A leading sports psychologist has issued a stark warning about the devastating psychological impact on young footballers released from professional club academies, calling for urgent and systemic change.
The Broken Dream of Thousands of Hours
Stephen Smith, Chair of the Sport and Exercise Psychology Division at the British Psychological Society, highlights the critical period at the end of the year when many teenagers face the crushing news that their contracts will not be renewed. These young athletes have often dedicated their entire childhoods to the sport, investing thousands of hours in training with the singular dream of becoming a professional.
Smith emphasises that when this dream is abruptly cut short, the consequences can be severe. He points to instances where released youngsters have experienced significant psychological trauma, with some tragically turning to crime or self-harm as they struggle to cope with the loss of identity and purpose.
A 'Postcode Lottery' of Aftercare
The current system for supporting these young people after their release is described as a 'postcode lottery'. Smith states that the availability of proper aftercare becomes significantly more patchy and inconsistent the further down the football pyramid you go, largely due to a stark lack of resources at smaller clubs.
This inconsistent support network leaves many vulnerable adolescents without the professional guidance they need during a profoundly difficult life transition.
Mandatory Support from the Outset
The proposed solution is clear: psychological support must be embedded within football academies right from the outset, not just offered as an afterthought following release. Proactive mental skills training and resilience building should be a core part of a young player's development alongside their physical and technical coaching.
Smith calls for a coordinated investment from the game's major governing bodies to address the crisis. He argues that joint funding from the Football Association, the Premier League, and the English Football League is essential to help clubs at all levels grow their psychological workforce.
This investment would ensure every released academy player receives the comprehensive support they need and deserve, transforming a moment of failure into an opportunity for managed transition and personal growth.
