Sport Aberdeen has celebrated another standout year with record participation, a host of national awards, and a £19 million social value return to the city.
In its recent Annual Review 2024/25, the not-for-profit charity highlighted a year of innovation, inclusion and investment to improve facilities and create new opportunities for people to live active, healthy lifestyles.
This investment led to a record number of 1.46 million visits to its 31 venues across the city, a rise of 2.2% on the previous year. The report also showed that 7,000 children are taking part in Sport Aberdeen led activities every week (one in five of Aberdeen’s young people) and 2,200 Primary 4 children took part in swimming lessons too.
Sport Aberdeen was named Scottish Water’s ‘Learn to Swim Provider of the Year’ and won the Community Leisure UK Inclusion Award for its SPACE programme supporting care-experienced young people. Its Football for All project, promoting integration among New Scots in Aberdeen, earned finalist recognition at both the ukactive and Diversity in Sport awards.
Commenting on the report, Sport Aberdeen Chair Tony Dawson, said: “This year’s results show the power of sport to transform lives and communities. We’ve seen incredible growth in participation, innovation across our facilities, and national recognition for our inclusive approach, all while delivering exceptional value for public investment.”
Highlights of the report include:
- 176,000+ Active Schools visits with participation in priority neighbourhoods up 29%
- 489 ‘GoodBoost’ (water-based and land-based sessions) delivered for people living with musculoskeletal conditions (2,987 participations)
- The ‘Stand Up to Falls’ initiative reached over 500 people, helping reduce falls risk among older adults
The year also brought strategic wins, including securing funding approval for an indoor tennis canopy at Westburn Park, successful re-tendering of outdoor maintenance contracts, and continued collaboration with NHS Grampian, sportscotland, and local universities on research and wellbeing projects.
As the city refreshes its Aberdeen Sports Facilities Strategy, Sport Aberdeen is playing a central role in shaping a sustainable, inclusive vision for the next decade, ensuring everyone has access to opportunities to be active, healthy, and connected.
“We’re proud of what’s been achieved in 2024/25,” added Tony. “Our priority now is to look forward with a focus on how we continue to remove barriers, widen access and create opportunities that change lives.”
As a registered charity with a clear purpose, Sport Aberdeen helps people of all ages and backgrounds to be more active, more often. Managing 31 venues across Aberdeen, the organisation reinvests every pound generated back into the city, ensuring local people benefit directly from every success.
For more information contact marketingteam@sportaberdeen.co.uk