Aberdeen football trust launches legacy fund in memory of Duncan Skinner

Aberdeen FC Community Trust are to launch a legacy fund in memory of its former chairman Duncan Skinner.

Mr Skinner passed away in April after a year-long battle with cancer and now the trust are honouring his memory with a 'Brighter Futures' fund. 

Kick-started with a £20,000 donation, from their former chairman and a contribution from CNR International, the fund will support the trust's work with young people. 

It will include a year-long programme to transform the lives of those aged 14 and 18 and beyond into education and employment. 

Lynn Carter, partnership and business development manager at AFCCT, said: “Duncan was passionate about changing people’s lives for the better, particularly young people.

"He was an advocate for Career Academies, aimed at mentoring and finding work placements for fifth and sixth year pupils. An avid AFC fan, he became chairman of the Trust when it was formed in 2014.

"We can think of no better tribute to him than setting up a fund in his name which will support his vision of a better life for every young person and provide a fitting legacy.”

Each young person on the programme will be supported in setting goals and then developing the skills and qualifications required to reach those, through meaningful learning, work experiences and volunteering through the Trust.

Mrs Carter added: "By guiding and coaching them in a dedicated and supportive manner over 12 months, we can help them gain the confidence to become a voice in their community, a role model, a sports coach, further education or simply steer them on the right career path towards meaningful and gainful employment.”

Duncan Skinner, far right, with AFCCT staff and volunteers, Jenna McDonald, Stephen Harvey and Paul Davidson

The pledges from Mr Skinner and CNR have got the fund‐raising off to a flying start. The Trust is aiming to meet a fund‐raising target of £100,000 which will allow them to put 150 young people through the programme over the next five years.

The funds will help deliver accredited training courses, STEM courses, youth exchange programmes, vouchers for interview and workplace clothing, travel costs, volunteering uniforms, work experience, internships and placements, an award ceremony for graduation and a mentor to support the young people through their first year of further education or employment.

It's already received donations in Mr Skinner's memory which will be added to the fund. 

A dedicated Just Giving campaign will be launched for one-off and monthly direct debit donations as well as the opportunity to sponsor a named young person through the year-long-programme. 

Former Chief Executive of PSN, Bob Keiller is delighted with the project and what it will do for young people. 

A close friend and former colleague of Mr Skinner's, he said: “Duncan always saw the potential in people and was passionate about giving everyone a chance to fulfil their potential.

"He mentored, coached and changed the lives of so many young people in so many ways.”