‘In football, parents push kids from a very young age – but that’s all wrong’

‘When I didn’t get signed it really added to the pressures I already felt as a student and I began to worry about the next steps for my life.’

However, Danny’s greatest disappointment occurred after he was signed by the German Bundesliga 2 team (U19) SG Unnterrath, however, was unable to stay due to the club’s financial issues, which were partly caused by the Covid lockdown.

‘I was there for a year and a half but then things got difficult because the club at the time didn’t have the finances to house me so I had to be accommodated by my agent,’ he explains.

‘After a while, my agent was finding it financially difficult to house me as it was very expensive in Germany as a result I had to go back to London. 

‘I believe if I had the chance to stay I would be playing in the Bundesliga (first team) by now. 

The pandemic had a disastrous impact on many young players, leaving them without a team or even the opportunity to find one due to the lockdown restrictions on football finances and player movement around Europe. 

‘It felt like I had to restart my journey,’ Danny adds. ‘I wasn’t involved in any training, so I really struggled when I got back since I had a lot of time to think. 

‘Eventually, I realised that this was feeding into my mental health negatively and so I decided to speak to family and friends about the struggle, as well as the negative thoughts I was combating.’ 

Danny, now 19, and still trying to make it in football, is sharing his story as part of a new initiative offering young players like him a chance at a different career.

‘The biggest pressure for me was probably more towards the end of my career as you realise in your mid-30s you’ve actually got to do something other than football,’ he tells Metro. 

‘I felt no pressure at the start of my career. I was released from QPR, Fulham and then Hereford as a young player. My only support system was my mum and dad but for me, that was enough. 

‘I was always very strong both physically and mentally from a young boy. It was probably being raised in the East End of London and having an incredibly strong mother that helped.

‘Also a big part of that was that neither of my parents put me under any kind of pressure to be a footballer, unlike a lot today who push their kids from a very young age sometimes as young as seven. That’s all wrong. I didn’t have any of that.’

Premier League football academies allow up to 250 boys to participate, making it possible for as many as 5,000 to be involved in the system at any given time.

However, according to Premier League statistics, less than 0.5% of those who enter the football academies at the age of nine will ever play for the first team.

Barry, 71, adds: ‘The biggest challenge is to get your first professional contract, no question. Clubs now take players from eight-years-old and that in my opinion is outrageous and should be stopped. 

‘Since many successful footballers are from the club’s academy and already in the system from a young age, it hints that you have to go down that route as well, but in reality, there are other options such as non-league when you’re older. 

‘One way is knowing that everyone makes mistakes and you too will make them. Your favourite footballers make errors daily but it’s about how you react and pick yourself up from the situation. 

‘No one is expecting you to have 100% pass completion or success rate in front of goal because that’s near impossible. We all fell in love with the sport because it’s fun so – as well as winning in some situations – that has to be your primary objective.’

Danny says that maintaining a healthy mindset helped him deal with the setbacks he had in football. 

‘Things I do to relieve stress when a game is approaching include making sure I prepare myself well so that I feel confident,’ he explains. ‘I also say good words of affirmation to contribute to me having a positive mindset when going into the game as this can help with the pressure and stress and in turn this helps my performance. 

‘I would say to view every setback as a lesson rather than failure and to keep a good routine in place to ensure structure which helps with feeling uneasy. 

‘My main support system was from my family rather than the clubs as it is my family who gets me through tough times.’

The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) provides comprehensive support through various services, including advice and guidance, emphasising continued personal development beyond the pitch. 

It also offers financial support and guidance to help players plan for their future careers, whether through accredited academic or vocational courses.

Paul Raven, the Head of Personal Development at the PFA, tells Metro: ‘We understand the profound impact that being released from a football club can have on young individuals. 

‘It’s a time filled with emotional challenges. Beyond dealing a blow to a long-held dream of becoming a professional footballer, being released often has a far-reaching effect on a player’s personal identity. 

‘It coincides with the loss of structured routines and the close-knit social circles nurtured within the club environment. It’s also not uncommon for players to grapple with a feeling that they’ve let down the family and friends who’ve invested in their journey.

He adds: ‘The football community must take an active role in managing the expectations of young players and their families, especially within the club environment. It’s vital to instil a broader perspective, emphasising the significance of education, personal growth, and alternative career paths alongside their football aspirations.’

Able, who makes his debut as an actor in Kicks, says: “A lot of boys can relate to the story of my character Patrick, especially when only 1% actually make it to be footballers. I saw the essence in him somewhat in me.’

While Danny adds: ‘Working on this film has allowed me to reflect on my football journey, which is still ongoing.’