Aberdeen youth football team scores CityFibre donation to help tackle Edinburgh Cup

A youth football team based in Aberdeen has received a timely boost as it prepares to compete in a showcase tournament later this year.

Due to COVID-19, players at East End Lewis Youth – which has a total of 15 youth teams across different age groups – have been required to do their training online.

With the stated aim of making football accessible to all, the move to remote training has raised the risk of some team members being unable to participate.

Now, Gigabit City builder CityFibre has stepped in to offer financial support to the club’s 2008 team as it prepares to compete for the coveted Edinburgh Cup later this year.

The funds will help boost the club’s current fundraising to provide transport, accommodation and equipment required to participate in the Edinburgh Cup.

Mike Dunn, CityFibre’s Build Manager for Aberdeen, said: “Everyone has had to find ways to adapt during the pandemic and that has been very much the case for East End Lewis 2008s. While the team may not be able to train together as normal, they’ve been able to stay connected with the brilliant coaches holding online sessions.

“It really underlines the importance of fast and reliable connectivity, without which it would be next to impossible to host these sessions. That’s why we are so excited about the work we are doing to deliver Full Fibre connectivity to almost every home and business across the city, allowing people to maintain vital connections when it is needed most.

“This year has been hard on the 08s as they transition into competitive football without the ability to train properly, have regular games or a full season in 2020/21. I wish them all the luck in their endeavours at the Edinburgh Cup this year.”

Derek Anderson, Coach at East End Lewis 2008s, added: “On behalf of East End FC 2008, we would like to thank CityFibre for their kind donation. The donation will allow the club to take the players to the Edinburgh International Cup this season where they will experience playing teams from around the world. These experiences will contribute to their continued growth, not only as young football players but as young adults.”

CityFibre, the UK’s third national digital infrastructure platform, is rolling out a city-wide full fibre network that will bring broadband services capable of gigabit speeds within reach of homes and businesses across Aberdeen.

The £40m investment is continuing throughout the pandemic due to the essential nature of the infrastructure works, with the construction team following guidance from Public Health Scotland.

In recent months, work has begun in new areas of the city including Craigiebuckler, Summerhill, Woodend, Hazlehead, Seafield, and Seaton. Construction is now complete in parts of Bridge of Don, Airyhall, Albyn, Cove, and Heathryfold, while thousands of people in Woodside, Garthdee, Ruthrieston, Mannofield, Kincorth, Broomhill, Kaimhill, Ferryhill, Northfield, Rosehill, Hilton, and Torry are already able to connect and enjoy the benefits of full fibre connectivity.

To find out if services are available in your postcode area, visit www.cityfibre.com/residential