Andrew: “I don’t have to hide my dyslexia anymore”
Andrew Cox had spent three years unemployed before he stumbled across the perfect opportunity for him.
Andrew has dyslexia, and he was never very confident at reading or writing – something which he has felt the need to hide all his life.
“I’ve had to hide my dyslexia all my life until I came here,” Andrew told us.
“Dyslexia is classed as a disability, which I don’t class it as. I just have a bit more trouble reading and writing.
“I’d been unemployed for three years, and one day when I went down to the Job Centre I saw Lisa (AITC staff) recruiting new stewards.”
At first, Andrew was worried that his dyslexia would stop him from becoming a steward.
“I sat down and explained to her that I’m dyslexic, and have trouble reading and writing, and she said that was no problem. She said we will help you perfectly.”
After speaking with Lisa, Andrew decided to make a change and signed up for the Level 2 Spectator Safety Course which Albion in the Community offers.
Andrew excelled on the course, and he says that the tutors were a big help to him during his studies.
“Slowly my English has improved, which is really good. They’ve been extremely helpful, they’ll sit down and help me work through everything.
“My reading has improved and I feel a lot more confident.”
Now, Andrew is a fully-fledged steward at the Amex and he works most matchdays.
I don’t have to hide any part of me here.
As a fan of Cowdenbeath FC, a team which plays in the fifth tier of Scottish football, Andrew is certainly a committed supporter of the beautiful game.
“I enjoy a good football match. I love being in the stadium and soaking it all up.
“I find it very enjoyable to work as a steward. I find that it’s a friendly atmosphere at the Amex, and I’ve really quite enjoyed it. It’s nice to do something different.
“It’s helped me a lot. It makes me feel that I can be confident to help people. The team are all very supportive.
“The staff here are really good. There’s a really nice feeling that we’re all part of a team.”
After having such a good experience on our Spectator Safety course, Andrew also took part in an adult numeracy course that we offer too.
“AITC have got me out of my shell. I don’t have to hide any part of me here.”
Find out more about Albion in the Community: https://bhafcfoundation.org.uk/education-and-employability/
This story was written when our name was Albion in the Community. As of August 1 2023, we are the Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation.