Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust launches football-themed ‘Donline’ learning resources

A SERIES of football themed ‘DONline’ learning resources has been launched by Aberdeen Football Club’s charity partner, AFC Community Trust, to support home schooling and virtual lessons.

The free online activities have been created by coaches at AFCCT’s partner schools to support children and young people, parents, carers, teachers and supporters during lockdown.

There are different tasks designed for both primary and secondary age pupils and the online resources have been backed by both Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Council’s education departments.

Youngsters can learn along with AFC mascots Angus the Bull and Donny the Sheep as they set challenges covering creative learning, numeracy, literacy and problem solving, alongside fun tasks aimed at keeping children active and healthy.

The P1-7 lessons include creating a schedule for the Dons players, using a clock to work out how much time is needed for training and rest.

For older pupils in S1-6, the online lessons include arts and crafts, cooking, baking, sports science, AFC projects and life skills, which are designed to help develop key skills such as budgeting and job applications.

Secondary pupils were set a sports science task on the importance of hydration, as well as creating a positive cover letter to accompany an application for the notional position of Sporting Director at AFC.

Steven Sweeney, AFCCT chief operating officer, said: “We understand the impact the current closure of schools is having on both young people and their parents and carers, who are having to help facilitate learning at home amid a global pandemic.

“We wanted to help where we could and we’re delighted to have been able to work with our partner school coaches to create DONline learning resources for both youngsters in primary and secondary schools. These are free to access on the AFCCT website and will be updated every week.

“We have the support of the local authorities and we hope they will be of benefit to teachers too, as well as engaging and motivating pupils in vital lessons such as numeracy, literacy and PE through the medium of football.”