Leading sports psychologists are demanding urgent action to protect the mental wellbeing of young footballers who face the devastating blow of being released from professional academies.
The Crushing Reality of a Dream Cut Short
Stephen Smith, Chair of the Sport and Exercise Psychology Division at the British Psychological Society, has issued a stark warning. He highlights the pivotal and often traumatic period at the end of the season when many academy players learn their contracts will not be renewed.
Many of these young athletes have dedicated their entire childhoods to training, investing thousands of hours into chasing a professional dream, only to see it abruptly end. Smith emphasises that the consequences of this rejection can be severe, with some young people turning to crime, self-harm, and suffering significant psychological trauma.
A 'Postcode Lottery' of Aftercare Support
The current system for supporting released players is described as inconsistent and inadequate. Smith points to a 'postcode lottery' for aftercare, where the level of support a young player receives depends heavily on which club they were attached to and its resources.
This support becomes considerably patchier further down the football pyramid, leaving many vulnerable individuals without a safety net. The call is for psychological support to be embedded within academy structures from the very beginning of a player's journey, not just offered as an afterthought upon release.
A Coordinated Solution from Football's Governing Bodies
To address this systemic failing, a coordinated investment from football's key governing bodies is proposed. Smith argues that the Football Association (FA), the Premier League, and the English Football League (EFL) must work together to provide the necessary funding.
This investment would enable clubs at all levels to grow their psychological workforce, ensuring every released academy player gets the professional support they need and deserve during a critical life transition. The plea underscores that allowing the current situation to continue is unacceptable, given the profound impact on young lives.
