A Dons legend’s sporting academy will host a football festival next week to celebrate its fifth year of existence.
The Russell Anderson Development School (RADS) was set up in 2012 by the former Aberdeen FC captain to increase the amount of football development in socially deprived areas of the Granite City.
On Thursday May 25 RADS will hold a festival at St Machar Academy for 200 primary 2 pupils from the local area.
Currently more than 1000 boys and girls from across five schools benefit from the programme that is delivered by Mr Anderson and head coach Graeme Burnett.
Mr Anderson said: “I’m extremely fortunate to have enjoyed playing football for such a big part of my life and have seen the benefits it can bring to so many people.
“Initially we went in with the goal of delivering after school activities and creating an environment that would allow the children to develop their skills, balance and coordination along with their general level of fitness which will have a lasting positive impact and help them to become healthy, confident individuals.”
Over the last five years RADS has had the support of The Paul Lawrie Foundation, The Wood Foundation, Saltire Energy and Active Schools Aberdeen.
Sir Ian Wood, chairman of The Wood Foundation added: “This is a totally inclusive programme, regardless of ability, and seeks to encourage activity and wellbeing in youngsters. “This is about developing physical fitness, football skills, learning to play in a team with attention paid to pursuing a healthy lifestyle.”
