Football Academy Partners with Against the Odds to Raise Gambling Awareness

Students at Coventry College Football Academy recently took part in an important educational workshop delivered by awareness club Against the Odds, aimed at highlighting the dangers of gambling and promoting early intervention and support.

With academy students aged between 16 and 19, the session focused on educating young people about the risks they may face once they are legally able to gamble.

Against the Odds works to raise awareness of gambling related harm, and the workshop provided students with practical knowledge to help them make informed decisions in the future.

During the visit, students learned how to recognise early warning signs of gambling harm, where to access support, and how to build confidence in asking for help. The session also explored the wider impacts of gambling on health, wellbeing, and personal finances, encouraging students to think critically about the long-term consequences.

The workshop prompted thoughtful discussion, with students reflecting on what they had learned. One student said, “It helped me to understand the dark side of gambling and how it can affect my life if I choose to start.”

Following the session, 21 students chose to follow Against the Odds on social media, allowing them to continue educating themselves through the organisation’s ongoing awareness posts and resources.

“It was a pleasure to return to the college that shaped my further education. At ATO, it’s not about being anti-gambling, as approaches like that don’t always resonate with young people. Our focus is on building rapport and trust through relatable, engaging sessions grounded in lived experience and real sporting case studies—strengthening students’ ability to make informed decisions in a world where gambling advertising is constant and highly visible.” – Aaron Abbott, Founder of Against the Odds

Coventry College Football Academy continues to prioritise student wellbeing alongside sporting and academic development, ensuring young people are equipped with the knowledge and support needed to navigate challenges both on and off the pitch.