In Dec 2016, Bournemouth’s U16s learned whether they had received a scholarship. Each player has taken differing paths since. Their stories are varied, some are difficult to read and the impact of Covid did not help released youngsters or mental health. www.nytimes.com/athletic/588... - ThreadSky

jacobtanswell.bsky.social • 104 days ago

In Dec 2016, Bournemouth’s U16s learned whether they had received a scholarship. Each player has taken differing paths since. Their stories are varied, some are difficult to read and the impact of Covid did not help released youngsters or mental health.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5882911/2024/11/19/academy-release-rejection-whats-next/

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Comments

guyn72.bsky.social•102 days ago

That’s a fantastic read!

katiecatherall.bsky.social•104 days ago

This is such an excellent piece

jacobtanswell.bsky.social•104 days ago

Thank you, Katie

steveperryafcb.bsky.social•104 days ago

I’m sure it’s an outstanding and hugely valuable piece Jacob… certainly a topic worthy of greater appreciation and awareness. From one of our own too - always a Cherry! 🍒❤️😄

wyeeeez.bsky.social•103 days ago

Loved this, a really great article

reddfredd.bsky.social•103 days ago

Great read is that. Nice one.

nickpchurch.bsky.social•104 days ago

The truth is, it's nigh on impossible to make it as a professional. I was sadly not taken on as a 16 year old, but of the 5 who were, not one of them made it. Average 1st team squads are 30 players, half are from abroad, so there's very little room for youngsters to break through.

johnbennettsport.bsky.social•103 days ago

Really excellent article Jacob 👍

northy76.bsky.social•104 days ago

Brilliant article Jacob - thank you for sharing. It’s interesting that a lot of these kids shared common emotions that ultimately led them to feel relief at getting out of the academy pathway pressure. It’s important that young people realise there’s always another path for them in life.

ajparkin.bsky.social•103 days ago

Brilliant piece Jacob. Insightful and thought provoking. #afcb

jacobtanswell.bsky.social•104 days ago

Two remain in the professional game, eight are playing in leagues below at varying standards and have pursued other careers, from working in manual labour to being in the marines. The mental toll on players in academies should never be underestimated.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5882911/2024/11/19/academy-release-rejection-whats-next/

leedeetee.bsky.social•103 days ago

This is great. With a son in a lower league ‘academy’ I’m going to use this in our conversations. Football isn’t the be all and end all, being happy is - which is what came through in the piece. Cheers!

jacobtanswell.bsky.social•103 days ago

Really glad to hear that! Most definitely :)

abysstalks.bsky.social•103 days ago

That was a great piece. Made me wonder whether academies are too big, because clubs are afraid of missing out on young talent?

yeanay.bsky.social•103 days ago

Yessss!

Amazing piece. You don't realise the mental side of it, thinking the players are lucky to be playing football for a living. Shows the other side and a different perspective

eliasburke.bsky.social•104 days ago

This is great, Jacob 👏🏽👏🏽

jacobtanswell.bsky.social•104 days ago

Thank you :)

claudeinfrench.bsky.social•104 days ago

Love this, Jacob. There’s a life after/not in football. People need to read this.

jacobtanswell.bsky.social•104 days ago

Thank you

tonyjonescomm.bsky.social•104 days ago

It’s important to have dreams but also easy to forget football can be a ruthless industry. I was struck by the line: “I wasn’t destroyed like some boys”. Good read Jacob.

tspaskus.bsky.social•103 days ago

Great article Jacob— thank you for sharing your story and those of your teammates.

jacobtanswell.bsky.social•103 days ago

Thank you Tom, extremely grateful to those who shared their story.

slownews.bsky.social•104 days ago

Oh Jacob, that's some real insight in that piece. God the "this is the age where you stop enjoying football", that must be a real kicker at that age. Glad you've made peace.

jacobtanswell.bsky.social•103 days ago

❤️

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