VIP visitor makes camps even more special! (20.10.23)

The Russell Anderson Foundation (RAF) autumn camp at Aberdeen Sports Village had a lot of very happy sports campers this week when Aberdeen midfielder Leighton Clarkson dropped in for an unexpected visit courtesy of Jeff Riley from Imajica Brand Evolution, the Foundation’s brand partner, who invited the ex-Liverpool star to come down and have a look at the brilliant work the Foundation does.

Leighton spent the morning at the camp and, in addition to helping out with lunch and watching all the activities, posed for many obligatory selfies and photographs with the delighted youngsters (and the RAF team too!). And the youngsters even managed to surprise the Aberdeen star with an early birthday cake and a card!

Leighton met with Russell Anderson and RAF’s Chief Executive Graeme Burnett, who gave him an overview of the Foundation's work prompting Russell to say: “While the boys and girls at the camp this month wouldn’t have a clue who I am, Leighton is a rising talent who engages perfectly with the youngsters we currently work with, and his visit to our camp certainly went down a treat!”

An email Graeme received from one of the parents afterwards summed up how well the surprise had gone down. "Graeme thank you so so much! I have the happiest little boy tonight. All he has done is tell everyone he’s seen today he’s met Leighton. I can’t thank you enough for your camp and what you do for these children is unbelievable. He came out his shell so much being at the camp in the summer and now this time round even more so. Never in a million years would he have walked up to Leighton and Russell and spoke to them on his own. He’s honestly on cloud nine and I’ve only got you to thank for that."

The 2nd RAF Autumn Camp, which was free for the youngsters who attended, supported over 400 youngsters this week and RAF hosts a two week Summer Camp at the same venue, which takes place in July.