Growing community connections together
At The Acorn Project, we invite you to learn, heal, and grow. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact us.
About The Acorn Project
Acorn Pathways
Acorn Pathways
Acorn Pathways
At The Acorn Project, we provide learning, mentoring, and practical guidance to help people build skills, confidence, and positive routes forward. From education and employability to housing and community support, we work alongside partners to create real opportunities for change. If you want to learn more about our initiatives, feel free to contact us.
Acorn Active
Acorn Pathways
Acorn Pathways
Through physical activity, we create safe spaces for routine, connection, and confidence. At The Acorn Project, our sessions support both physical and mental wellbeing while strengthening community bonds. If you're interested in joining us, feel free to contact us.
Acorn Wellness
Acorn Pathways
Acorn Wellness
Our wellbeing hub, part of The Acorn Project, offers trauma-informed support to help people regulate, recover, and rebuild. From therapeutic and holistic sessions to outdoor wellbeing activities, we provide inclusive spaces for emotional healing and personal growth. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us.
Our team
Samantha Compton
Samantha Compton
Samantha Compton
Founder, The Acorn Project
Sam is the founder of The Acorn Project, inspired by her own experiences navigating complex support systems and witnessing how fragmented services can fail families in need.
Motivated by the belief that support should be connected, accessible, and preventative, Sam developed The Acorn Project as a joined-up community model. This initiative brings together wellbeing, education, sport, and partnerships under one roof. For more information or to contact us, feel free to reach out.
Karl Duguid
Samantha Compton
Samantha Compton
Head Coach & Academy Manager
Karl brings over 20 years of experience in football, from professional playing to grassroots coaching and youth development. He is passionate about creating safe, inclusive environments where young people can grow in confidence, skills, and self-belief. At Acorn Academy, which is part of The Acorn Project, Karl leads all coaching and player development, helping young people build both their football ability and their future pathways. If you would like to learn more about our programs, feel free to contact us.
Molly Burch
Ross Barnard
Ross Barnard
Trainee Coach
Molly is a Trainee Coach within Acorn Academy, currently working towards her coaching qualification under the guidance of Head Coach Karl Duguid. As part of The Acorn Project, she is dedicated to fostering growth in young athletes.
She also plays for the Tekkers Ladies team and brings lived experience, empathy, and passion into her role. Football has played a central role in Molly’s own journey of growth and resilience, and she is deeply committed to supporting children and young people who may face additional challenges.
As a trainee coach, Molly helps create inclusive, supportive environments where children can feel understood, build confidence, and develop their strengths through sport. For more information or to get involved, feel free to contact us.
Ross Barnard
Ross Barnard
Ross Barnard
Non-Executive Director | Football Director
Ross is the Founder and Chairman of Tekkers Community Football Club, bringing extensive experience in grassroots football and community-led provision. He is passionate about creating inclusive opportunities that support children’s development, confidence, and sense of belonging.
As Non-Executive Director and Football Director at The Acorn Project, Ross plays a key role in supporting the strategic development of Acorn Academy. He also leads Tekkers Tots (ages 2–6), where he focuses on building strong early foundations through positive, play-based football experiences. For more information or to reach out, feel free to contact us regarding The Acorn Project.
Our Partners
