After nearly two decades in professional football, former Celtic, Oldham, Wigan and Doncaster midfielder Dan Gardner has swapped the pitch for the classroom, where he is now making a difference to young people with social, emotional and mental health needs.
Dan has recently joined EdStart Schools Oldham as a behaviour mentor, supporting pupils through daily routines, lessons and one-to-one mentoring.
The role sees him build strong, trusting relationships with young people, using the resilience, discipline and teamwork developed throughout his football career to help pupils regulate emotions, set goals and rebuild confidence.
At EdStart, Dan is a familiar and reassuring presence, greeting pupils each morning and offering consistent support throughout the school day. He believes the challenges and setbacks he experienced as a professional athlete have helped shape his approach to mentoring.
Drawing on football analogies, he helps pupils understand behaviour and emotions in relatable ways, reframing mistakes as opportunities to learn and improve rather than moments of failure.
One pupil, Ollie*, quickly connected with Dan through their shared love of football.
Recognising his talent and potential, Dan used his links with Oldham Athletic, where he coaches at under-14 level, to motivate him. After Ollie showed improved behaviour and engagement in school, he was rewarded with the opportunity to train with the club — an experience that has had a noticeable positive impact on his confidence and conduct.
EdStart Schools actively values the skills former professional athletes bring into education. Their experience of high-pressure environments, resilience in the face of setbacks and ability to build relationships with young people give them credibility and influence, particularly with pupils who may be disengaged from traditional education or lacking positive role models.
Dan’s journey into education has also been shaped by his personal life. As a parent of an autistic child, he has seen first-hand the importance of patient, individualised support and the difference the right educational environment can make. That experience inspired him to pursue a career where he could have a meaningful impact on young people’s lives beyond football.
James Lowe, Chief Executive Officer of EdStart Schools, said:
“Dan’s journey captures exactly what EdStart Schools is about — recognising potential, building strong relationships and helping young people believe in themselves again. Former professional athletes like Dan bring resilience, empathy and credibility that our pupils respond to immediately. His impact in such a short time shows how powerful the right role model can be in transforming outcomes for young people with social, emotional and mental health needs.”
Only weeks into his new role, Dan says he can already see a long-term future at EdStart, supporting pupils to grow in confidence, behaviour and belief in their own potential — proving that the skills learned on the football pitch can have a lasting impact far beyond the final whistle.
*Name has been changed
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