In the modern game, footballers are pressured and often scrutinised for their use of social media, often being influenced by the managers and teams behind the accounts.
Ex-Everton and Sunderland striker Victor Anichebe instantly springs to mind, after regrettably tweeting “Can you tweet something like, Unbelievable support yesterday and great effort from the lads! Hard result to take! But we go again!”
But Trent Alexander-Arnold took this to the opposite end of the spectrum, posting an honest, off-script message regarding the footballers that don’t make it to the top.
Building upon the launch of his free football league, Trent posted a 3-minute video to Instagram, where he stated;
“We see so many sad and devastating stories of lads that don’t quite make it. I know so many lads that have been on the same journey as I have that don’t quite make it.”
“All of a sudden, 16, 18, they get wiped after all the sacrifices they make. Their whole world gets shook.”
“I’ve been asking myself a lot of questions recently as to what I can do and I wanna help these lads and make sure that there’s a plan b in place.”
“Anyone that’s been in an experience like this; message me. Get in touch. I want to know how you’ve felt, what you’re doing now, what you’re going through.”
“I want do as much as I can, so get in touch”
With the media paying attention to the meteoric rise of footballers even through the obstacles, not enough attention is given to those that have sacrificed so much throughout the years, only to end up at the exit door.
Arguably, the hardest thing for young academy footballers to deal with is the taste of the first team they’re given, only to begin a gradual descent down the divisions. From Fran Merida to Adam Morgan, every team has their ‘what if’s’.
Adam Morgan, dubbed the next Robbie Fowler, now plays for Haringey Borough aged 27.
Only 180 of the 1.5million players playing organised youth football in England at any given time will make it as a pro, an overall success rate of 0.012%, with many not given the necessary skills to have a stable life outside of football, potentially leading to dark consequences.
Young footballers dream for the opportunity that Trent did. #66 first represented Liverpool’s first team in cup competitions in the 2016/17 season, but after a long-term injury to first choice right back Nathaniel Clyne, he soon made his debut at the Theatre of Dreams in a 1-1 draw.
His performance received praise from pundits and supporters alike and effectively cemented his spot as Liverpool’s right-back, going on to be integral part of Liverpool’s Champions League and Premier League winning teams, breaking multiple records along the way.
TAA facing up against Anthony Martial on his first Liverpool start
Alexander-Arnold no doubt takes pride being ‘The Scouser in our Team’, but to recognise the struggle that other players face breaking into the first team represents the true sympathy that the former PFA Young Player of the Year possesses toward his ex-teammates.
Recently, Crystal Palace became the first English club to launch a support scheme for players released from their academy, through direct contact with a player support officer who will aid with finding jobs and further education. The move has been applauded by many as a proactive step in the support of young men’s mental health.
With just 1% of boys making professional football from the age of 9, there’s hope that other clubs follow The Eagles in supporting their ex-youth players off the pitch.
Together, initiatives like Crystal Palace’s support scheme and encouraging words from a world-class player will optimise players to prepare for a successful life outside football.
