Stephen Smith says psychological support must be embedded in academies for young players right from the outset It is vital that we don’t overlook the young footballers being cut from the system at this pivotal stage of the season ( From breakups to contract minefields: it’s make or break time for academy players, 31 December ). Many academy footballers have dedicated most of their childhoods to putting in thousands of hours of training, chasing a dream, only for it to be cut short when released from their contracts. At worst, we have seen young people turn to crime and self-harm, and suffer great psychological trauma. Continue reading...