Official Press Release from Aberdeen Football Club (20.09.23)

Former Dons Captain Scores Support for Charitable Foundation from Aberdeen FC Partner

Dons legend Russell Anderson will see his charitable foundation take centre stage in the UEFA Conference League group stages thanks to the generosity of Aberdeen FC Partner, RAM Tubulars.

Russell, who ended his playing career with the Dons in 2015 will see the name of his charity, The Russell Anderson Foundation, feature on the back of the Dons home and away kits for the European group stage fixtures.

RAM Tubulars, led by Managing Director, Jim Stewart, have had a close association with AFC for many years as supporters of the Youth Academy and that relationship was enhanced at the start of the 2022/23 season when RAM Tubulars sponsored the back of the men’s first team playing kit.

That agreement has carried on into this campaign and now RAM has generously donated the space for the duration of the Conference League group stages to the local charity.

Commenting on the charitable gesture Jim Stewart, Founder of RAM Tubulars said: "We are really proud to be from Aberdeen and see it is part of our responsibility to give something back locally when we can and that is something which really aligns with the work Russell has been doing with his Foundation.

"We believe in and are excited by giving opportunities to young people, and our work with the AFC Youth Academy is an example of that, and Russell's team do such great work providing the next generation with the tools they need to succeed.

"As a lifelong supporter of the club I know what Russell achieved on the pitch and I am sure seeing his name back on the shirts will bring back memories for so many supporters watching these highly anticipated matches.”

After a playing career which included two spells at Pittodrie where he racked up over 400 appearances, Russell set up the Foundation to improve the lives of children in socially deprived areas of Aberdeen through life-changing programmes that make a sustainable and measurable difference to their health and wellbeing.

"We are delighted with this opportunity that RAM has provided us with to raise a bit more awareness of the charity and the work we do in Aberdeen”, said Russell.

"Through my work with the Foundation I know that there are so many worthwhile causes that Jim could have selected so for him to choose us makes me extremely grateful.

"If even a handful of supporters go and find out a bit more about the Foundation and decide to get involved it will make a huge difference to the whole community." Thursday night’s match in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt will be the first to see the Russell Anderson Foundation logo feature on the back of our shirts.