Denis Law’s Academy Launches Mentoring Partnership
Denis Law’s Academy is proud to announce a new partnership with MCR Pathways in Aberdeen.
The partnership will enable more local young people to access trusted adult mentors, helping them overcome barriers and navigate the unique challenges they face on their journey toward brighter futures.
Bringing together two strongly aligned and deeply committed missions, this collaboration will harness the power of community and relationships to achieve meaningful, transformational impact on positive post-school destinations.
Volunteer mentors will support young people to build confidence, strengthen self-belief and find their voice. By laying these vital foundations, the partnership aims to improve school attendance, raise attainment and broaden aspiration.
Denis Law Legacy Trust is dedicated to improving the lives of young people across the city through free, accessible, and community‑based programmes. The Trust works directly in communities where additional support is most needed, providing safe spaces, positive role models, and meaningful opportunities for young people to grow in confidence, wellbeing, and ambition.
Through its award‑winning StreetSport, CLUB 10 and Denis Law Academy programmes, the Trust engaged with over 30,000 participations in 2025, all from disadvantaged young people, helping them build resilience, broaden aspirations, and develop the skills to thrive.
This partnership welcomes mentors from all walks of life. Full training and ongoing support are provided, enabling volunteers to use their life experience and personal qualities to make a real difference — sparking potential and awakening ambition.
Gavin Jardine, Head of the North Region at MCR Pathways, said: “We’re delighted to have established a partnership with The Denis Law Academy to deliver an exciting new community-based, personalised mentoring service in Aberdeen. This approach offers improved access, greater flexibility and stronger local connections — ensuring more young people can benefit from consistent, trusted support.
“Our message to young people is simple: wherever you are, mentoring should be available to support you. A trusted adult mentor builds confidence, provides a listening ear, shares life experience and understands your worries and dreams — helping you move toward the fulfilling future you want.
“Having someone who shows up, listens without judgment and believes in you through life’s ups and downs can be the first step toward exciting change and new possibilities.”
Named in honour of one of Scotland’s greatest footballers and proud Aberdeen son, The Denis Law Academy is committed to nurturing ambition, resilience and achievement in every young person.
Jackie Dunbar MSP for Aberdeen Donside joined representatives from both charities at the formal launch, who said: “The Denis Law Legacy Trust and Robert Gordon University have done amazing work to support young people in Aberdeen, connecting with them through their programmes, and helping give them a wee push in the right direction. Teaming up with MCR Pathways, and the mentoring work they do, sounds like a perfect trinity working to build on the legacy of a member of Manchester United’s famous Trinity of Law, Charlton and Best.
“Denis Law got a helping hand from his community, not least from the neighbour who gave him his first pair of football boots. Just like Denis when he was growing up, there are thousands of young people in Aberdeen today who could benefit from a wee help, and this mentoring partnership will support just that.”
Mark Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Denis Law Legacy Trust, said: “This partnership represents a powerful step forward in our commitment to giving every young person the chance to thrive. By combining the strength of our work via the Denis Law Academy with MCR Pathways’ proven mentoring model, we can offer deeper, more personalised support to those who need it most.
“Every young person deserves someone who believes in them, and this collaboration ensures they have a trusted adult championing their potential, their confidence, and their future. We are incredibly proud to work alongside MCR Pathways to help more young people in Aberdeen find their path and realise what they are truly capable of.”
About Denis Law Academy
The Denis Law Academy is a youth development programme delivered by the Denis Law Legacy Trust, designed to support young people across Aberdeen through personal growth, professional skill building and wellbeing development. Rooted in the Trust’s commitment to empowerment and opportunity, the Academy provides holistic guidance that helps young people develop confidence, gain experience and build positive aspirations for their future.
Working with young people who may benefit from extra encouragement or structured pathways, the Academy offers a blend of group activities, one to one support, volunteering opportunities and consistent engagement with trusted adults. This approach helps young people strengthen their wellbeing, develop practical life and work skills and build the resilience needed to thrive in education, employment and their wider lives.
In addition to enhancing the Trust’s existing offer, the Academy provides deeper and more tailored support for young people both within and beyond current programmes. Whether young people engage regularly with the Trust or are new to its services, the Academy creates accessible pathways for personal development, professional readiness and positive life choices. Inspired by Denis Law’s values of hard work, ambition and community pride, the Academy empowers all young people to recognise their potential and build a positive, fulfilling future—regardless of background or circumstance.
About MCR Pathways
An unfair start in life can cause young people to lose direction. MCR Pathways is dedicated to ensuring that every young person—particularly those who are care-experienced or facing wider challenges and adversity—have someone to help them find their path. These individuals face significant disparities in outcomes compared to their peers. Mentoring has the power to change that. In partnership with schools, local authorities, and businesses, MCR Pathways trains mentors from all walks of life to provide guidance, encouragement, and support. Just one hour a week with a mentor can build confidence, unlock potential, and make a lasting impact on a young person’s future.
To find out more about our programmes, visit: www.denislawlegacytrust.org
To find out more about becoming a volunteer mentor, visit: https://mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor/
