University goal for sporting excellence kicks off at Keith Park

University goal for sporting excellence kicks off at Keith Park

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Friday, May 7, at 11.30am, Keith Park, Don Street, Old Aberdeen.

The University of Aberdeen has today (Friday) announced a major boost to sporting facilities for students and the City with the purchase of a first-class sports ground.

The University's commitment to sustaining sporting excellence will be enhanced by the purchase of Keith Park, Don Street, Old Aberdeen.

Keith Park's facilities will particularly benefit the University's Men and Women's hockey and football clubs who already rank amongst the most successful teams. The facility boasts two large outdoor football or hockey pitches, one Astroturf surfaced and the other grass surfaced. Both pitches benefit from floodlighting. All existing sporting commitments at Keith Park will also be maintained and developed.

Director of Sport and Recreation Services Dr Fraser McGlynn said: "We are delighted by the purchase of Keith Park. This facility will provide greater opportunities for developing University sport at all levels, but is a boost in particular to the already successful the hockey club."

Louise Watt, University of Aberdeen, Vice-President Sport: "It is brilliant news that the University has purchased Keith Park. It will be an invaluable facility for a number of clubs but especially our Hockey clubs who have wished for an Astroturf pitch for a number of years now. Hopefully the purchase of Keith Park will allow our already successful teams to develop and exceed the already high standards they have set."

Sport and Recreation Services at the University is recognised as a Centre of Excellence and currently supervises the strength and conditioning programmes of some of Scotland's elite athletes who are based in the North-east of Scotland, and who belong to the Grampian Institute and Scottish Institute of Sport.

Sports include rugby, hockey, swimming and curling. Some, but not all of the athletes, are also students at the University of Aberdeen. In addition, the Department offers sports science support for other athletes, for example giving advice on training, sports psychology and lifestyle management, as well as providing a comprehensive recreational programme for students, staff and members of the public.