Take Back Your Life
Personal Counselling for Powerful Results
You don't have to walk this pathway alone. We are a service designed by and for Deselected players.
Support After Sport is a comprehensive support network designed to emotionally support academy footballers who are deselected, as well as injured and retired athletes, in transitioning to new careers and life paths.
Rich Wilkinson and Ben Marlow founded the not-for-profit organisation after working together on various related projects. They serve as the founders of Support After Sport. Few organisations provide emotional, tiered support focused on post - career transitions.
Subscriptions
Choose from one to one counselling, group counselling or seminars
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13 British poundsLoading days...
13 British poundsLoading days...
13 British pounds
Services
One to One Counselling
We provide counselling support to help deselected academy players, retired and injured athletes process their experiences, rebuild confidence, and either find a new direction or help to get back into the game. We offer ten counselling sessions that build emotional resilience and identity beyond sport.
Mentor Support
Sometimes, you just need someone to talk to who has been where you are right now. Our dedicated mentors have been through the Deselection process and are aware of the challenges that this can present. They are on hand to offer telephone support and guidance over three specifically designed calls. The first will establish where you are at right now, the second will inform where you might like to go next and the third will help you shape your action plan to achieve this.
Resources
When a player is deselected it's important to remember that this is not the end of your journey, it's an opportunity to explore new paths, rediscover yourself and build a bright future. A range of tips, information sheets and video clips are available to give you bite sized support on next steps and keeping yourself physically and mentally well, whilst navigating your new direction.
Parent / Carers support
When a young athlete is deselected from an academy, it’s not only the player who faces challenges—parents and carers often feel the impact deeply. You want to provide the right support but may also be dealing with your own emotions of disappointment, uncertainty, and concern for your child’s future.
Success Stories
I felt like I'd found a place where I could just get things off my chest and reflect on positives from being in the game. I recommend Rich and his service if you are a deselected or retired player struggling with what to do next.
SF
Deselected player
Speaking with someone who understands and can provide guidance helped to rebuild my son's confidence. Speaking with Rich who has lived through the same experience was invaluable.
RS
Parent of Deselected player.
When I first got injured it felt like my career was over, the end of the world. After talking and process my feelings and emotions, I found some clarity and acceptance, helping me to move for forwards.
JL
Injured Hockey player
Session Snapshots
Get in touch
We're here to support you every step of the way. Whether you're a player/athlete seeking guidance, a parent looking for support for your child, or someone interested in collaborating with our mission, we'd love to hear from you. Please fill our contact form below and we will be in touch.
