It Was All A Dream

In this episode, we look at the start of the journey of many of the boys and girls in the English Football Academy system, explain how it works, in both the men's and women's game. You will hear from the players, such as Everton's Andros Townsend, Crystal Palace's Eberichi Eze and Aston Villa's Anita Asante, who speak about the sacrifices and experiences they made from a very young age to ensure they are successful in the 'Career Before The Career', on their paths to become professional footballers.  

Trigger warning: This episode features experiences of depression and suicidal thoughts.Troy Townsend speaks to Premier League players; Arsenal's Ben White, Scotland captain Andy Robertson and Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze about their experiences of rejection through their journey in the academy system. We hear the stories of those who have had negative experiences at football academies, like Jordan Eli, Ashley Thompson and Kieran Bywater, who after being released from their respective football academies, felt devastated, desperate and disappointed. Their experience is typical of thousands of teenage boys and girls who are no longer considered good enough to play for that club and make it at the top tier of football. We also hear from parents and former players Jamie Carragher and Trevor Sinclair, plus coaches and partners at the football academies, debating what will ensure improved holistic care of the young players and their football academy experiences.Writer: Drew Christie, Andrew SpenceProd: Andrew SpenceAsst Prod: Anne-Marie Batson & Cassidy BaillieSound Design: Bernard P Achampong

Episode 3 looks at ways of making the Academy system better, and how the governing bodies can help revolutionize the system. Troy Townsend makes THREE calls to action that the Premier League, EFL and the WSL should make. Coaches from clubs such as QPR's Les Ferdinand and Chris Ramsey speak about what they think can be done to change a brutal system, to one that doesn't affect young boys and girls mentally, and leaves them with options and education whether successful or not. In this episode you will hear from the players such as Everton's Andros Townsend, Gaziantep's Steven Caulker, Arsenal's Ben White and Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze, who discuss despite being released at an early age from clubs, they all made it back into the game and forged a professional career.

Troy joined talkSPORT's Hugh Woozencroft and former England International and Arsenal quadruple winner, Lianne Sanderson to hear first-hand from players, parents and professionals about their experiences of the UK's football academy system. Here's the first half of that conversation.

Troy joined talkSPORT's Hugh Woozencroft and former England International and Arsenal quadruple winner, Lianne Sanderson to hear first-hand from players, parents and professionals about their experiences of the UK's football academy system. Here's the second half of that conversation.