Welcome to

Root & Rise
by Lisa Heaven Ltd

Designed and Delivered by Lisa Heaven

Root & Rise by Lisa Heaven Ltd Root & Rise by Lisa Heaven Ltd

Welcome

Hi, I am Lisa - mother of Ayden Heaven, Number 26 at Manchester United FC. I am also the Founder of Root & Rise, a holistic training organisation committed to promoting much-needed wellness and support to parents and others within the Premier League Football Academy system.

Ayden’s own journey started at West Ham when he was just 7 years old and ended at Arsenal Academy, from where he signed his first professional contract with Manchester United, when he was just 18 years old.

The journey was far from easy and as his mother and, naturally, his greatest supporter, I was alongside him, behind him and at times in front of him the whole way. I still am.

Parents with boys and girls in all age groups often approach me with real anxieties and worries. They are looking for advice and a trusted dialogue with someone. This made it clear that clubs need support in engaging successfully with parents, communicating what can be done and managing expectations.

My vision for Root & Rise is to offer that supportive bridge of trust to equip all involved and particularly those who find the competitive process daunting and difficult. The goal is to help create a healthy community environment so everyone can flourish regardless of the outcome.

My Journey with Ayden

The family of each player brings a unique background and set of circumstances to the Football Academy experience.

In my case, I had already enjoyed success as a young athlete, training with Team GB as an 800 metre runner. However, my career was cut short when I found it impossible to return to the sport as a new mum at the age of 19. I didn’t have the support network and guidance to go back to training, maintain the strict diet and commit the time, and the mountain was impossible to climb.

I then devoted my energy to building a successful and award-winning beauty salon business and continued gaining qualifications in services and therapies, including adult teaching and advanced asthmatic treatments.

Juggling life and managing a household of 4 children, it is not easy. Throw in pressures of the football academy system, and Ayden’s struggles in the school system, I felt alone and overwhelmed, but somehow always made sure I turned up when it was time to.

The further he got on the journey, the more isolated I became. Understanding and keeping a handle on the process was vital and is something that comes from experience. I now want to bring that wisdom to others on their own journey to success no matter what that looks like.

It has taken time, with many pitfalls. The journey of a lifetime can leave parents feeling like the ground is moving beneath their feet while they are standing still.

There are magical moments, but the task can hinder young players and overwhelm their families.

For me, I wanted to represent my son, as I always have had to, and I recognised that the best way was to study to become his agent, with him as my sole client. Having survived this far and now built a trusted team to work in with Ayden’s interests, he can soundly focus on his game.

Focusing my full attention on Ayden’s football development and emerging career was a monumental challenge and I needed to educate myself fully to understand the football ecosystem in order to guide, protect and represent my son. My experience and practical knowledge is what I now wish to share.

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