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.