One of a Number: Surviving football's ruthless system

Millions of children dream of being the next Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, but the reality is that only a tiny percentage will ever make it pro in football.

Goal's One of a Number documentary tackles the hard questions around youth football, speaking to kids, teenagers, young adults, parents, coaches and experts across the UK to look beyond the surface of scouting talented players.

How are kids scouted by Premier League clubs? What happens to their emotional development when clubs discard boys and girls they don't want any more?

What measures are clubs and the PFA taking to help kids reach their dreams - and not be damaged psychologically by the system? One of a Number investigates at all that and much more.

If you've been affected by the issues raised in this piece the links and information below may be useful:

The FA:
http://www.thefa.com/about-football-a...

County FAs:
http://www.thefa.com/about-football-a...

PFA - the PFA Charity provides members with a 24/7 counselling telephone helpline. This 'round-the-clock' support is available to all players past and present:
https://www.thepfa.com/wellbeing/24-7...

Mind - charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem:
https://www.mind.org.uk/about-us/cont...

CALM - Campaign Against Living Miserably - leading a movement against suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK and the cause of 18 deaths every day:
https://www.thecalmzone.net/

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