Wigan Athletic Football Club
Wigan Athletic Football Club
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.
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.
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.
Wigan Athletic Football Club, based in Greater Manchester, is recognised for its strong commitment to player development and community values. The club’s Heatable Academy is instrumental in nurturing young talent both on and off the pitch.
Through its comprehensive Life Skills Programme, Wigan Athletic ensures that academy players receive holistic support—fostering resilience, well-being, and informed decision-making. As part of its safeguarding strategy, the club sought to deepen awareness around gambling harm, acknowledging the increasing risks facing young athletes.
Young players today grow up in a sporting environment saturated with gambling messages. From sponsorships and digital advertising to promotions across TV and social media, betting is often portrayed as an exciting, routine part of football culture.
This constant exposure can normalise risky behaviours, especially for teenagers still developing their identity and coping mechanisms. Recognising this, Player Care Manager Lee Wood aimed to offer more than the standard annual awareness sessions—seeking a relatable, real-life approach that would resonate with players and offer early intervention.
Young defender Eko Solomon was involved in the workshop and added:
"The workshop has given me a great insight into the detrimental effects of compulsive gambling and the strategies to overcome it."
"I think the session was interactive, and I've gained a deeper understanding of the psychological triggers that fuel gambling behaviours and the negative impact it can have on someone’s financial, mental and social well-being."
Wigan Athletic Football Club, based in Greater Manchester, is recognised for its strong commitment to player development and community values. The club’s Heatable Academy is instrumental in nurturing young talent both on and off the pitch.
Through its comprehensive Life Skills Programme, Wigan Athletic ensures that academy players receive holistic support—fostering resilience, well-being, and informed decision-making. As part of its safeguarding strategy, the club sought to deepen awareness around gambling harm, acknowledging the increasing risks facing young athletes.
Young players today grow up in a sporting environment saturated with gambling messages. From sponsorships and digital advertising to promotions across TV and social media, betting is often portrayed as an exciting, routine part of football culture.
This constant exposure can normalise risky behaviours, especially for teenagers still developing their identity and coping mechanisms. Recognising this, Player Care Manager Lee Wood aimed to offer more than the standard annual awareness sessions—seeking a relatable, real-life approach that would resonate with players and offer early intervention.
Young defender Eko Solomon was involved in the workshop and added:
"The workshop has given me a great insight into the detrimental effects of compulsive gambling and the strategies to overcome it."
"I think the session was interactive, and I've gained a deeper understanding of the psychological triggers that fuel gambling behaviours and the negative impact it can have on someone’s financial, mental and social well-being."
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