We should support ex-academy footballers properly | Letter

Football's Forgotten Youth: The Need for Better Support After Release from Academies

As the latest crop of talented young footballers leaves the academy system, a stark reality is set to unfold. Thousands of hours spent honing their skills, driven by a dream of making it to the top, can suddenly be cut short when contracts are terminated or, in some cases, even more devastatingly, they're released without a second thought.

The consequences of this brutal rejection can be severe and long-lasting. The trauma experienced by those who have faced such rejection can manifest in different ways – from self-harm to turning to crime – with many finding themselves lost and vulnerable.

This is not an acceptable situation that can continue unabated. One thing is clear: the support system in place for released academy players falls woefully short, especially outside of the top-tier clubs. The lack of resources means that those who need it most are often left in a postcode-dependent minefield, struggling to find help.

The call for coordinated investment from the Football Association, Premier League, and English Football League to bolster psychological support within academies is one we must heed. Embedding this essential service right at the beginning can make all the difference. With the right support in place, these young players can navigate their next steps with greater hope and resilience.

By acknowledging the need for better support and taking collective action, we can ensure that those who have been given up on don't lose themselves to the system. Their stories are a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and proactive support – not just for their future well-being but also for the sport's very soul.

I'm so done with how the football academy system is treating these young athletes . I mean, can't we do better than just kicking them out when they're done? The mental health consequences are real and it's not right that some of these kids are struggling to cope without proper support .

It's all about systemic change, you know? We need a collective effort from the FA, Premier League, and EFL to provide more resources for these players. It's not just about throwing them a bone or providing some basic counseling services - we're talking about embedding full-on mental health support within the academies so they can thrive .

It's time to put people over profit, you feel? These young athletes have given their all to the sport and now it's our turn to give back . I'm calling on everyone in the football community to get behind this cause and demand change. We can do better, we must do better .

It's wild how people always wanna talk about the stars comin outta these academy programs, without ever thinkin' bout the ones who get left behind . Like, what happens when all those hours of trainin', sweat, and tears are just tossed aside? The mental health impact is REAL . We need to start investin' in these young players, not just when they're makin' a name for themselves, but before that too . It's not like it's gonna cost the world, just give 'em some resources and a safety net, ya know?

The whole academy system thing is super messed up... these kids are literally pouring their hearts out for years and then BAM! no one cares when they're done . I mean, what kind of message does that send? that your worth is tied to being a successful footballer? it's not right. We need to step in and make sure they have access to proper support . I'm all for the FA and Premier League investing in mental health services, it's about time!

It's heartbreaking to think about all these young players being left behind when they need it most . I mean, can you imagine having spent your whole life chasing a dream, only to have it ripped away from you? It's not just about their physical health, but also mental well-being – and we gotta step up with better support systems in place .

I think the FA and the top clubs need to get on board with this ASAP. We can't keep leaving these kids high and dry . Investing in psychological support right from the start would be a game-changer for so many young players. It's time to show them that we care about their future, not just our own interests .

These young players are not just statistics or numbers – they're human beings with hopes and dreams, just like us . We gotta give 'em a fighting chance, rather than letting them get lost in the system . It's time to shine a light on this issue and make some real change .

I'm getting chills thinking about all these talented young footy players who have been through so much trauma after leaving those academy systems... It's like, they've spent their whole lives chasing this dream and then just... poof! Gone. No support, no guidance, no nothing. And it's not just the individual players, it's the community too - families, friends, everyone is affected by the emotional rollercoaster these kids go through. I think we need to step up our game as a society and be more empathetic towards these young people. We can't just leave them high and dry like that! The stats are scary, but if we invest in better support systems now, maybe we can prevent some of this self-harm and crime stuff from happening.

idk wot ur saying but it seems 2 me that those young footy players r goin thru a really tough time when they get released frm academies. its like, they've been workin so hard 4 yrs & then suddenly they're left 2 fend 4 themselves w/o any support . u need 2 acknowledge dat this is a big problm & not just ignore it . i think we shd have more resurces 4 them or at least make sure dey got somethin 2 turn 2 wen dey leave de academies . its all about bein empathyful & carin wot happens 2 dem wen dey need it most

I dont think we need more handouts for these young players, they should learn to fend for themselves from a young age ...the problem is too many parents who are like helicopter parents they can't let go of the idea that their kid is gonna be a pro footballer and when it doesn't happen they just blame everyone else

And another thing, why do we need to embed psychological support in academies? Can't they just talk to someone outside of it, like a mate or something? I mean, some of these young players are strong enough to handle the pressure and they'll be fine without all that extra help

We should be focusing on giving more opportunities for players to stay in football, not just releasing them willy-nilly ...let's make it easier for clubs to sign them onto part-time contracts or something so they don't get lost after leaving the academy

I cant beleive how these kids go thru this its like they rnt even humans anymore all they do is play football and thats it theres no life after football so they need help when they cant play anymore ppl dont think about whats happin 2 them aftr ther playing career ends

I'm getting so frustrated thinking about all these young players who are literally being discarded like trash after working their hearts out in the academy system. Like, what even is the point of having a talent pool if you're just gonna release them without any support? It's not just about them, it's about how this affects their mental health and well-being. We need to step up and provide resources for these kids ASAP!

