We are delighted to announce that AFCCT participant Brodie Gordon will be our mascot for the Betfred League Cup Semi-Final next Sunday. The 11 year-old from Peterhead will lead the Dons team out alongside captain Graeme Shinnie before the clash with Rangers at Hampden, with a place in the cup final up for grabs. 

Brodie along with his family visited Pittodrie on Tuesday to collect his full Dons kit, which he will wear on the big day and received a behind the scenes tour from AFFCT coach Dean McBain. 

Dean said “We are delighted to have Brodie walking out in front of a packed Hampden for such a huge occasion. Brodie has been coming along to our education programme at Buchanhaven Primary School for almost a year now and the growth in him from day one has been huge. His confidence is unrecognisable and he is now such a positive role model for his classmates and also younger pupils from the school. Brodie is always asking the coaches and staff if he can help & proactively seeks to support others at the sessions.

“He is a great football player who is always keen to learn and share knowledge. His efforts during the classroom sessions are always at a very high level and is a natural leader within the group. Brodie’s attitude, effort and willingness to learn made him a standout candidate to be the mascot and we are all proud to have him represent AFCCT and Buchanhaven at Hampden.”

Brodie was able to print his name and number (“Brodie 11”) onto his shirt before meeting some of the first team players and staff in the tunnel area. The youngster was shocked and surprised when he found out he’d be leading the team out at Hampden. “I came home from school and my Mum told me. I’ve never been a mascot before so I can’t wait for it. My Uncle is a massive Aberdeen fan and he’ll be there with my Mum and Dad. My little Sister won’t be because it will be too loud for her.”

Linda Strachan, who is the Head Teacher of Buchanhaven Primary School in Peterhead also accompanied Brodie to Pittodrie and was full of praise for the work he has undertaken in the past year. “Brodie was chosen for the AFCCT programme to boost his self-esteem and help him realise his potential. Throughout the programme, he has demonstrated commitment, resilience and maturity beyond his years.

“His support, motivation and encouragement for his teammates is truly commendable and he has been an absolute asset to the Buchanhaven Ballers. When we were asked to select a worthy player to be put forward as a mascot, Brodie was an obvious choice and we are certain that he will continue to do himself, his family and Buchanhaven School proud when he takes to the field on Sunday 28th October.”

We hope you enjoyed your day at Pittodrie Brodie and look forward to seeing you kitted out with your new Dons strip at Hampden next week.