Lewes FC now is a football club leading the way in responsible gambling education

Just 12 kilometers from the lively seaside city of Brighton, Lewes FC is a community-driven football club dedicated to making a positive impact both on and off the pitch.

While Brighton & Hove Albion shines in the Premier League spotlight, Lewes FC, playing in the Isthmian League, has developed its own unique identity by championing progressive causes.

One of its latest initiatives tackles a critical issue affecting countless athletes and fans: the dangers of gambling addiction.

Gambling in Football: A Hidden Epidemic and the Importance of Responsible Gambling

The appeal of gambling is closely linked to football, evident through the numerous betting advertisements and sponsorships displayed on team jerseys.

While many people view gambling as a harmless pastime, its darker aspects present a sobering reality. For individuals like Lewis Carey, the former first-team goalkeeper for Lewes FC, who now plays for Horsham, gambling became a destructive force that threatened his mental, physical, and financial well-being.

Carey’s story is not an isolated case. Many young athletes, eager to enjoy their first professional earnings and surrounded by a culture that normalizes betting, fall victim to the illusion of easy money.

What begins as the excitement of placing bets can quickly spiral into addiction, leading to devastating consequences.

This underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to educate individuals about the risks associated with gambling and emphasize the importance of responsible gambling as a way to safeguard mental and financial health.

Lewes FC and Gambling with Lives: A Trailblazing Partnership

In a groundbreaking move, Lewes FC has partnered with Gambling with Lives, a charity founded by families affected by gambling-related suicides.

This partnership brings a pioneering gambling education programme to the club, aimed at informing young people about the risks of gambling and equipping them with tools to make informed choices.

The programme holds particular significance for Carey, who has embraced a role as an advocate for responsible gambling.

Reflecting on his journey, Carey said: “As a footballer in recovery from a gambling addiction, I’m excited to be involved in this partnership.”

“With my own experiences of how harmful gambling can be, I feel it is vital that this excellent programme reaches as many young people as possible in the club’s community.”

Through his candid storytelling, Carey attempts to be the character he wished he was in his own youth. By recounting his struggles and recovery, he hopes to prevent others from enduring similar suffering.

Carey’s Journey: A Story of Resilience and Advocacy

Lewis Carey started gambling at 18, right after he signed his first professional football contract. Like many young players, he faced challenges with his new financial independence and the pressures of being in sports.

At first, gambling seemed like a way to escape the ups and downs of football. But it soon became a harmful addiction, leaving him mentally and physically drained and in financial trouble.

Overcoming this addiction was not easy. It took a lot of determination, support from professionals, and the courage to face hard truths.

Today, Carey represents resilience. He uses his experience to educate others and turns his struggles into a tool for positive change.

The Proximity of Brighton: A Shared Community

Brighton & Hove Albion represents football on a grand stage, while its proximity to Lewes FC creates a shared narrative between the two clubs in their community.

Just a 12-kilometer journey separates the vibrant city of Brighton from the historic market town of Lewes.

Despite their differences in scale and prominence, both clubs play a vital role in shaping local culture and values.

Brighton is known for its inclusivity and progressive spirit, which aligns well with Lewes FC’s commitment to social responsibility.

Together, they exemplify a region where football goes beyond the pitch, addressing critical issues and promoting community well-being.

A Call to Action for the Football Community

Lewes FC’s partnership with Gambling with Lives demonstrates how football clubs can take a leading role in addressing gambling addiction, a widespread issue that affects countless lives.

With its massive global following, football is uniquely positioned to inspire meaningful change. By actively engaging in this effort, clubs, players, and fans can promote responsible gambling practices and challenge the normalization of betting within the sport.

To make a real difference, the football community can concentrate on several key areas. First and foremost, raising awareness is essential. Initiatives like those at Lewes FC are paving the way by educating young players and fans about the risks associated with gambling.

Advocating for stronger policies is another critical step; limiting gambling advertisements during matches can significantly reduce exposure, particularly for vulnerable audiences. Additionally, providing players with the necessary support is vital.

Resources and counselling can help athletes navigate the challenges of gambling and manage their finances responsibly.

Ethan Hughes, a renowned writer and expert in gambling practices at NoDeposit.org, argues that promoting responsible gambling involves more than just minimizing harm; it aims to foster a healthier and more accountable culture.

He states: “When football clubs like Lewes FC take the lead in advocating for responsible gambling, they are not only protecting individuals but also setting an example for the entire community.”

Hughes emphasizes that these initiatives create a ripple effect. By supporting causes like responsible gambling, clubs can strengthen their relationships with fans, promote a sense of well-being, and redefine what it means to be part of a football organization.

Through education, awareness, and collective action, Hughes envisions a future where football not only entertains but also inspires positive change in tackling the challenges associated with gambling.

Conclusion

Lewes FC is dedicated to fighting gambling addiction through education and advocacy, showing how football can make a positive impact.

Located near Brighton, a city known for its innovation and inclusivity, Lewes FC demonstrates how smaller clubs can lead important initiatives that affect many people.

Thanks to brave individuals like Lewis Carey and the teamwork of organizations like Gambling with Lives, more people are talking about responsible gambling.

Now, the wider football community needs to get involved in this effort, helping to keep the beautiful game a source of joy and inspiration, without the negative effects of gambling.