I'm thinking this is super messed up . I mean, you put so much time and effort into something and then get dropped like a hot potato. It's like they're throwing away a bright future over some contract issue. The mental health implications are huge and it's crazy that the system isn't in place to support them.

I'd love to see more investment from the Football Association, Premier League, and EFL to provide better resources for these kids. They should have access to counseling services, therapy, and support groups right from when they're in academies. It's not just about their well-being but also about the sport's reputation – we need to show that we care about our young players' futures.

It's a shame that some of these talented players are being left behind because of bureaucratic red tape . We need to take a more holistic approach to supporting them, like they're doing in other sports. I'm all for it – let's get this right and give these kids a fighting chance!

omg, this is so sad the thing that really gets me is when these young players invest all their time and energy into their craft only to be discarded like they're nothing more than a used tissue it's like, what happens to them after they leave the academy? where are they supposed to go for help? our schools should definitely have more support systems in place, not just for footballers but for anyone who's struggling with mental health we need to make sure these kids get the support they need before they end up in a dark place

need more support 4 these young players its not rite 2 be left 2 drift after investing so much time n energy into their craft

It's heartbreaking when you think about all those young footballers pouring their hearts out into the game only to be discarded like yesterday's trash. I mean, can't we do better than that? The lack of support for these players is just not right. They need help navigating this tough transition, not just a slap in the face and told to 'get on with it'.

I think it's time for us to step up as a community (and I mean that in the most general sense) and demand some serious change. We need more resources, better training, and a safety net in place for these young players. It's not just about their well-being; it's about the sport's reputation too. Do we really want to be known as the league that crushes its own talent? I hope the FA, Premier League, and English Football League are listening because this is a wake-up call if ever there was one.

I don’t usually comment but this football thing is really hitting me in the feels... all these young kids who have dedicated their lives to playing football and then get dropped without a second thought? it’s just heartbreaking . I mean, we all know that football can be tough on players, but to think about how many of them will struggle to cope with rejection like this is just sad .

I don’t think people realize the impact this can have on mental health, especially for those who are already vulnerable. It’s like they’re being tossed aside like a used tissue . The fact that there isn’t more support in place is shocking – I mean, we spend millions of pounds on football stadiums and whatnot, but when it comes to looking after the players' heads, we're basically leaving them high and dry .

I hope some big changes are made soon ... these kids deserve better than to be left to fend for themselves. We need to start prioritizing their well-being and supporting them through tough times. It's not just about football – it's about giving young people a chance to thrive in life .

These poor young lads go through so much & still get chucked out with no help

i feel so bad for these kids, they work so hard for like 18 yrs old only to be tossed out without a safety net... its like the system is more interested in profit than people they need better mental health support, not just a pat on the back when they leave what if they can't find another team or get injured? whats gonna happen to them?

it's so sad when young footballers have to go through this they've dedicated their lives to the game & it can be devastating when that dream is taken away these kids need support, not just a helping hand, but someone who cares about their well-being we should be investing in programs that help them deal with rejection & trauma if we want to see our talented young players thrive, we gotta make sure they're equipped with the right tools for life after football

I'm seriously worried about these young footballers . I mean, think about it - they've spent years dedicating themselves to the game, pouring their heart and soul into it, only to be rejected like yesterday's trash . It's just not right. We need to do more to support them, especially those who are struggling to cope with the trauma . I'm talking about providing access to mental health services, counseling, and job training programs - all the things that can help them transition to a life after football. The stats on self-harm and crime among ex-academy players are staggering . We need to step up our game (pun intended) and make sure these kids have a safety net to catch them if they do fall . The Football Association, Premier League, and English Football League need to work together to create a support system that's more comprehensive than just a patchwork of charity initiatives . It's time for some real commitment to the well-being of these young players ! #SupportThePlayers #FootballForAll #MentalHealthMatters

The system is so harsh, you know? They work hard, put their heart and soul into football, and then they get dropped like a hot potato when they're 17 or 18. It's not fair at all . I mean, what's the point of even having an academy if they're just gonna release them without a care in the world? They need help, support, someone to talk to... it's not too much to ask, right?