Angus the Bull Launches Exciting New Collaboration
ISA is delighted to announce a new collaboration with Aberdeen FC, becoming an official partner of the Dons. This unique alliance brings together two iconic Aberdeen institutions that share a global heart and a deep commitment to the North East. To celebrate the launch, AFC’s famous mascot, Angus the Bull, made a special visit to our campus last week. The halls were filled with excitement as students from Preschool to High School lined up to give Angus a high-five, marking the start of what promises to be a game-changing relationship for our school community.
A Shared Goal: Supporting Local Talent
A central pillar of this partnership is ISA’s sponsorship of AberDNA Junior, the club’s free membership scheme for fans under 12 years old. By supporting this initiative, ISA is reinforcing its mission to be a school that is ‘in Aberdeen and for Aberdeen,’ helping to nurture the next generation of football fans in our local area. This commitment to local talent is mirrored in our own ISA Sports Scholarships, which are specifically designed to empower high-performing local athletes. By providing fee discounts, we ensure that world-class education and sporting aspirations can go hand-in-hand, allowing the North East’s most promising stars to thrive both in the classroom and on the pitch, in the pool or on court.
With our sporting expertise and world-class facilities, ISA has long been a hub for sporting excellence in the North East. Partnering with Aberdeen FC is a natural fit; it allows us to align with a club that sits at the very heart of our city’s identity. We are excited about the unique opportunities this collaboration creates – from our sponsorship of AberDNA Junior to the professional insights our students will gain from the team at Pittodrie. This is about two local institutions working together to provide world-class opportunities for the people of Aberdeen.
Nick Little, ISA Head of School
The ISA Athlete: Excellence and Inclusion
While we are proud to support these high-performing athletes, our sporting philosophy is rooted in the belief that physical education is a fundamental pillar of development for every student. From Preschool through to High School, our specialist-led program utilises our world-class, on-site facilities – including two large sports halls, 2 astro pitches, tennis courts, 25m swimming pool, indoor climbing wall, gym & weights room – to foster a culture where everyone can find their own path to success. We recognise that achievement looks different for everyone, so we move beyond traditional favourites like football and basketball to offer a diverse curriculum including roller-blading, water polo, badminton, and even circus skills. This inclusive approach ensures every student discovers an activity where they feel confident, helping them grow into resilient and balanced individuals who understand the link between physical health and wellbeing, developing a lifelong love for staying active.
Professional Insights and Global Connections
Beyond the classroom, the partnership offers ISA families and students unique behind-the-scenes access to the world of professional sport. We are particularly excited to host ‘Dons Day Out’ opportunities, bringing our whole school community together at Pittodrie to enjoy the electric atmosphere of match days. Furthermore, students will benefit from termly workshops led by AFC’s expert staff, focusing on specialised areas such as sports science, nutrition, sports psychology, and performance analysis. This collaboration also allows some of our school community to buddy with international players, sharing our expertise in supporting families as they transition to life in the Granite City and helping them feel at home in Aberdeen.
Community Impact and CAS Opportunities
Looking ahead, ISA will work closely with the Aberdeen FC Community Trust (AFCCT) to support local outreach and educational initiatives. This provides a fantastic platform for our High School students to engage in CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) projects, working alongside the Trust to give back to the city. Our commitment to the region is already well-established, with our facilities serving as a vital hub for the wider community. From our large sports halls hosting local basketball, badminton, judo, and volleyball clubs, to our 25m pool being used by local swimming clubs, we take pride in our role as a centre for health and activity. By combining forces with AFCCT, we aim to ensure our resources continue to support the wellbeing and connectivity of the entire Aberdeen community.
Establishing this link with ISA is an exciting step for the Club. As a hugely respected pillar of the community, ISA share many of the same values, and with a global outlook they match our future ambitions. Our hope is to bridge the gap between world-class education and professional sports and we’re eager to see the positive impact this can have, not only on our young AberDNA Junior members but also the wider community. We look forward to working together with our colleagues at ISA on many of the innovative projects we have planned.
Gary Herbert, Aberdeen FC Business Development Manager
