SPORT ABERDEEN | EDITION #17 | WINTER 2021
Sport Aberdeen is a private limited company, registered in Scotland, Company no SC350981
creating opportunities, inspiring people and changing lives creating opportunities, through sport inspiring people and changing lives and physical through sport and physical activity. activity.
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CONTENTS
Page 3 Editor’s letter
Page 4-7 The 5Ps
Page 8-9 In Focus: Ready for Adventure in the heart of Speyside
Page 10 Case Study: Active Lifestyles Referral Programme
Page 11
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elcome to the winter edition of Active News, our quarterly newsletter highlighting just some of the activity which has taken place across the charity in recent months.
Having started 2021 in lockdown with the majority of our services on hold, it is wonderful to be heading into the new year with so much activity happening across Sport Aberdeen and to have received such a fantastic response and support from our members and customers in recent months. We continue to see the impact that the programmes and activities we provide have on the people in our communities; from the extension of the SPACE (Supported Activity for Care Experienced) project, which supports care experienced and looked after children in Aberdeen to achieve positive destinations (page 5), to young people’s community initiatives in partnership with Police Scotland (page 7) and the expansion of our referral programme to support people living with long term health conditions (page 10). Creating opportunities, inspiring people and changing lives is the very core of what drives Sport Aberdeen as a charity, and everyone who works here, but we couldn’t do it without the ongoing support of our members, customers, partners and the volunteers who give their time so generously to support us. As we approach 2022, we look forward to supporting our members and customers with their health and wellbeing goals for the new year; whether that’s taking the opportunity to learn a new sport, prioritising their fitness or having a new adventure (coasteering in Cove anyone?!). We will be with them every step of the way! Until then, thank you once again for your support this year. I hope you have a very happy festive season, with best wishes for a healthy and active 2022.
Managing Director’s insights
Editor
Active News
Sarah Gray Head of Marketing & Commercial Development
Contact If you would like more information on anything in this edition, or would like to find out about work and volunteer opportunities with Sport Aberdeen, get in touch with us by emailing
editor@sportaberdeen.co.uk
THE FIVE Ps SPORT ABERDEEN IS COMMITTED TO: CREATING OPPORTUNITIES, INSPIRING PEOPLE AND CHANGING LIVES THROUGH SPORT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.
PEOPLE & COMMUNITIES “YOUNG DELEGATE” AMPLIFYING THE VOICES OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN SWIMMING NOMINATED FOR AWARD Aquatics Aberdeen swimming teacher Shelley Milne was delighted to be nominated in the ‘Young Coach of the Year’ category at the forthcoming Aberdeen’s Sports Awards. Shelley has been making her mark in the swimming world and was also recently selected as one of only a handful of participants to join the Scottish Swimming Young Delegates Programme. At a residential weekend in September, Shelley worked as part of a team of young people from across aquatics in Scotland, to help formulate young people’s priorities and come up with suggestions to present to leaders in Scottish Swimming and the Districts. The group has since worked together to promote their message and influence positive change for young people in sport. Shelley said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be nominated as Young Coach of the Year and I am really looking forward to the ceremony in January. Becoming part of the Young Delegates Programme will allow me to progress my experiences and development further, following my first of two years as a Young Ambassador, where we look at being the voice of young people in the sport, with the aim of targeting issues affecting us today. We have worked right through the pandemic on our selected areas and still continue to do so. “Becoming a Young Delegate has given me the opportunity to be placed in different areas of the sport such as councils, boards, committees or steering groups allowing young people’s voices to be heard.” The 5Ps / Page 4
NEW FACES AT SPORT ABERDEEN We are delighted to welcome two new members of staff to Team Sport Aberdeen recently; Leslie Riddel, Health & Wellbeing Coordinator and Emma Murray, Communications Manager. Based out of Get active @ Sheddocksley, Leslie will focus on supporting our members to achieve their fitness goals. Discovering a love of fitness as a Sport Aberdeen member a few years ago led to Leslie pursuing a career in the health and fitness industry.
