Ashleigh Goddard

Hi, I’m Ashleigh, a footballer, SEN specialist and inspirational speaker. In 2021, I was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm after a head injury while playing for Crystal Palace. During life-saving surgery, I suffered a stroke that left me needing to relearn how to walk and regain movement in my body.

Through resilience and determination, I returned to league football, gaining promotion with AFC Wimbledon and now playing for Stevenage. Alongside my career in special educational needs provision, I deliver my story as an inspirational presentation through my work with B5. I share honest lessons on overcoming adversity, building resilience and redefining what’s possible when life takes an unexpected turn.

WSL U18s Coach

"Ashleigh’s presentation was excellent and authentic. How she articulated and expressed herself bringing her journey to life was so powerful. To be able to stand up there in front of a room full of people and talk about such a difficult time in her life too takes so much courage. She had the room engaged throughout ... the girls ... thought it was brilliant, one of the best presentations they have had. We could have discussed it all morning but we had a training session to do"