Parents are being sought to help keep open a hugely successful street sport programme struggling to cope with its own success.
The Denis Law Legacy Trust’s Streetsport initiative was introduced to Dyce last summer and has attracted a huge number of young people.
They have been enjoying the scheme and police have lauded it for helping to cut antisocial behaviour.
But as its popularity increases, the scheme could be in jeopardy unless new volunteers come forward.
Organisers took to social media to appeal to parents for assistance, saying: “We had over 60 kids come along last week, so it would be a shame if we had to cancel this”.
The appeal was shared by local groups, including Dyce Primary Parent Council who said Streetsport were “desperate” for volunteers to “be a set of eyes” during sessions.
In a post, it said youngsters really enjoyed the sessions and invited adults to come forward to help it grow.
Streetsport runs on Friday evenings on the community’s 4G pitches at Central Park, with around 60 youngsters currently attending the free sessions.
The initiative is a partnership between the Denis Law Legacy Trust, Sport Aberdeen and police.
Streetsport development officer Hannah Clews appealed for people to come forward to support the initiative.
“We wanted to provide opportunities for young people in the area, which we felt had been lacking.
“There was a big drop in youth annoyance around the time we started this and what was originally intended as a summer pilot has only grown in popularity.
“We expect numbers to increase, but for this to happen we need more volunteers.”
Sport Aberdeen’s Active Schools coordinator for Dyce, Sam Main, said Streetsport offered a great chance for people to get involved in their community.
“This is a brilliant chance for anyone to get involved within their local community and make a real difference to people’s lives,” he said.
“Volunteers don’t need any coaching experience and can be flexible with how much time they can spare.
“Any amount of help that people are able to give will be really appreciated.”
Dyce Streetsports sessions run from 7pm to 8.30pm on Fridays for children in P4 and above.
Sergeant Jim Raeburn, from Bucksburn Police Station, said fewer complaints had been reported to the force since the introduction of Streetsport in Dyce.
He said it gave officers “the chance to meet with young people and build strong relationships within the local community”.
Dyce councillor Neil MacGregor, meanwhile, said: “It would be a great shame if we lost this.
“It gives young people in the community something to do and lets them acquire skills and learn about participation and leadership.”
Anyone wishing to volunteer should contact Sam Main at sammain@sportaberdeen.co.uk.
