Iyiola Adebayo, a former West Ham youth team captain, found himself delivering pizzas within six months of his release from the academy at 16. Adebayo, who had joined the academy at eight and was tipped for success, faced setbacks due to a dislocated shoulder and struggled with the mental impact of rejection after trials.
He was initially reluctant to join the Premier League Futures programme, which was suggested by West Ham's former head of education. The programme, launched in 2017, provides aftercare for players released during the professional development phase (under-17 to under-21) and introduces them to potential career paths beyond playing.
For Adebayo, the programme has been transformative. He is now in his final year of a sponsored football business and marketing degree and conducts mental health and lifestyle workshops for academy players on behalf of Sporting Chance. He had previously sought counselling from the charity after his release from West Ham.
Neil Saunders, the Premier League’s director of football, noted an increased focus on encouraging players not offered professional deals to pursue higher education or other roles within the industry. Adebayo is optimistic about his future, planning to work in player care and potentially the business or commercial side of sport.