Ashleigh Goddard partners with B5

In 2021 Ashleigh Goddard found out she had a brain aneurysm after she had a scan following a clash of heads whilst playing for Crystal Palace. She had surgery to have it removed knowing that there was a 5-10% chance she could have a stroke during surgery.

She did.

The stroke was devastating and she had to learn to walk again and to regain movement in her limbs.

Her recovery, and onward journey from there, was remarkable. We were lucky to have Ash on our Football Journeys podcast when she said she planned to make the "mother of all comebacks" by playing league football again and, of course, within weeks she had signed for London Bees and, 3 years later, is still playing having gained a promotion with AFC Wimbledon and is now with Stevenage.

As a teenager Ashleigh appeared on Wayne Rooney's Street Striker (and endured some of the negativity which has become a sad familiarity in the women's game) and travelled Europe to chase football and titles.

She is now finding time, on top of her highly successful second career in special educational needs provision, to deliver to businesses, schools and sports organisations and we're delighted that she has agreed to work with us and our clients to deliver her inspiring story to academy players in the women's game.

Ashleigh's story is inspiring and she tells it so well with such warmth, intelligence and humility. We cannot wait for her to inspire the future generation and give lessons on resilience, dealing with adversity and flipping your narrative when your life changes.

If you would like Ashleigh to work with your players, students or staff please contact us on info@b5consultancy.com.