NFL Academy Uk

NFL Academy Uk

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.

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.

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.

The NFL Academy develops elite American football talent while combining full-time education with life skills. Based at Loughborough’s world-class sports campus and partnered with Loughborough College and University, it also runs a second campus in Australia with A.B. Paterson College. The programme supports players in securing U.S. college scholarships, with over 40 offers to date and 19 alumni set to play NCAA Division 1 football in 2024–25.

With gambling promotion growing across elite sport—including both UK leagues and major U.S. events like the Super Bowl—young athletes are exposed to betting messages from an early age. For NFL Academy students aiming to play NCAA Division 1 football or continue their education in the UK, understanding these media landscapes is essential. Against The Odds was invited to deliver tailored, culturally aware sessions focused on the risks of gambling and how to make informed choices in both the UK and U.S. sporting environments.

Liam Wild, Education Programme Manager:

“We’ve had a very engaging session from Against The Odds with our NFL Academy students. Aaron shared powerful real-life experiences of gambling addiction, and it really struck the group—highlighting how something that may seem harmless can take hold and impact not just the individual but those around them. I’m glad we had the opportunity to raise awareness of gambling harm, and I’m looking forward to building on these sessions moving forward.”

The NFL Academy develops elite American football talent while combining full-time education with life skills. Based at Loughborough’s world-class sports campus and partnered with Loughborough College and University, it also runs a second campus in Australia with A.B. Paterson College. The programme supports players in securing U.S. college scholarships, with over 40 offers to date and 19 alumni set to play NCAA Division 1 football in 2024–25.

With gambling promotion growing across elite sport—including both UK leagues and major U.S. events like the Super Bowl—young athletes are exposed to betting messages from an early age. For NFL Academy students aiming to play NCAA Division 1 football or continue their education in the UK, understanding these media landscapes is essential. Against The Odds was invited to deliver tailored, culturally aware sessions focused on the risks of gambling and how to make informed choices in both the UK and U.S. sporting environments.

Liam Wild, Education Programme Manager:

“We’ve had a very engaging session from Against The Odds with our NFL Academy students. Aaron shared powerful real-life experiences of gambling addiction, and it really struck the group—highlighting how something that may seem harmless can take hold and impact not just the individual but those around them. I’m glad we had the opportunity to raise awareness of gambling harm, and I’m looking forward to building on these sessions moving forward.”

Other Projects

Other Case Studies

Check our other project case studies with detailed explanations

Other Projects

Other Case Studies

Check our other project case studies with detailed explanations

All Projects

All Projects

Case Study

Edinburgh Rugby Club

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.

Case Study

Edinburgh Rugby Club

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.

Learn More

Case Study

Edgbaston Cricket Education Programme

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.

Case Study

Edgbaston Cricket Education Programme

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.

Learn More

Case Study

Brentford Football Club

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.

Case Study

Brentford Football Club

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.

Learn More

Other Projects

Other Case Studies

Check our other project case studies with detailed explanations

All Projects

Case Study

Edinburgh Rugby Club

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.

Learn More

Case Study

Edgbaston Cricket Education Programme

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.

Learn More

Case Study

Brentford Football Club

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.

Learn More