Empowering underrepresented girls and women to self-actualise through Exposure, Education and Sports.
Join the movementBeat the Block is a non-profit dedicated to empowering girls and young women aged 8-21 from underrepresented backgrounds.
These young women and girls face complex, intersecting challenges that limit their access to sport. tackling these challenges through an intersectional lens is vital to effectively dismantling them.
More than 1 million teenage girls fall ‘out of love’ with sport– Women in Sport, 2022
of girls who stopped participating in sport said they did so because they felt judge by others– Women in Sport, 2022
of black girls say they are frequently penalised or get into trouble when they express themselves in sport of physical activities– Women in Sport, 2025
of girls who don’t do sport tell us they would like to do more– Women in Sport, 2023
We recognise there are internal and external blocks that limit girls access to sport.
We recognises there are internal and external blocks that limit girls access to sport.
“Beat the Block is much needed and Naomi is perfectly placed to lead this vitally important work.
I’ve seen first hand where barriers and blocks exist in girls football through my experience as a father to two girls. There are incredible people out there who are working so so hard to address this but we need more focus and expertise to truly ensure impact and progress. Beat the Block can play a key role here.”
Leon Mann MBE
“Thanks to visionaries like Naomi, Beat The Block reminds us that the barriers we face aren’t meant to stop us, but to reveal our strength to rise, reach, and redefine what’s possible. It calls every girl and woman to see herself not as limited by circumstance, but limitless in potential”
Ericka Williams
“Beat the block are doing such important work. We know girls participate less in sport and how much sport can do to not only boost physical wellbeing but also improve confidence, communication and connections. Their work to provide these opportunities, combined with exposure to relatable role models will undoubtedly have a positive impact on participants and support both their future aspirations and achieve”
Yvonne HarrisonNaomi Bedeau
Founder & CEO
Naomi is a professional footballer, activist, and mathematician who founded Beat the Block in 2025. The organisation was born from her lived experience of navigating the intersectional barriers that limited her access to, and retention in, football.
As a patron of Show Racism the Red Card she delivers anti-racism education to young people. Naomi also serves as a professional advisor for Usborne Publishing, helping to ensure their football books more accurately and inclusively represent underrepresented women and girls in the sport.
Through regular podcast appearances and public talks, she advocates for equity in sort and highlights the importance of supporting underrepresented women and girls, drawing on her own journey and expertise.
