RedTV | Interview with Gavin Levey and Neil Simpson | please click here
RedTV | AFC Youth Academy promotional video | please click here

On Thursday evening Aberdeen FC Youth Academy held their annual Statoil UK End of Season Awards ceremony. 86 signed players accompanied by their parents and friends attended the celebratory event which was also attended by AFC Chairman Stewart Milne who thanked all players, coaches, staff and parents for their hard work throughout the 2015-16 season.

Both, Head of Youth Academy, Neil Simpson and Head of Academy Coaching, Gavin Levey highlighted the Youth Academy’s outstanding moments of the season and also delineated the progress the club has made throughout the year with several members of each squad playing above their age group, every squad representing AFC in at least one international tournament abroad and five members of the U17 squad being offered full-time contracts for the 2016-17 season.

For the second year running State Ola Aanestad, Head of Communications at Statoil was in attendance and he handed over the prizes to the following players:

Statoil Young Talent of the Year – Aaron Reid

The Statoil Young Talent of the Year Award was first introduced last year and recognises a talented individual from the U10’s – U12’s age groups who has performed to an exceptional level within the Academy this season.
Aaron joined the Academy at 9 years old from Dyce Boys Club and has worked incredibly hard to improve his technical ability and game understanding. Aaron’s determination to perform to the best of his ability this season has been there for all his team mates and coaches to see.  Defending from the front and working hard off the ball is something that this young player has a real passion for, which at Aberdeen Football Club is a key quality of any good young striker. Aaron played more minutes than any other player at the U12 age group and has also been promoted to the Under 13s on numerous occasions. Aaron has shown his goalscoring capabilities by producing a staggering 73 goals in the 25 fixtures he has played in.

 

Statoil Talent of the Year – Dean Campbell
The prestigious Statoil Talent of the Year Award is presented to an individual from the U13’s – U17’s age groups and is chosen by a panel of judges. There were many players in contention for this season’s award, however Dean Campbell was chosen as the outright winner for the second year in a row.

Dean has come through the Youth Academy pathway from 8 years of age and will continue to develop in AFC’s U17 squad next season. Dean has been top of this season’s match ratings above any other Academy player and due to this high level of performance, Dean has represented three different age groups and has also had the privilege of representing Scotland at international level. Dean shows great game awareness along with tactical and technical abilities.

 

The John Delday Awards

The John Delday Awards are given for players who have demonstrated exceptional creativity and technique throughout the season for each age group. The winners were as follows:

Under 10’s – Cammy Wilson
Cammy has already shown his potential in a large number of matches this season, including fixtures against Southampton and top European Academies. Along with a number of appearances for the Under 11s, this young footballer has chipped in with a large number of goals, which are regularly created by dribbling past more than one opponent.

 

Under 11’s – Ewen Robertson
Ewen has shown excellent technical ability in both Under 11s & 12s matches. His good striking technique was also evident when he scored the winning goals in the 1-0 victories over both Southampton & Northampton. Being comfortable on the ball and willing to take the ball under pressure is one of the main assets.

 

Under 12’s – Nimi Faleye
Nimi constantly uses his imagination and creativity in challenging situations and has shown his ability to use a variety of skills to make a real impact in training and in games. His memorable winning goal against Belgian side Genk was one of the highlights of this season.

 

Under 13’s – Kevin Hanratty
Kevin has been in top form this season, playing for the u13s for most of the year , but his displays earned him the opportunity to play up for the u14s on a regular basis. Kevin possesses a great range of passing and his game awareness and first touch allows him time on the ball.

 

Under 14’s – Kieran Shanks
Kieran is technically good and is a determined player who wants succeed. His performances have elevated him up with the u15s on numerous occasions this season and has been a top performer with this age group as well.

 

Under 15’s – Terry Taylor
Terry is a player with great technical ability and composure on the ball. His performances have seen him playing for the u15s, u17s and u20s squads this year. Furthermore he has also played for Scotland and captained Wales in the same season.

 

Under 17’s – David Dangana
David’s all-round technical ability has enabled him to have a great season. His hold up play, passing, first touch and goals have made him a star performer this season which have seen him rewarded with a full-time contract at Pittodrie next season.

Special Recognition Award – Connor Barron
Connor is an individual within the Academy who has performed at an outstanding level over a number of years with Aberdeen Football Club.  Having been a participant at Strathburn Primary School AFC Community Football Centre, this young player joined Jim Crawford’s Advanced Skills Centre at 7 years old. He made his first appearance for the Under 10’s at the age of 8 and then when aged 9 he made his debut for the Under 11’s against Dunfermline Athletic.  Connor has since developed every year at an age group above his own, competing at the highest level.  His good technique and determination to work hard against older and physically stronger players has always been evident and appreciated by coaches, parents and teammates alike.

 

30 Seconds Skill Challenge –
1st – Arran Smith
2nd – Calvin Ramsay

A record 46 Participants took part in this year’s 30 Seconds Skill Challenge as sponsored and judged by John Delday. Players have 30 seconds to showcase as much skill, technique and creativity as is possible. The entrants were whittled down to seven finalists with Arran Smith winning 1st place and Calvin Ramsay a close runner up. To view all seven finalists please click here

 

Head of Academy Coaching, Gavin Levey commented on the success of the occasion by stating:

“This was a chance to celebrate the successes of each individual player within the Academy and reflect on many of this season’s highlights.  The player pathway at the club is stronger than ever and the momentum that everyone working together has on and off the pitch was hopefully there for all to see last night.  I know that everyone involved felt proud to have played their part this season and it highlighted what a great group of young players, parents, sponsors and staff we have here at Aberdeen Football Club.  Next season will also see some exciting changes, where we will enhance the learning environment even further.”