Wigan Athletic Football Club
Wigan Athletic Football Club
Against The Odds delivered a gambling awareness session to Brentford Football Club’s B Team. 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 harm and how to support teammates who may be struggling.
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Stellar Shots Videography is a boutique videography studio specializing in capturing memorable moments through cinematic storytelling. With a team of skilled videographers and editors, Stellar Shots has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality videos for weddings, events, and corporate projects. However, despite its exceptional work, the studio faced challenges in effectively showcasing its portfolio and attracting new clients through its website.
Client Background
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.
Challenge: Gambling Exposure in Elite Sport
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.
Solution
To meet this need, Against The Odds delivered a bespoke, interactive workshop led by founder Aaron Abbott, who brings powerful lived experience of gambling addiction. The session combined storytelling, group discussion, and educational content to deliver a compelling learning experience tailored to the elite sport setting.
The workshop focused on:
• Raising awareness of gambling's psychological and emotional drivers
• Exposing the tactics used by gambling companies, especially in football sponsorship and advertising
• Empowering players to spot early signs of harm in themselves or teammates
• Promoting supportive conversations and breaking down the stigma around addiction
• Providing practical strategies to reduce risk and access help if needed
By encouraging open conversation and honest reflection, the session created a space where players felt heard, informed, and empowered to make safer, more responsible choices—both for themselves and those around them.
Client Background
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.
Challenge: Gambling Exposure in Elite Sport
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.
Solution
To meet this need, Against The Odds delivered a bespoke, interactive workshop led by founder Aaron Abbott, who brings powerful lived experience of gambling addiction. The session combined storytelling, group discussion, and educational content to deliver a compelling learning experience tailored to the elite sport setting.
The workshop focused on:
• Raising awareness of gambling's psychological and emotional drivers
• Exposing the tactics used by gambling companies, especially in football sponsorship and advertising
• Empowering players to spot early signs of harm in themselves or teammates
• Promoting supportive conversations and breaking down the stigma around addiction
• Providing practical strategies to reduce risk and access help if needed
By encouraging open conversation and honest reflection, the session created a space where players felt heard, informed, and empowered to make safer, more responsible choices—both for themselves and those around them.
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