This week's guest is Luca Albon, a 19-year-old who was released by Charlton Athletic at the end of his scholarship last summer.
85% of those who earn a scholarship will not be offered a professional contract, 98% of those will have been released by the time they’re 21. And yet, once a young boy enters an academy, there is always the danger they become overcome by the notion that they must dedicate all their energy and efforts to becoming a footballer. The word ‘sacrifices’ is often used by those who do make it, who have given up a lot to become a professional, but those sacrifices more often than not go without reward. The stories that aren’t necessarily heard about. The most common ones.
Luca talked to me about the experience of being let go, coming to terms with the decision, striving to remain grounded in the demanding academy environment, the emotions he’s felt over the previous year, and the difficulties in finding a new route into professional football.
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