Beyond-The-Game

🌟 MAY WINNERS SPOTLIGHT – BEN 🌟

This month, we want to shine a very special spotlight on one of our incredible young people, Ben 💛⚽

Ben joined Beyond The Game only a short while ago, and in that time the progress he has made has honestly been amazing to witness.

For us, success has never just been about football ability. It’s about confidence, self-belief, happiness and helping young people feel proud of themselves, and Ben is the perfect example of that.

Since joining the academy, Ben has grown in confidence week by week. He now arrives at every session with a huge smile on his face, eager to learn, eager to play and excited to be part of the environment around him.

Not only have we seen huge improvements in his football skills and engagement, but hearing that he’s now out in the garden at home practicing the skills he’s learned with us means absolutely everything, and we are hearing his family are equally as proud as we are!❤️

That tells us this has become something he genuinely values and enjoys, and that’s what Beyond The Game is all about.

Ben, every single one of us is proud of you. Your attitude, effort and determination inspire everybody around you, and it is genuinely an honour to be part of your journey.

Keep believing in yourself superstar ⭐⚽

SENDSupport ChangingTheGame

Our Teenage stars group were in great form today as they enjoyed their football session! ⚽️

(The height order wasn’t intentional but we are here for it 😂📉)

A tremendous well done to our young stars who took part in their first every football tournament today in partnership with and the U12 Superstars! A brilliant evening, smiles all round and proud parents/coaches! This is what it’s about ⚽️

Our very own Luke as mascot at Oldham Athletic last week! This is what inclusivity looks like! Bravo!

👏 Congratulations

Another top moment from Mat Hudson 💙

Making sure one of our young mascots felt comfortable and part of the day… what it’s all about 💙

And to top it off… named in the League Two Team of the Season 👏

Class on and off the pitch 🙏

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🌟 April Winners Spotlight – Charlie 🌟

Charlie has only been with us a few months, but in that short time the progress he’s made has been incredible to watch.

This week, he’s representing his school team for the very first time, that’s something we’re all extremely proud of.

It’s not just about football. It’s about building the confidence to step into something new, to put yourself out there, and to believe you belong.

Charlie’s shown exactly that. Turning up, working hard, and growing week by week, and now getting his moment to represent his school.

These are the moments that matter most.

Well done Charlie 👏 this is only the beginning.

Some of our Saturday Young Stars ready to enjoy their belated treats from the Easter Bunny after a fun football session ⚽️🐇

It’s a Happy Easter week for our Thursday Young stars here at Beyond The Game!🍫⚽️🐇

Autism Awareness Day 🧡

For many children, sport is a place to make friends, build confidence and just be themselves.

But for a lot of autistic children, it can feel like the complete opposite.

Too loud.
Too fast.
Too many expectations.
Too many people who don’t understand.

It’s estimated that 1 in 10 young people in the UK are neurodivergent and thus far less likely to take part in regular sport compared to their peers, and many quietly miss out altogether. Not because they don’t want to join in, but because the environment simply isn’t built for them.

We see it all the time.

Children who’ve been told football “isn’t for them”
Children who struggle in team settings
Children who just need a bit more time, patience and understanding

And then something changes.

A smaller group.
A calmer space.
A coach who understands.

Suddenly they’re smiling.
They’re joining in.
They’re finding their confidence.

That’s what today is about.

Awareness is important, but understanding and action is what truly makes a difference.

Every child deserves a place to belong in sport 💙

I’m incredibly proud to see Beyond The Game featured in the Oldham Reporter this week.

What started as a small idea to help a few children feel more confident through football has quickly grown into something really special for families across Oldham and Greater Manchester.

Our mission has always been simple, create a calm, supportive environment where every child feels they belong, no matter their starting point.

Thank you to all the families who trust us with their children’s development each and every week.

⚽ If you’d like to read the article, it’s here:

Inclusive football sessions helping local children build confidence through sport A local football coach is helping children across Oldham and Greater Manchester build confidence and enjoy sport through inclusive SEND friendly small-group football sessions.