Lily, now aged 16, had always struggled to settle in mainstream school settings throughout her time in secondary education. This gradually affected her attendance and had a knock-on effect on her relationships with both peers and staff.

Lily is one of five children and comes from an incredibly supportive family who are all connected to - and inspired by - football. They were equally keen to find an environment that Lily could engage with and thrive in, while helping her channel her focus into her football career.

As a current FAW U16s player and already a holder of two Welsh caps, Lily needed support in balancing her schoolwork with the demands of training. Her lateness began to cause her anxiety, which led to emerging behaviour concerns.

Cardiff City FC Community Foundation’s Alternative Sport Pathway arrived at exactly the right moment. With a reduced timetable, a strong focus on sport, and sessions delivered on the doorstep of a professional football club, enrolling onto the provision quickly became the obvious choice for Lily and her family.

This unique pathway offers the perfect balance between classroom-based learning and practical activities, designed for students in Years 7-11 with a passion for sport, fitness, and hands-on learning. Tutors work closely with each learner to understand their individual needs, ideal for those who thrive in an engaging, inclusive setting.

Following an injury early in the season and a short spell on the sidelines, resulting in a knock in confidence, Lily was supported straight away through regular communication between Community Foundation and FAW staff. Despite finding change overwhelming, clearer targets, one-to-one guidance, and schoolwork adapted to her level and interests, helped Lily start to feel optimistic about her education.

The Alternative Sport Pathway allows young people like Lily to benefit from smaller classrooms, regular workshops, interactive activities, all alongside regular sport and at their own pace.

Throughout the academic year, Lily’s mental wellbeing improved significantly both in and outside the classroom. Her attendance became the best it had been in years, and there were clear signs of improved socialising and spending quality time with new friends.

Previously, Lily was withdrawn and lacked the self-esteem to open up about her difficulties with schoolwork. Now, attending school each morning is no longer a battle. Lily has developed more positive habits at home, and for the first time, she feels relaxed and free from stress about school.

Through the power of football, Lily has rebuilt her confidence in education and now feels recognised. She successfully achieved her BTEC Level 1 in Sport qualification and is looking forward to embracing a new challenge at college.

The Community Foundation have shown young people like Lily that change is not something to fear and that there is a place for every child to reach their full potential.

Lily’s Mum, Patricia Deacon, shared:

“Lily has come such a long way in a short amount of time, and seeing her happy is a huge relief.

Our hope for the future is that change won’t feel as scary as she once thought, and that she can focus on the positives - knowing she can do things in her own way and believe she can achieve whatever she wants in life.

I just wish this facility had been open years ago. Mainstream school isn’t for everyone, and now there is finally somewhere that can support children who are struggling, who aren’t always listened to, and who often feel like just a number.”

Nicola Barry, Safeguarding Officer at the Community Foundation reflected:

At Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, we are proud to offer a nontraditional learning environment that recognises and celebrates learners from all walks of life and all abilities.

With safeguarding at its core, our unique pathways support individuals like Lily to thrive in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive space, offering once in a lifetime opportunities on the doorstep of Cardiff City Football Club.”