Statoil is the exclusive Aberdeen Football Club ‘Talent Partner’ with the emphasis specifically on the future development of elite youth players through the AFC Youth Academy. The Statoil “Heroes of Tomorrow” sponsorship concept supports talented young people, not just in sport but also in culture and education to help them achieve their ambitions. The Statoil Young Talent and Talent of the Month awards are awarded to players who show an exceptionally high standard of talent during academy training sessions and matches at club and international level. For the month of February the awards were presented to:

Under 12 Striker, Aaron Reid won the Statoil Young Talent of the Month Award for the second time this season for his top performances in February. Aaron is a young footballer who has continued to show his determination to perform at the highest level this season and has scored an impressive 7 goals in his last three 11-a-side games. This takes Aaron’s total competitive goal tally to 56 for the season, which includes the 7-a-side fixtures U12's played prior to the New Year. Aaron's current attitude to work hard to improve himself at each training session and game, has also seen him selected to play up at the Under 13s on occasions this season where he has provided a very good account of himself and continued his good form.

Head of Youth Academy, Neil Simpson presented Aaron with his award at training and said ‘Having seen Aaron’s recent performance at the Under 13s his enthusiasm to perform in a more challenging environment was very encouraging. We have enjoyed watching Aaron progress through the Academy and are confident that he can continue this form for the remainder of the season’.

Kieran Shanks was presented the February Statoil Talent of the Month Award having also been presented with with the award in September 2015. Kieran, who plays in a variety of positions, for both the Under 14s & Under 15s has performed exceptionally well in games against Celtic, Hearts and Dundee United this month. His current form and attitude towards improving himself in every situation has now also seen him being selected for the Academy’s Under 16 side.

Head of Academy Coaching, Gavin Levey presented the Award to Kieran commented that ‘Kieran, like most players in the Academy joined at Under 10s and is showing a real hunger to be the best he can be no matter what challenge he’s faced with. He’s improved a lot over recent year’s and it’s great to see his performances right now are reflecting all the hard work that he puts into his development. What really impressed us last month is Kieran’s ability to dominate 1v1 situations and be creative and positive when in possession’.

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