Screening
Helping young people aged 14–35 access specialist cardiac screening.
A legacy protecting young hearts
RORYS
Foundation.
Rory James Embling Foundation — helping young people access heart screening, raising awareness and keeping Rory’s legacy alive.
Rory James Embling
Turning loss into lasting change.
Rory died aged just 26 following a sudden, dramatic heart arrhythmia. In his memory, the Embling family established the Rory James Embling Foundation to help reduce sudden cardiac deaths in young people.
The Foundation has raised funds to provide heart screening for people aged 14–35. Screening events brought together volunteers, cardiac specialists and on-site consultation, helping identify underlying conditions and arrange referrals where further care was needed.
Ackworth Girls FC is proud to support that work. Club members have taken part in screenings and our teams continue to fundraise in Rory’s memory.
Awareness
Encouraging families and young athletes to understand cardiac risk.
Community
Bringing local people together to fund screenings and protect young hearts.
Support the work
Help protect young hearts.
Learn more about Rory’s story and support cardiac screening through Cardiac Risk in the Young.
In memory of
Andy Coupland.
The man who started our journey • 2019
Founder. Chairman. Coach. Referee. Mentor. Friend. Legend.
01 • The measure of a life
Some people are involved in grassroots football.
Andy Coupland was grassroots football.
Andy wasn’t measured by the number of trophies he won or the titles he held. He was measured by the lives he changed, the opportunities he created, and the countless hours he gave so that others could simply enjoy the beautiful game.
02 • A vision for girls’ football
Play. Develop. Belong. Dream.
As the founder of Ackworth Girls FC in 2019, Andy had a vision long before girls’ football became what it is today. He believed every girl deserved the opportunity to play, develop, belong and dream. Through his determination, passion and tireless commitment, that vision became a thriving football family that continues to grow year after year.
03 • More than a title
He wasn’t just our founder. He was our Chairman, a respected coach, an outstanding referee, a mentor to so many volunteers and coaches, and above all, a friend. Whether you had been involved for years or had just walked through the gates for the very first time, Andy made you feel welcome. He had an incredible ability to inspire people to get involved, believe in themselves and become part of something bigger.
His passion extended far beyond our club. Across grassroots football, Andy earned enormous respect for his fairness, integrity and unwavering commitment to the game. He encouraged new coaches, supported young referees, gave his time freely to countless charities and community projects, and always put the players first.
The centre of his world.
Away from football, Andy was first and foremost a family man. He was a loving father to Jack and Amy, a devoted grandfather to Oliver, and a devoted husband to Angie. His love, pride and dedication to his family were evident in everything he did, and they remained at the centre of his world.
Always looking to help.
Andy’s compassion extended far beyond football. He was a passionate supporter of charities close to his heart, particularly Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and RORYS Foundation. He worked tirelessly to raise awareness, support fundraising initiatives and encourage others to get involved, always believing that together we could make a difference.
Whether organising events, giving up his time or championing important causes, Andy never stopped looking for ways to help others. His kindness, generosity and selfless nature left a lasting impact not only on the football community but on countless families whose lives have been touched by these incredible charities. It was simply who Andy was: someone who cared deeply, gave wholeheartedly and always put others before himself.
Away from the football pitch, Andy’s adventurous spirit also saw him enjoy rallying as a navigator, another passion where his precision, determination and teamwork shone through. Whatever he chose to do, he gave it everything.
If there was a way to improve football for children, Andy would find it.
If someone needed help, Andy would be there.
If something needed doing, Andy would quietly get on with it.
His influence can still be seen every single week in every training session, every match, every volunteer, every coach and every smiling player wearing an Ackworth Girls shirt.
The greatest measure of a person is the legacy they leave behind.
Andy leaves a legacy that reaches far beyond football pitches. It lives on in every girl who pulls on an Ackworth Girls shirt with pride. In every volunteer who gives up their time because Andy inspired them to. In every coach who remembers the advice he shared. In every referee who followed in his footsteps. In every child who discovered a love of football because Andy believed they deserved the chance.
He built more than a football club.
A community.
Friendships.
Opportunities.
A family.
Andy will forever be remembered as one of grassroots football’s true heroes. His passion, kindness, selflessness and belief in people continue to shape everything we do.
Although he is no longer with us, his values remain at the heart of Ackworth Girls FC.
We promise to continue the journey he started, to protect the club he loved so dearly, and to ensure future generations know the name of the man who made it all possible.
Gone, but never forgotten.
Thank you for everything, Andy.
Your legacy lives on. 💜