Former Manchester United defender Tom Thorpe could have been forgiven if he had slipped into another downward spiral after suffering a debilitating mental setback. His career was stalled by serious mental issues for more than five years.
Thorpe was the captain of United’s FA Youth Cup winning side in 2011, which included Paul Pogba and Ravel Morrison. Thorpe left United in 2015, and joined Indian Super League team ATK.
Thorpe never returned after he went to England for medical treatment. Thorpe claims he didn’t do anything for five years. He suffered from severe depression.
He said, “I had reached rock bottom.”
Thorpe, one of United’s former players, was at Carrington Training Ground last week to take part in its new Alumni Programme. The programme consisted of a number of workshops and training sessions aimed at helping them stay fit while they try and secure new contracts and offer ideas on possible career paths for after retirement.
It turned out that Thorpe was unable to train at all after rupturing an anterior cruciate (ACL) while playing in the Northern Premier League for Stalybridge Celtic.
He was on the sidelines with Callum Gribbin (24), who had been tipped as the “new Ryan Giggs” during his United days.
Gribbin also suffered an ACL tear in March while playing for FC United of Manchester (also of the Northern Premier League).
Thorpe, however, was optimistic about his future and the BBC Sport programme when he spoke to BBC Sport on the sidelines.
Thorpe said, “It is good to have the opportunity to talk to others who share similar experiences so that you can help them when and where possible.” I’ve picked Callum’s mind about what lies ahead. “
Nick Cox, United’s director of the academy, says that the club has identified 225 players in the United system who have left the club since 2012. They must also be registered with the club for at least five years and to the club beyond the age of 15
Every player is on their own path. The first group included Ro-Shaun Williams, Matt Olosunde and Matt Olosunde who are currently looking for a new club.
Thorpe is one of the few people who will tell a story as horrific as Thorpe.
He says that depression has many opposites. It’s hard to describe without first having experienced it yourself. It’s not that you don’t like being alone, but it is hard to describe.
When you hear “you can see a light at the other end of the road”, human nature says that if you do see the light, you will keep on going. There is no light when you are depressed. There’s nothing. There’s nothing.
No one knew except my parents, and then my girlfriend. When I went to family events, I would wear this mask. Once I returned home, it was time to take off the mask and not speak or interact with anyone. “
Thorpe is working to overcome his personal issues with Sporting Chance and he has also made it his goal to help others.
He believes that the proactive aspect of United’s Alumni Programme is essential.
He said, “It is good to know that people are reaching out and supporting you.”
I’ve learned from personal experience that it is very difficult to ask for help when one has depression.
It’s hard to imagine how many players go through an academy. But if you can reach out to someone who’s left, or is struggling to get a new club, and ask them about their progress, that’s a huge thing. “
Football clubs have suffered too much abuse for far too long
While there are many ways to keep in contact with former players, Cox thinks United’s program, which he wants to improve by feedback, is unique.
According to him, this is an example where clubs are moving in a new direction when it comes their duty of care towards young players.
Cox insists that United does not promote the “dream” to become a star. Instead, he wants to impress upon young players as well as their parents and caretakers “the incredible amount of growth you can achieve and the amazing experiences in pursuit of excellence”.
He admits that he will be disappointed when he is released.
The father of Jeremy Wisten testified at an inquest about his son’s death that he didn’t feel Manchester City provided him with the “right” support following the release a year before.
I’m not denying that sports can let down young people, but after spending 23 years as an academy football coach, my overall impression is that only a small percentage of the boys are unhappy.
Football clubs have suffered too much abuse for far too long. It is a great time to celebrate.
I have watched young boys board aeroplanes and eat their meals for the very first time. “I have seen boys eat their meals at dining tables. In recent months, I saw a boy come to the football field after losing his sister.
The experience that most youths have in clubs of football is unmatched. “
