Bayer Leverkusen and Netherlands star Jeremie Frimpong has taken a proactive step in helping young players who fail to achieve professional status in the world of football. Frimpong’s newly established foundation, “Pathways,” aims to provide a variety of services to guide these aspiring players in their transition to the next stage of their lives. With a personal understanding of the challenges faced by those who are unable to fulfill their dreams, Frimpong’s foundation will initially operate in Ghana, the UK, Netherlands, and Germany.
The Emotional Turmoil of Missed Opportunities
Drawing inspiration from his own experiences and witnessing the struggles of former teammates who did not make the cut, Frimpong felt compelled to make a difference. As he explains, “There comes a day when you are told that being a professional footballer doesn’t work out. Your dream is destroyed. You feel vulnerable. Depressed. Totally depressed. I think it’s important then that there are people who help you. You are just a child. You shouldn’t have to do that alone either. That’s why I started this project. I want to help the youth as much as I can.”
Currently excelling at Bayer Leverkusen, Frimpong has also earned a cap for the Netherlands. His path in football began at Manchester City’s academy, followed by stints with Celtic and eventually Leverkusen in 2021. However, the memories of his teammates dropping out of the Man City academy each year and their subsequent challenges in navigating life after football have left an indelible mark on him. Speaking from personal experience, Frimpong explains, “I know what it’s like to be told you won’t become a professional footballer. I have plenty of people around me to whom this has happened. To be told that as a child is the worst thing there is.”
Avoided by Clubs in Times of Need
One of the key concerns Frimpong raises is the perceived abandonment by clubs once a player’s dreams are shattered. According to him, clubs do not provide the necessary support in such circumstances, leaving young players to feel overwhelmed and alone in their struggle. Frimpong believes that family support is important but admits it may not be sufficient for the emotional and practical challenges these aspiring footballers face. Consequently, he is determined to bridge this gap through his foundation, Pathways.
Frimpong envisions his foundation becoming a global project in due course. “Pathways is a project I have wanted to realize for a long time. I can’t wait for it to start. It is about youth players who did not make it to professional footballer, but it is not the end of the world to not get a professional contract,” he asserts confidently. He is keen to emphasize that there are alternate paths to success and that Pathways is designed to guide young players in finding their true potential. The foundation aims to provide resources and equipment, acting as a support system throughout their journey.
Survey Highlights the Lack of Support
A recent survey conducted by ITV News reveals that nearly 90% of young players experience anxiety or depression after leaving their clubs, and 72% feel unsupported by their respective organizations. Frimpong’s foundation seeks to address these distressing statistics by not only offering practical assistance but also by fostering a sense of hope and resilience in youth players. He remains connected to his former teammates who have transitioned successfully into non-sporting careers, as well as those who continue to face challenges. Frimpong acknowledges that there is more to life beyond becoming a professional footballer and aims to provide opportunities for all.
It is clear that Frimpong’s motivation stems from a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of aspiring young players. He firmly believes that everyone deserves a chance to succeed and aims to do everything in his power to help them achieve their goals. Regarding his family’s support, he says, “I talked to my family about it. They also understood why I am doing this. And this is something I have always wanted to do. I am now in the position to do this. I was waiting to be in this position. That I can help others. I’ve always wanted that.”
With its foundation established on January 3, Pathways aims to assist players aged 15 to 22, irrespective of gender. By providing access to a network of mental health practitioners, the foundation aspires to offer comprehensive support to those in need. Pathways’ website, www.joinpathways.com, will serve as a vital platform for young players to seek guidance and connect with resources that can help shape their future.
Jeremie Frimpong’s foundation, Pathways, is a commendable initiative that seeks to alleviate the challenges faced by aspiring football players who are unable to achieve their dreams. By providing much-needed support and resources, Frimpong hopes to empower these youth players in their pursuit of alternative paths to success. With his commitment to making a difference, Frimpong’s foundation is poised to help young talents find their way in life, regardless of the obstacles they face in realizing their football dreams.