has been changing the lives of children in Aberdeen since its inception in 2012. Founded by former Aberdeen Football Club captain Russell Anderson, RAF focuses on supporting children in socially deprived areas, providing free sports, fitness, and life skills programmes.
Its flagship programme, Russell Anderson Development Schools (RADS), reaches over 2,500 children over 13 schools weekly, offering a range of activities such as football, rugby, and tennis, all designed to foster key life skills like teamwork, resilience, and discipline.
Russell Anderson of the Russell Anderson Foundation and Ed Morrow of Sodexo
In the past year, RAF expanded its impact with the launch of the Kirkhill Skills Hub. This innovative programme is aimed at developing essential meta-skills such as creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking through STEAM-based activities.
Additionally, the Hub offers practical cooking and nutrition classes, where 72% of participants have cooked meals at home and 38% now regularly prepare meals for their families. This hands-on experience has proven to be invaluable, equipping children with real-world skills that will serve them for years to come.
The success of the Kirkhill Skills Hub has led to its expansion into two additional schools, with plans for further rollouts.
RAF’s initiatives go beyond physical activity. The Young Leaders Programme enables older pupils to mentor younger participants, helping them build leadership and communication skills. Partnering with NHS Scotland, RAF also delivers health and wellbeing workshops, ensuring children are not only ready for the workforce but also equipped to lead healthy, responsible lives.
With measurable improvements in school attendance, behaviour and self-confidence, RAF continues to have a lasting, positive impact on young people, empowering them to become confident, capable individuals.