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PeterDeen project aims to help youngsters reach education goals

A skeleton staff will keep Balmoor's doors open.
A skeleton staff will keep Balmoor's doors open.

The power of football is being used as part of a new north-east project aimed at helping youngsters reach their education goals.

Aberdeen and Peterhead football clubs and Aberdeenshire Council have joined forces for the PeterDeen programme.

The scheme is aimed at S3 pupils from Peterhead Academy who find it tough getting to grips with the traditional school curriculum.

PeterDeen will take them out of the classroom to take part in football coaching sessions, meeting volunteer groups and taking vocational qualifications while completing vital subjects like English and maths in school.

Aberdeenshire Council is leading the two year pilot project and 18 pupils have already signed up after being selected by Peterhead Academy following discussions with their families and an assessment process.

Aberdeen FC Community Trust, Peterhead Football Club and Peterhead-based Score Group are all involved in the new venture.

Councillor Gillian Owen, the local authority’s education chairwoman, said the project is a “win-win” for everyone involved.

She said: “PeterDeen is a truly inspirational and innovative initiative which aims to upskill young people in Peterhead through direct experience in the worlds of sport and employment.

“I very much hope it is a win-win for Aberdeenshire Council and the partners involved in PeterDeen, and for Peterhead too. I am sure other councils in Scotland and further afield will be interested in seeing how this unique approach develops.”

Nat Porter, community liaison officer for Peterhead FC said it is an “excellent opportunity” for the League 2 side to work with youngsters in the town.

He said: “This is exciting for us in a number of ways. It is an excellent opportunity to work with the partners to find a new way of supporting local young people and shows what can be achieved when we all have the same ambition.

“It is also the first time we have worked together with Aberdeen FC on such a project. I wish all of the young people taking part the very best of luck.”

PeterDeen will be formally launched at Peterhead FC’s Balmoor Stadium today.