Above: Leslie Riddel
Above: Emma Murray
Emma Murray is an RGU graduate with a 1st Class Honours degree in Management with Marketing and is an experienced marketing and communications professional, having spent the last three years with Elevator UK, supporting entrepreneurship across Scotland. Emma is based at HQ and is responsible for all internal and external communications including press releases, media events and liaison and company publications. Both Leslie and Emma will be great additions to Team Sport Aberdeen and we welcome them both on board.
PLACES GYM UPGRADES AT GET ACTIVE @ KINCORTH, GET ACTIVE @ ALEX COLLIE AND GET ACTIVE @ PETERCULTER
Above: Refreshed decoration at Get active @ Alex Collie
An exciting gym floor refresh was undertaken at Get active @ Alex Collie, Get active @ Kincorth and Get active @ Peterculter in November! We believe investing in our venues and maximising the space on our gym floors is key to providing our members with quality opportunities to #getactive.
GOLF ABERDEEN TO RECEIVE OVER £150,000 TO CONTINUE GOLF COURSE IMROVEMENTS Following a record breaking 18-months of rounds played, we are reinvesting the additional revenue generated directly back into the city’s courses. We are working in partnership with the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI), grounds maintenance contractor idverde, drainage experts Duncan Ross Ltd and Aberdeen City Council to deliver the work across all four 18-hole courses. The programme of work will incorporate tree management, bunker revetting, drainage work, gorse removal, investment in machinery, course furniture improvements and other routine maintenance to ensure courses are in top condition for the start of the season. We believe that these improvements will ensure that we tee off the 2022 season with the courses great shape! Look out for further updates on our website and social channels in the new year.
We consulted with our members and staff in these venues which resulted in us reworking the spaces and adding new equipment based on the feedback received. Allan Rae, Group Operations Manager said - “By offering a refreshed layout and new gym equipment we are providing our members with everything they need to have a fun and effective workout in the gym. We know that many of our members are focussing on strength-based training and our new layouts will support that. We are excited to bring new pieces of kit to these venues and look forward to continuing to upgrade other venues throughout 2022.”
PARTICIPATION SPORT AS A CATALYST FOR POSITIVE CHANGE Funding has been extended to allow our SPACE (Supported Activity for Care Experienced) project to continue to provide opportunities for children with experience of care in Aberdeen. Working together with Aberdeen City Council’s Integrated Children’s and Family Services, the project aims to provide support for participants to achieve positive destinations, utilising sport as a catalyst for positive change. Following a four-year investment in the initiative, Aberdeen City Council has extended the agreement for a further year which will allow for two project activators to continue to support participants. Graeme Dale, Sport Aberdeen Head of Sport and Active Communities, said: “I am extremely proud of the positive changes that the project has introduced over the last four years. With the funding extension, we can reach even more young people throughout the city and improve wellbeing through sport and physical activity. The impact that the programme has had on the lives of our participants is remarkable.”
SETTING SALES RECORDS ACROSS OUR VENUES Our venue teams have been doing an excellent job of keeping Aberdeen active, breaking membership sales targets and showing the impact of recent sales training updates. Back in May, Kyle Scott, Supervisor at Get active @ Jesmond sold the membership which smashed our previous May record. In July Lisa Gerrard, Beach Leisure Centre Receptionist made the sale which took us over our previous July sales record, and in October Will Wilson, Supervisor at Get active @ Sheddocksley broke the monthly sales target. Each received a £75 gift voucher for their fantastic efforts – keep up the great work everyone.
Above: Will Wilson, Lisa Gerrard and Kyle Scott receive their gift vouchers from Chairman Tony Dawson and Managing Director Alistair Robertson
The 5Ps / Page 5
SUPPORTING AFGHAN FAMILIES In October, we were delighted to provide 350 free fitness, swimming and ice skating passes to new Aberdeen residents from Afghanistan, as part of Aberdeen City Council’s package of support for Afghan families arriving in the city. Graeme Dale, Sport Aberdeen Head of Sport and Active Communities, said: “We are pleased to play a small part in supporting these Afghan families during this time, to help them to feel welcome and provide access to our venues where they can have fun and keep active as they settle into life in Aberdeen.” Above: Families will have access to venues including Linx Ice Arena
PROCESS BOARD GOVERNANCE REVIEW
PROFESSIONAL FITNESS COACHING LAUNCH
Our Board of Directors recently attended a governance review facilitated by Robin Strang, Chair of Community Leisure Scotland. Robin attended our November Corporate Governance Committee meeting, then led the Board through two workshops. We were pleased to receive very positive feedback from Robin on the strong governance of the charity and the positive impact of our trustee directors.
