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More than just a game 
We were deeply saddened by the passing of Jeremy Wisten. For young people making their way in the professional game there needs to be more guidance. They are more than footballers.
A thread
We were deeply saddened by the passing of Jeremy Wisten. For young people making their way in the professional game there needs to be more guidance. They are more than footballers.
A thread
Only 180 of the 1.5 million players who are playing organised youth football in England at any one time will make it as a Premier League pro.
That is a success rate of 0.012%
That is a success rate of 0.012%
Here's Jesse, 15 years old who is currently taking his first steps into academy football. He said during lockdown:
"I'm working constantly to my goal of becoming a footballer. I've been going on runs, plyometrics, weights, just doing different things."
"I'm working constantly to my goal of becoming a footballer. I've been going on runs, plyometrics, weights, just doing different things."
For many young ballers in the academy system, the hard work and graft is the tip of the iceberg.
"As a young person in the academy system, I want to provide for my mum. If I don't make it, I wont be able to help provide a future for my family. I fear I might let my family down."
"As a young person in the academy system, I want to provide for my mum. If I don't make it, I wont be able to help provide a future for my family. I fear I might let my family down."
We need to support young men like Jesse and guide them through this precious time in their lives.
"My mum is number one for support and I feel supported because I have FBB in my journey, teachers in school to help me out and friends to talk about my emotions."
"My mum is number one for support and I feel supported because I have FBB in my journey, teachers in school to help me out and friends to talk about my emotions."
These young players are not devoid of feelings. They are human. Everyone around the player needs to set the right expectations and ensure we nurture this generation of young men. They have so much to offer the world.
We have launched a new national campaign to highlight why young people need to be in school. "Beyond Lockdown" is a photographic record of our nation's youth through this dramatic period.
#BeyondLockdown
Buy it here : https://footballbeyondborders.org/2020-beyond-lockdown/
#BeyondLockdown
Buy it here : https://footballbeyondborders.org/2020-beyond-lockdown/
