ATO recently headed to Edgbaston Cricket Ground working on the Education Programme in partnership with both Warwickshire CC & Sandwell College. Designed for aspiring young cricketers, the workshop explored how gambling is increasingly intertwined with sport, particularly through sponsorship, advertising, and social media.

ATO delivered a powerful and impactful session at our biggest venue to date— Murrayfield Stadium, the iconic home of Scottish rugby. Working with the Edinburgh Rugby First Team—featuring world-class talent and international players from around the globe—the session took place within a high-performance environment where the pressures of modern sport are ever-present. The session was supported by Ben Atiga, former All Black and now PD Manager, whose presence reinforced the importance of addressing off-field challenges in elite sport.

ATO delivered a gambling awareness session to Brentford Football Club’s B Team & U18s. The workshop in Hounslow explored the growing connection between elite football and the gambling industry, helping players recognise risks and build confidence to make informed decisions. It also encouraged open discussion around gambling culture within team sports.

At Wigan Athletic, Against The Odds led an interactive session with Academy athletes to examine the influence of gambling within the sporting world. The workshop unpacked sponsorship, advertising, and peer culture, while offering practical tools and lived experience to help players navigate pressure and reduce harm.

Now in its fourth year, the partnership between Against The Odds and the NFL Academy has supported over 200 student-athletes aged 16–18. Through a series of engaging workshops, participants explore the risks of gambling addiction in elite sport, backed by honest discussions, personal reflection, and ongoing support for both players and staff.

Against The Odds has built a trusted relationship with Sandwell College, delivering impactful sessions to over 1,200 students. The workshops raise awareness around gambling harm as part of the college’s wider safeguarding strategy. In 2024, delivery expanded through strategic partnerships with West Bromwich Albion FC and Warwickshire County Cricket Club.

Against The Odds has built a strong partnership with Loughborough College, supporting primarily 18-year-old students in their blended HNC Sport programme. These students come from football academies across the UK, many progressing from the BTEC Sport pathway. This collaboration allows us to connect with aspiring sports professionals early, providing relevant education on gambling risks linked to elite sport.