We are delighted to launch a brand-new Professional Fitness Coaching offer from January. Our fitness coaches will offer personalised fitness training on a one-to-one or small group basis, providing an additional level of support beyond our standard induction and free fitness plan offer. To meet our fitness coaches and find out more about what they offer search ‘Professional Fitness Coaching’ on our website.
Above: Robin Strang, Chair Community Leisure Scotland and Alistair Robertson, Sport Aberdeen Managing Director
Above: Robin Strang leads Trustee Directors in governance review
The 5Ps / Page 6
PARTNERSHIP SEARCHLIGHT SCOTLAND AND SPORT ABERDEEN SUPPORT VULNERABLE WOMEN We are delighted to be working in partnership with Searchlight Scotland, positively impacting the physical and mental health of vulnerable women by providing free fitness memberships. Morgan Macfarlane, Searchlight Scotland Caseworker, commented: “Searchlight Scotland works with vulnerable women who are facing life-controlling issues. This term, lifecontrolling issue, encompasses many different areas; from poor mental health, to human trafficking survivors, to those struggling with addiction. We are based in Aberdeen but work with clients from around the UK and beyond. Our programme focuses on helping individuals rebuild their lives emotionally, psychologically and physically. We have a residential space where our clients can feel safe and secure as they start to focus on their future and staff who work 1-1 with the women to achieve their goals. Our partnership with Sport Aberdeen will allow our clients to take real and active steps toward becoming the person they want to be. Being able to include physical activity will not only help them build confidence and strength, but it will also help them establish a routine and discover new passions. Financial lack is often one of the primary barriers for our clients when engaging with new hobbies and a healthier lifestyle. By partnering with us and opening up free memberships for our clients, Sport Aberdeen have given these women the freedom to make better choices. We’re so looking forward to seeing how our clients use this opportunity!”
POSITIVE COMMUNITY IMPACT In September, we partnered with Police Scotland’s North East Division to deliver an event at Adventure Aberdeen Snowsports Centre. The purpose was to encourage young people in Garthdee to make the most of opportunities available to them throughout the city. The overarching aim was to mitigate anti-social behaviour among young people by encouraging them to take part in local youth clubs, activities and participate in sport and adventurous activity. A number of local organisations attended including Girl Guides, Transition Extreme, Boys Brigade, Sea Cadets, Street Sports and Army Cadets. PC Gavin Haigh, from Nigg Community Policing Team, said: “This was a great opportunity for the local community, clubs and businesses to come together for an informal evening to find out more about the clubs and representatives at the event. We showcased just some of the rewarding activities that young people can become involved with, rather than engaging in antisocial behaviour. I am encouraged to see so many local groups taking part and thank them all for their involvement and support.” Graeme Dale, Sport Aberdeen Head of Sport and Active Communities, said: “This is a great example of local partners coming together to encourage more young people to make the most of the abundance of sporting and other opportunities the city has to offer. We were delighted to host the event at Adventure Aberdeen Snowsports Centre and hope that our ski, snowboard and tubing taster sessions inspired more young people to take up these exciting outdoor sports.”
The 5Ps / Page 7
IN FOCUS: READY FOR ADVENTURE IN THE HEART OF SPEYSIDE
Above: Having fun in the rec room
Above: Newly renovated rooms
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e are thrilled to have reopened our residential centre, Adventure Speyside, in the Cairngorms National Park. We have welcomed several groups back to the village of Cromdale and everything that the Spey area has to offer! Having been modernised in early 2020, Adventure Speyside offers the perfect setting for outdoor adventures, within easy reach of some of the most spectacular activity sites in Scotland including the River Spey, Loch Morlich and the Cairngorm mountains to name but a few. Over the autumn period, we have welcomed two school groups, a three-week instructor training course and acted as a base for our winter hillwalking day – proving the versatility of the centre and the range of opportunities for adventure surrounding it. Bookings have already been received for 2022 including further school groups, community groups, family trips and a wedding party.
