Aberdeen FC chairman welcomes SFA backing for new stadium at city's beach

The chairman of Aberdeen FC is welcoming the SFA's support for a new stadium at the city's beach.

Scottish football's governing body believes the plans will transform the north-east's sporting profile.

It adds that it could make Aberdeen considered for more regular international fixtures as a new stadium can host international matches, including the women’s and men’s under-21s and youth internationals.

Last week, a report by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce and MKA Economics projected that the facilities could inject at least £1 billion into the local economy during the next five decades.

Although Pittodrie, Aberdeen FC's current home, has hosted senior men’s international fixtures, the SFA says the club has only hosted ten such internationals in more than 50 years.

The last international there was in 2017.

More than 16,000 fans watched Scotland play the Netherlands in a friendly.

With women’s football being the fastest growing sport in the world and top-class facilities in the north-east, that meet Uefa and Fifa standards, the SFA also says it could provide an alternative option for the international women’s U-17 and U-19 teams.

The organisation says a first-class arena can potentially inspire a new generation of fans.

It also says that training facilities at Aberdeen FC’s Cormack Park are excellent and that, combined with a new stadium at the beach, would allow the region to become a sporting hub of excellence.

The organisation adds further that it can lead to international sides basing themselves during breaks from domestic campaigns.

Ian Maxwell, the chief executive of the SFA, said: "Keeping Aberdeen FC in the city with a new stadium, close to its spiritual home of Pittodrie, would benefit not only the club but the city as a whole.

"A modern stadium which includes facilities that meet strict criteria set by UEFA would ensure the north-east is a viable option to host future international matches involving Scotland National Teams of all levels.

"The plans are also in keeping with the Scottish FA strategy, the Power of Football, in particular building a united and successful future for our national game."

Aberdeen FC chairman, Dave Cormack, said: "It’s clear that the combined offering of our excellent training facilities at Cormack Park with a stunning new beachfront stadium would be appealing for our national teams, both men’s and women’s, at all levels.

"It would help promote diversity and inclusion in Aberdeen and further boost the already substantial £1 billion projected economic uplift from the new stadium, which was identified by the recent Chamber of Commerce economic impact report.

"Being in the running to host international fixtures on a more regular basis, instead of just one every five years or so, could generate a significant and welcome boost to the local economy, attracting visitors to Aberdeen, increasing footfall and spend in the city centre and enhancing our international profile."