How Premier League Futures programme is helping former academy prospects
The Premier League's Futures programme is providing career support to young players released from professional academies, offering a route beyond the pitch into education, business and welfare roles. The scheme, which began in 2017, was created to fulfil academies' obligation to provide at least three years of aftercare for players released during their professional development phase, and its impact is illustrated by former West Ham youth captain Iyiola Adebayo, who fell from leading his club's Youth Cup side to delivering pizzas for Domino's within six months of his release at 16.
Adebayo, who joined West Ham's academy at eight and was tipped to follow graduates such as Rio Ferdinand and Declan Rice, struggled with injuries and rejection after leaving the club, describing the toll on his mental health and identity. Reluctantly persuaded to join the Futures programme, he is now in his final year of a sponsored football business and marketing degree and delivers mental health and lifestyle workshops to academy players for the charity Sporting Chance, founded by Tony Adams. The wider programme includes support for out-of-contract under-16s and a 12-month scheme for players aged 18 to 24, aiming to guide former prospects towards new pathways such as player care and the sport's business side.
- Premier League's Futures scheme aids academy players released without contracts
- Ex-West Ham captain Iyiola Adebayo went from football to delivering pizzas
- He now studies football business and runs mental health workshops
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The Premier League Futures programme provides support to young players who leave professional football academies without securing a career in the sport. Thousands of children join club academies each year hoping to become professional footballers, but very few succeed; when released, they often lack support or direction. The programme, which began in 2017, aims to help these young people move into education and alternative careers within and beyond football.
The programme was created after Premier League clubs agreed to provide at least three years of support to young players released from their academies. It offers tailored support depending on age, including help for under-16s and a 12-month scheme for players aged 18 to 24. Young people gain access to education, business training and guidance towards careers in areas such as player welfare, coaching and football business roles.
Former West Ham youth captain Iyiola Adebayo illustrates the programme's importance. Released at 16 after joining the academy at eight, he struggled with his mental health and identity after leaving, taking work outside football before reluctantly joining the Futures programme. He is now completing a degree in football business and marketing and delivers mental health and lifestyle workshops to academy players.