Above: Getting ready for abseiling
Mike Gifford, Adventure Aberdeen Manager said -
“It is fantastic to have Adventure Speyside open again and we are ready to welcome even more visitors to join us for adventures throughout 2022. The building has been extensively upgraded and the feedback from staff and visitors when they see the improvements has been great. With a new lounge area, more ensuite facilities and fresh decoration throughout, it really is a great transformation.
Sleeping up to 50 people, the centre has fantastic communal areas including a large, fully equipped kitchen, open plan dining area and spacious recreation room. From the centre, Adventure Aberdeen offers a range of adventurous activity including:
“Adventure Speyside is open to groups from all across Scotland and further afield to come and enjoy the surroundings that are on offer from Speyside. Our team of staff are ready to welcome guests, deliver exciting programmes of adventurous activities and give visitors memories that will last them a lifetime. New appointments to the team allows the programme on offer to grow and become more diverse than ever before which is hugely exciting.
• • • • • • • • • • •
“Recognising that walking is one of the most popular activities for visitors to the Cairngorms National Park, our experienced team are able to lead guests on guided walks through huge pine forests, along the famous River Spey and past the distilleries. The more adventurous may enjoy a walk up and over the Cairngorms plateau on one of our Hillwalking & Mountaineering courses. Another activity that our guests always talk about and can’t wait to take part in year after year is gorge walking at the Bridge of Brown. Swimming in rock pools carved out by the water in a steep sided gorge, sliding down the natural flumes and jumping from the sides into deep pools always leaves guests wanting more! We are looking forward to a busy and exciting 2022.”
Gorge walking Abseiling Hill Walking & Mountaineering Canoeing Kayaking Stand Up Paddle Boarding Cycling Skiing Rock Climbing Coasteering Team building activities
Page 8 / In Focus: Ready for Adventure in the heart of Speyside
I have had the best time here, I absolutely loved staying over with my friends and we had so many adventures. I especially loved doing the abseiling and gorge walking and playing games with my friends in the rec room. I hope we can come back soon! - Primary 7 adventure weekend participant
In Focus: Ready for Adventure in the heart of Speyside / Page 9
CASE STUDY: ACTIVE LIFESTYLES REFERRAL PROGRAMME
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ur Active Lifestyles programme supports over 65s and those living with a long-term health condition to be active and participate in physical activity.
Our recently expanded referral programme now offers specialist classes across the city, designed for people living with a range of health conditions developed in conjunction with partners including NHS Grampian, Macmillan Cancer Support and Parkinson’s UK. All sessions are led by our team of experienced and trained instructors and follow evidence-based best practice. Sessions include strength and balance classes, circuits classes, walking and gym-based activities. Our aim is to help participants to safely experience the benefits of being active, to help manage their condition and overall health. Participants can be referred by their health professional or self-refer online.
