Why Supporting Dyslexia Matters - November 2025

Dyslexia isn’t just a statistic; it’s a lived experience. I know this because I have it , WhenI was at school Dyslexia was poorly understood, and pupils like me who struggled with spelling and reading were labelled lazy. I left school at 16. At the time, I didn’t understand why learning felt like an uphill battle. Years later, I discovered I was dyslexic. That revelation explained so much—but it also fuelled a determination: no young person should face those barriers without help.

Today, our organisation is proud to champion dyslexia awareness and support through two powerful partnerships: Dyslexia Scotland and Lincoln City Football Club. These collaborations reflect our belief that education and community engagement can transform lives.

The Scale of the Challenge

Dyslexia is one of the most common learning difficulties in the UK. It affects around 10% of the population, with approximately 4% experiencing severe dyslexia. That’s millions of children and adults navigating challenges in reading, writing, and spelling every day. Importantly, dyslexia does not affect intelligence—it’s a difference in how the brain processes language. With the right support, people with dyslexia can thrive academically and professionally. [dyslexiauk.co.uk]

Yet, far too many remain undiagnosed. Research shows that early intervention is critical: if dyslexia isn’t addressed before Year 3, there’s a 75% likelihood that reading difficulties will persist into high school. Conversely, targeted support in the early years can help children catch up with their peers and build confidence. [thelearnability.com]

Why This Matters to Me Personally

My own story is one of missed opportunities. Leaving school at 16 felt like failure—but it wasn’t about ability; it was about access to the right help. That experience has shaped my desire to change the narrative for others.

It’s also deeply personal because of my daughter. She has severe dyslexia. But because we understood the signs we went to her primary school on three separate occasions to ask for them to test her, and we were turned down on each occasion.  We were lucky to have the funding to get her tested privately and were able to secure the right support—specialist assessments, tailored teaching, and encouragement—she not only succeeded academically but thrived. She graduated from a Russell Group university with both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Her journey proves what’s possible when intervention meets determination. 

I am deeply frustrated that whilst we now understand dyslexia and we know how to put in place effective mechanisms to ameliorate it we still do not do this as standard.  Teachers still receive no compulsory training on how to identify it and there seems a clear reluctance to put pupils forward for testing because it will then trigger a support package that many local authorities will struggle to afford.

Our Partnership with Dyslexia Scotland

We believe systemic change starts with practical action. That’s why we created a fund to cover Educational Psychology reports for young people in the South of Scotland. These assessments are often the gateway to extra support at school and university, yet cost remains a major barrier—80% of adults in Scotland cite assessment costs as a key obstacle. [gla.ac.uk]

Our fund ensures that financial constraints don’t stand in the way of opportunity. In addition, we sponsor Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) to attend Dyslexia Scotland conferences and specialist training. Equipping educators with evidence-based strategies is vital for inclusive classrooms. As Dyslexia Scotland’s own initiatives highlight, teacher training and early identification are cornerstones of a dyslexia-friendly education system. [dyslexiasc…and.org.uk]

Football as a Force for Change: Lincoln City FC

I was lucky enough to be chairman of Scottish Sports Futures and amazing charity that uses sport to positively effect young peoples lives through education.  As a result I know sport has an extraordinary ability to unite communities—and football, in particular, reaches audiences that traditional education campaigns often miss. Through our sponsorship of Lincoln City Football Club, we’re wanting to leverage that influence to raise awareness and promote literacy support.

The club’s Community Trust engages with over 19,000 primary schools nationwide through programmes like Premier League Primary Stars, yet dedicated dyslexia initiatives remain rare. This gives Lincoln City FC a first-mover advantage in addressing the needs of the 10–15% of children affected by dyslexia. [Football C…Campaigns | Word]

We’re inspired by successful models such as Norwich City’s Reading Stars programme, which uses football-themed activities to boost literacy. One case study tells of a nine-year-old boy with dyslexia who, after joining the programme, went from refusing to read aloud to confidently sharing stories with staff. That’s the transformative power of combining sport and education.

Our vision is to replicate and expand these successes—creating sustainable partnerships between schools, football clubs, and professional dyslexia organisations. Lincoln City FC isn’t just a team; it’s a community catalyst for change.

The Broader impact of tackling Dyslexia

Why invest in dyslexia support? Because the benefits ripple far beyond the classroom. Research shows that dyslexia, if left unaddressed, can undermine confidence, limit career prospects, and even contribute to mental health challenges. Conversely, early intervention fosters resilience, reduces stress, and unlocks potential. [dyslexichelp.org]

Dyslexic individuals often excel in creativity, problem-solving, and innovation—skills our society needs more than ever. By removing barriers, we’re not just helping individuals succeed; we’re enriching communities and economies.

A Call to Action

I believe every child deserves the chance to succeed. Through our partnerships with Dyslexia Scotland and Lincoln City FC, we’re trying to do our small bit  to make that a reality—funding assessments, training teachers, and using football as a platform for awareness.

But this is a collective effort. Whether you’re a parent, educator, employer, or fan, you can play a part. Share information. Advocate for inclusive practices. Support organisations driving change.

Because dyslexia isn’t a limitation—it’s a difference. And with the right support, difference becomes strength.