RGU placement students get up close to Aberdeen FC’s European run

Two RGU students have been given a unique front row seat of Aberdeen FC’s Europa Conference League campaign.

Dylan Banfield and Kerr Innes are both on placement with the Pittodrie club as part of their BSc (Hons) Applied Sports and Exercise programme.

Dylan travelled with the men’s first team to their opening European match against Eintracht Frankfurt on 21 September, which unfortunately ended up in a 2-1 defeat for The Dons. While Kerr had been in Sweden for the Europa League qualifier against BK Hacken and will be travelling to Greece for the match against PAOK.

Both students have important roles with the first team at Aberdeen FC, with both carrying out important opposition analysis, and filming matches alongside the club’s performance analysis team of Jordi and Marta Rams.

Kerr, who was a performance analysist intern with Aberdeen last season, said: “Given the progress I made during the 22/23 season I was offered the opportunity to return to the club for the 23/24 season, but my roles for this season now includes more first team responsibilities, which includes being there on matchdays and helping to build pre-match opposition reports as well as continuing my academy responsibilities.

“I had the chance to travel to Sweden with the first team for the UEFA Europa League playoff game against BK Hacken, this was an exciting opportunity given the magnitude of the competition and what it meant for the club, the whole experience was incredible especially as a lifelong Aberdeen fan.

“It is opportunities like that which make me want to work harder and continue pursuing this career path. In November I will be travelling to Greece with the first team as part of the staff for the UEFA conference league group stage game against PAOK.”

Dylan, who also in this second season as an intern at Pittodrie, said: “This season so far I have got to travel home and away with the first team to work on matches such as Ross County, Hearts, Rangers and my favourite so far Frankfurt.

“With each match day experience being so different I have gained multiple transferable skills, these include generic skills such as communication and time management, due to different stadiums' requirements different setups are needed due to available equipment provided.

“Overall, this Internship so far has been worthwhile, and I couldn’t recommend it more to any other students who are interested in this position. Also, I would like to thank RGU and the Sports Science lecturers for making this opportunity possible.”

Barry Robson’s side drew 1-1 when playing host to HJK Helsinki in the Granite City. PAOK FC from Greece are the other team Aberdeen will face in the UEFA Europa Conference League’s Group G.

As part of the Applied Sports and Exercise course, third year students have a six-week placement with a range of organisations including NHS Grampian, Active Aberdeenshire and other sports clubs or bodies. A four-week placement takes place in year two of the programme.

Dr Patrick Maughan, Course Leader for the BSc (Hons) Applied Sport and Exercise Science course  at RGU, said: “A key aim of our BSc (Hons) Applied Sport and Exercise Science degree is to create industry ready students, and relationships with organisations such as Aberdeen Football Club significantly enhances our ability to do this. Throughout the course, students are provided with authentic learning experiences, in both sport and exercise, allowing them to develop their ability to apply theory to real world practice.

“The programme delivered by Aberdeen FC provides students with authentic, real-world experience, gives them access to high-level practitioners in the field of performance analysis and sport science, and provides considerable additionality in the form of beyond the classroom activity.

“Both Dylan and Kerr have shown high levels of initiative since they joined the course, and it’s pleasing to see them continue to develop their academic skills and develop their ability to apply these in a practical setting through the experiences that Aberdeen FC offer. Undoubtedly these experiences of supporting the club’s performance analysis department, both domestically and in Europe, will provide significant development opportunities for both students.”

Main image: Dylan Banfield with Aberdeen FC's Marti and Jordi Rams