BREATHING CONDITIONS This exercise programme is aimed at people with a lung condition whose ability to be active is affected by breathing difficulties, including those with Bronchiectasis, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Respiratory Disease (COPD). Whilst exercise doesn’t provide a cure for these conditions, it does help to make the most of lung function by improving muscle strength. Participants can use oxygen more efficiently and become less breathless; cope better without feeling out of breath and improve fitness so they feel more confident doing everyday tasks. “I was welcomed by a group of friendly people who, like myself, suffered from breathing difficulties. The exercises were conducted by an experienced instructor who monitored the needs of everyone.” - Archie, breathing conditions participant
MOVE MORE ABERDEEN In partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support and Maggie’s Centre Aberdeen, we deliver an innovative programme to support anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer to get active and remain active. For participants living with or after cancer, being physically active is safe and can help reduce side effects of treatment such as fatigue, improve mood and reduce stress. Page 10 / Case Study: Active Lifestyles Referral Programme
“My strength and balance has greatly improved. I’m not forced to do anything, there’s a great playlist and the class is relaxed, Overall, it is a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.” - Move More Participant
FALLS PREVENTION Aimed at people who are at risk of falling and who would benefit from improved strength and balance, this chair-based programme leads to increased strength and balance, reduced risk of falling, increased independence and a reduced effort to complete everyday tasks. “Enrolling in this class has been a life saver, quite literally.” - Margret, Falls Prevention participant
PARKINSON’S DISEASE EXERCISE PROGRAMME In partnership with Parkinson’s UK and RGU, we have developed a specially designed programme to support people with Parkinson’s Disease to be active and live well. Exercise can be as important as medication to help people to take control and manage their symptoms. It has been shown to improve and reduce many of the physical and non-physical symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. Examples include reduced levels of fatigue and depression, improved confidence and motivation, improved strength, balance, mobility and endurance.
STROKE We offer a specially designed 12-week Exercise After Stroke programme, designed in conjunction with a range of partners, including NHS Grampian. Physical inactivity is a risk factor for stroke, so exercising can help minimise the risk of a future stroke. In addition to physical benefits including improved strength, balance, mobility and endurance, exercise has been found to promote cognitive recovery in stroke survivors. “When I started at the class three years ago, I had a stick, I no longer need it and am still exercising. I enjoy the company and meeting people with the same problems I have. Exercise is good for you, by doing exercise I can do a lot more.” - Evelyn, Exercise After Stroke participant Andrinne Craig, Healthy Communities Manager said “We are delighted to have been able to develop and reactivate these programmes with a wide range of partners, allowing us to support people in a way that’s specific to their condition. It’s wonderful to see the progress of all our participants and witness the positive impact that physical activity has on their daily lives”
MANAGING DIRECTOR’S INSIGHTS Thank you one and all
Award Nomination
The end of the year is often a time of reflection and therefore when I look back on the last 12 months my overwhelming feeling is one of gratitude.
This combined support from customers to staff and Board of Directors, has ensured that we can continue making a significant positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the people of Aberdeen. We are delighted to have been recognised for our work with a nomination in the ‘Making the Difference’ category at the 2022 Northern Star Business Awards, a category which recognises companies committed to making positive change within the community. We are looking forward to celebrating the successes of businesses across Aberdeen at the awards ceremony in February.
Our Customers...
I want to say a huge thank you to every member and customer of Sport Aberdeen. Your support and enthusiasm in returning to the sports and activities that you enjoy has been fantastic and made sure that we have been able to return to almost-normal operations. Creating opportunities for people to get active is our number one goal and we look forward to continuing to support you in getting the most out the sport and physical activities on offer in Aberdeen. Our Staff...
I would also like to thank our workforce who have had to contend with a rollercoaster of changes this year around restrictions, furlough and changes to operations. It has not always been easy, and I truly appreciate everyone’s commitment to delivering the best possible service for our customers and support for our colleagues. You have done yourselves, and Sport Aberdeen, proud. Plus Marks for the Board
I was very pleased to welcome Robin Strang, Chair of Community Leisure Scotland to facilitate a governance review for our Board of Directors recently. I’m pleased to say that Robin was full of praise for the way in which our charity is governed and the commitment of our Trustee Directors. This was no surprise to me, as I have witnessed their unwavering dedication to Sport Aberdeen as they guided us through the last 18 months. I’m truly grateful for their continued support and encouragement.
We have a busy and exciting year ahead of us, not least with the opening of the refurbished Northfield Swimming Pool in the summer, and I look forward to sharing more updates with you early next year as the project really takes shape. Until then, I wish you a happy and healthy festive period and a prosperous 2022. Alistair
ALISTAIR S. ROBERTSON Managing Director
Our Chairman Tony Dawson and Trustee Director Colin Taylor were pleased to support legendary Aberdonian Dennis Law, as a new bronze statue of the footballing great was unveiled in Aberdeen this November, in his honor.
Managing Director’s insights / Page 11
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