We should support ex-academy footballers properly | Football

It is essential not to neglect young footballers who are excluded from the system at this pivotal stage of the season (From ruptures to contract minefields: it’s make or break time for academy players, December 31).

Many academy footballers have spent most of their childhood training thousands of hours, chasing a dream, only to have it cut short when they are released from their contract. At worst, we have seen young people turn to crime and self-harm, and suffer serious psychological trauma.

This cannot continue. There is a postcode lottery for tracking when you are released. Support becomes considerably more unequal as one moves down the pyramid, due to a lack of resources. Psychological support for young players must be integrated into academies from the start.

Coordinated investment from the Football Association, Premier League and English Football League would go a long way to helping all clubs develop their psychological squad and giving players released from the academy the support they need and deserve.
Stephen Smith
Chair, division of sport and exercise psychology, British Psychological Society