Against the Odds has made a fantastic impact by supporting Brentford FC's U18s and U21s team! Their commitment to educating young athletes on responsible choices and promoting a positive and informed approach to sports and life is truly inspiring. Aaron’s courage in sharing his personal journey with gambling addiction added a powerful, real-life lesson on resilience and responsibility.
Cindy Abu
Player Support Officer – Brentford Football Club
Highly recommend ATO, the sessions were top… Engaging and made them so relevant to young adults on their footballing journeys. I know our scholars would have taken a lot from it! Will definitely be getting them back in!!
Sam Wright
Academy Player Lead – Stoke City Football Club
I highly recommend Against The Odds for their exceptional gambling awareness workshop. Aaron's delivery to our U18s was engaging and insightful, providing crucial information tailored for young professional footballers. His content was thorough and delivered in a relatable style, making complex topics accessible and memorable. This workshop is invaluable for fostering responsible attitudes towards gambling among young athletes.
Nathan Barker
Head of Academy Education – Barnsley Football Club & FA Mentor.
As a college we had a fantastic opportunity to have Aaron visit and deliver a session around gambling addiction. It was an outstanding insight to addiction of how it can start, the different types of gambler and then Aaron told us his personal journey. Our learners learned a lot! Would highly recommend!
Matty Catterall
Lecturer in Sport - Wigan Athletic Football Club
Eye opening and thought-provoking presentations Against The Odds. His presentation and sharing of experiences certainly made our students reflect and debate so many issues identified within.. Aaron quickly identifies with his audience and gains an affinity that leaves a lasting impression on both students and staff at MAKEUK.. Fully recommend engaging with ATO.
Mark Dimmack
Business Improvement Instructor – MAKE UK
ATO came into the LLS/Steven Gerrard Academy in Tenerife last December and gave a valuable talk to our students currently in years 12 and 13 of their BTEC Sports Diploma. The students were really engaged in what Aaron had to say and even more so because he was talking from personal experience and being honest and open with the class. We had guests around that day, and they were also very impressed which I know has led Aaron to take his work up to Barnsley FC. This is well worth looking at and I will continue to work with Aaron in the future.
Jason Smith
Strategic Leader in Spain & Canary Islands – Steven Gerrard Academy
ATO provided a fantastic gambling awareness day to our post 16 students. The day consisted of a session from Aaron, followed by a gambling awareness documentary and student research. The delivery was excellent; he is a confident speaker who engaged our students really well. He has a wide range of knowledge on gambling and portrays his own story in a relatable & engaging manner. Thanks again for a great day Aaron!
Rachel Stewart
Education & Employability Manager - Sheffield Wednesday Football Club
Having asked a couple of the players for their thoughts, all were positive. One in particular talked about how helpful he thinks sessions like these are, hearing someone else’s experience, hearing what someone has gone through and how it can help them. He also said how he thinks it has been one of the best sessions we have had.
Lucy Ballinger
Player Care Officer, Barnsley Football Club
ATO were able to engage our learners with personal experiences and relate to them through sport. The students enjoyed Aaron’s talks and importantly it’s made them think- the next time a gambling company flashes up on social media or in their football teams shirt - they will consider whether to get involved or find better ways to spend their time.
Angela Tombs
Assistant Principal, Sandwell College
ATO’s approach to delivering their message was open and honest. It engaged learners and gave them an insight into the consequences of gambling addiction. Would highly recommend to colleagues as his message can help others cope with their problem. I look forward to working with Aaron again in the future.
Gareth Hayes
Head of Sport, Wigan & Leigh College
Had a very engaging session with Against The Odds delivering to our NFL Academy students. Aaron shared some very real-life experiences of gambling addiction, and our guys definitely were quite struck to see how something that may seem so small can take hold of a person and affect those around them. I'm glad we had the opportunity to raise awareness of gambling addiction and how it can impact people from all different backgrounds looking forward to building upon our session moving forward.
Liam Wild
Education Programme Manager, NFL Academy