Aberdeen FC is pleased to confirm the appointment of Mark Slater as Head of Academy Coaching.

Mark joins the Dons from the SFA where he was Regional Club Development Manager and brings with him a vast level of experience working in Youth Development and Coach Education. He has also been working within the AFC Youth Academy as Head Coach leading an Academy team.

He spent five years as a young professional with Dundee FC before also going on to represent Peterhead in the Scottish League and Buckie Thistle and Deveronvale in the Highland league.

His arrival at Pittodrie marks the latest appointment in some key structural changes within the Youth Academy following the appointment of Stuart Glennie as Youth Academy Director earlier this year.

Mark will play a pivotal role in driving forward and developing existing programmes, while reinforcing and enhancing the Club’s standing as the best developer of talent in Scotland.

Commenting on his appointment, Mark said: “I’m really excited to be joining the Club in this full-time role. It’s clear to see everyone behind the scenes is driving forward in the same direction to help ensure Aberdeen continues to be the best developer of talent.

“Given my previous experience with the Academy I am aware of the demands here. Clearly, you’ve got to be talented but I look forward to working with our young players to push them to the next level and give them the best platform to help them achieve their goals.

“I’ll also be working closely with our coaches, who do a fantastic job, to develop our game model and help support the role they all play in enhancing our talent.”

Youth Academy Director, Stuart Glennie added: “We are delighted to have someone with Mark’s experience and knowledge on board to undertake what is now a vital role within the Youth Academy.

“He will oversee and develop our curriculum and play a big role in our coach development throughout the Academy, supporting our staff to help our players on their footballing journey and to help us deliver our aim of being the best footballing academy.”