Hearts and Theorise extend partnership

Heart of Midlothian Football Club is delighted to say its partnership with Theorise Limited has been extended for another season, with the firm to support a new Autism and Neurodiverse Friendly Football initiative in collaboration with Big Hearts.

Heading into the partnership’s third year, Theorise will continue to work with the club across widening access to the beautiful game and supporting youngsters with additional needs.

Theorise will help the Club’s charity Big Hearts provide weekly hours of autism and neurodiverse friendly training, giving young people a platform to get into football within a safe and accessible environment.

This newly formed initiative will also be looking to take part in tournaments and collaborations with other groups across the season, kitted out in bespoke Theorise branded training wear from hummel.

Supporters can look forward to video activations throughout the season sharing stories of the initiative’s impact, as well as highlighting the importance of Theorise work within universities and colleges across the country.

The autism and neurodiverse friendly football sessions are expected to kick off in the autumn, in partnership with Team United. Details on how to register will be shared across Big Hearts’ channels nearer the time.

Dany Brunton, Director at Theorise, spoke about the extended partnership: "We’re incredibly proud to be extending our partnership with Heart of Midlothian and Big Hearts into a third year. Ever since we got involved with the club and charity through our sponsorship, we’ve hoped this would become a reality – a dedicated team offering regular, inclusive training for autistic and neurodivergent young people. To now see that vision coming to life is fantastic, and we’re absolutely thrilled to be involved. At Theorise, we see first-hand the positive impact that tailored support can have, and this initiative reflects everything we stand for. We can’t wait to watch the young people involved grow in confidence, build friendships and enjoy football in a supportive and welcoming environment."

Craig Wilson, Chief Exec at Big Hearts, commented: “Partnering with Theorise over the past year has helped Big Hearts provide a welcoming and well-suited environment at Tynecastle Park for neurodiverse young people. We’re thrilled to be strengthening our collaboration this season, with an ambitious new initiative that will see the Club’s charity partner with Team United to provide weekly inclusive football coaching”.

Ann Brown, CEO at Team United said: “Team United are thrilled to be

partnering with Big Hearts, the official charity of Heart of Midlothian FC, to develop a

new Autism and Neurodiversity team. This collaboration builds on the incredible work

already supporting over 300 children and young people across 35 affiliated clubs. Together, we’re committed to creating more opportunities for neurodiverse young

people to thrive through football.”

Theorise are Scotland’s largest provider of NMPH (non-medical personal help) support staff to schools, colleges, and universities across Scotland, recognised for their personalised support to students since establishing operations in 2018 and have worked with over 10,000 students on a one-to-one basis since inception.

In association with Hearts supporter and Managing Director Dany Brunton, our partnership with Theorise has seen the company sponsor Big Hearts Neuro Stars  project, providing vital support to neurodivergent young people and their parents/carers.

The year prior, Theorise funded Queensferry High School and Gorgie Mills High School’s participation in the 2024 FIRST Tech Challenge through the club’s Innovation Centre, leading to Queensferry competing at the National Championship Tournament in Cambridge.