Demetri Mitchell, Manchester United's U23 Player of the Year in 2018, was tipped to be a candidate for Jose Mourinho’s first-team squad. Getty Images
The start of a new season brings hope to footballers across the U.K. For others, however, the big kickoff is a reminder that their dream is over.
There are often more than 10,000 boys involved in football's youth system at any given time. Premier League clubs usually have between 3,000 to 4,000 of these boys. Only 1% of those who enroll in academies as young boys (9 years old) go on to earn a living playing football. Many are released knowing nothing but football and spend the summer trying to find another way in or accepting that they may not be the next Lionel Messi.
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Demetri Mitchell was faced with this year-end when his long association with Manchester United, which he joined as a 10-year-old, came to an abrupt halt. Although he was expecting the news to come, it didn't help much.
Mitchell tells ESPN that he knew his time was up as he approached the end of his contract at Man United. It was inevitable, but it is still hard to hear the news. It wasn't going to be hard because I knew it would, but it was difficult when I was told.
"My lowest point was not knowing whether I would play again. Although I probably was being too dramatic and overthinking, I was still thinking: "Am I going back to play, will I be all right? What am I going do if it's not?"
"It was very difficult mentally for me during that period. Although I tried to not show it, those close to me could pick it up and I was able to support them.
Mitchell, 24 years old, is one of those lucky ones. After a 18-month struggle with injury, Mitchell joined Sunderland to get back in shape. He then accepted a trial at League One Blackpool. He was a star in Blackburn and Everton friendlies, earning him a contract. Twelve months later, he was out at Wembley leading his team to victory over Lincoln City in the playoff final. This earned him a chance at the Championship.
Demetri Mitchell, now 24, was 10 years old when he joined Manchester United's academy from Fletcher Moss Rangers. This is where Marcus Rashford began. Kevin Barnes/CameraSport/Getty Images
Some of his friends were not so lucky.
He says, "When you go up through the [age group] ranks you will see dozens of players getting let go and not making their mark." "I am still close with many former teammates and they have told me how difficult it can be. There are stories about things happening in the news. It is a difficult time.
When you are under-18 and you're told if your contract is being awarded, it's the most difficult. You can find another club if you are a professional at a top club, but it can be difficult to find a scholarship.
It can be all-consuming to dream of becoming a professional footballer. Some people see it as fulfilling a lifelong dream. Others see it as a way of helping their family escape poverty.
Raheem Sterling is now in Manchester City and has confessed that he felt pressure to be successful because his talent was a ticket out of St. Raphael's Estate, Neasden, north west London. He was just 13 years old when he began to take three buses to Queens Park Rangers training. His sister would accompany him while his mother worked.
In the last 10 years, there has been a significant shift in how academies operate. There is now a greater emphasis on education in order to assist players with their transitions to other sports. However, sometimes tragic stories still happen.
18-year-old Jeremy Wisten was a talented defender who committed suicide after his release from Manchester City Academy. Wisten, who was part of the City academy for three seasons from 2016 to 2019, suffered a knee injury during his last year.
Wisten's father made the following statement shortly after his passing: "During the past year at Manchester City, we were injured and he spent a lot of time not playing." Although he did recover, he had not played enough football in the previous year to be eligible for the next level. It was frustrating for him. He tried out other places, but it was very difficult for him because he had not played much football.
"He loved his time in Manchester City." "... We are extremely grateful for the chance they gave to our son."
In late 2020, an inquest was opened into his death.
Di'shon Bernard (L), who joined the team four years ago as a 16-year-old and signed a new five year contract in July with Nick Cox, Manchester United's academy chief. Matthew Peters/Manchester United/Getty Images
City, as many Premier League clubs, has support systems in place for young players after they leave. Manchester United has these processes. They include the use of both player-care teams and clinical psychologists who are available during their stay at Old Trafford.
Nick Cox, the head of United's academy, says that "I don't think it is possible to fix a young persons mental health by putting a plaster on after it's all gone wrong." We need to have exit strategies in place for young players who are leaving the team. Experts should be available to help them if they have a difficult time.
The real art of designing a program is not about how to make it run smoothly. These things are essential, but it is not enough to create a healthy environment. This industry is difficult because of the sheer number of people who want success and the ability to achieve it.
Cox said that the emphasis on mental health is much more important than when he started his career as an academy coach in the 2000s. "It was literally a coach with some balls and maybe an educator officer.
Cox adds that "now we're surrounded with experts in young people." Cox says United's goal is to not only produce top-level players but also to prepare young people for life, no matter what that may be.
He says, "We hear stories about people who have experienced difficult times and people who have been through tough times but it doesn't get discussed enough, football academy can be life-enriching, life-changing."
We help them find another club but as they age, it becomes more difficult to find one. So we assist them in finding employment or education. There are many success stories about boys who have become teachers, accountants, financial advisors, physiotherapists, and accountants.
"We had a 16 year old who was told by his parents around Christmas that he would not be continued with us. However, we agreed to continue working with him. We assisted him in looking for other clubs, and he was offered a scholarship to a Premier League club.
He was greeted by staff and players as he walked onto the Astroturf. We all gave him a signed United shirt and celebrated what he had accomplished. Although he won't be wearing a red shirt next season, it is something we can celebrate with him and the club.
Mitchell is excited about the prospect of starting a new chapter with a new league. It's different for others.
