In a bid to close the financial gap between AFC and its major rivals, the Club is launching an exciting new initiative which will generate new revenue streams from a wider, global fan base. These funds will be used exclusively for improving performance on the pitch.

AFC's new AberDNA membership programme aims to capture the imagination of not only local, but national and international fans. The football club benefits from an extensive international fan base, much of which is linked to the city’s role in the global oil and gas industry.

Commercial Director, Rob Wicks, said: “Over the past few years the club has grown on and off the pitch thanks to improved performances on the field and with an exciting future ahead of us with a new stadium, training and community facilities at Kingsford, it is vital that we engage effectively with our supporters all around the world to maximise our potential and ensure that the team remains competitive at the top end of the table. 

“Season ticket numbers have increased over the past few years as supporters have continued to back us and now we are looking to provide a further opportunity for them to get involved but also grow the global fan base through AberDNA, enabling fans to feel a closer affinity with the club they love than ever before.”

In return for their support of the football operation, via a monthly or annual payment plan, fans can join one of four different membership categories and in return will receive a number of benefits, including a replica shirt, discounts on season tickets and club merchandise and the opportunity to help shape the future of the club through their collective 'AberDNA Influence'.

“Supporters from all around the world regularly contact the club, desperate for a way to lend their support and get involved. The AberDNA initiative is a response to that, allowing Dons fans the world over to get behind the club. Membership programmes are growing, both in number and relevance with many football clubs both here and abroad.”

AberDNA has been boosted by the fact that legendary Dons boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, has given his support and backing to the initiative. 

Sir Alex said, “I am pleased to be backing this initiative which will support Derek and the entire Football Operation as they seek to build on the progress they have made over the past few years and strengthen Aberdeen’s position in Scotland and in Europe.

“By becoming members, supporters can assist Neil Simpson and his colleagues in the AFC Youth Academy as they aim to continue to produce players of a high standard, not only for Aberdeen but for the national team. It’s crucial for the success and sustainability of any club that players are produced from within and this will give Aberdeen a much better chance of doing that.”

AFC has invested in a talented and dedicated Supporter Engagement Team (SET) who will be reaching out to fans and actively growing the AberDNA membership base. Located at Pittodrie, the SET will be contacting fans to explain the various membership categories and demonstrate the exciting benefits associated with each option.

Funds raised from AberDNA will be directed to the first team, directly supporting the football management team’s budget, to the youth academy, enhancing the ability to identify, recruit and inspire local young talent and towards 

helping to create a high-performance environment with a best-in-class Football Medicine and Sports Science and Performance Analysis support structure for all professional and youth academy players.

Manager Derek McInnes added, “I think it’s exciting that the supporters now have the opportunity to directly support the first team, the Youth Academy and the high-performance environment at the club.

“We are striving to be the best in everything we do and the additional support that this initiative can provide could be invaluable as we look to be the best Aberdeen that we can be. This club is at its best when everyone is pulling in the same direction, players, management, staff and fans. And when we have that, we can be really powerful.”

Supporters can sign up now online at afc.co.uk/eTickets, by calling 01224 63 1903 or by visiting the Pittodrie Ticket Office. Find out more afc.co.uk/AberDNA