Ex-Wrexham player calls for more support for youngsters released by clubs

A young footballer has described the impact on his mental health after failing to secure a professional contract, calling for greater support for others who may be "struggling".

Hari Roberts said hearing at the age of 18 that he would not get a deal with Wrexham AFC was a "big shock to the system".

He said it led to a difficult period as football had been his main goal since childhood, representing Wales and signing for Wrexham at 14.

Roberts said that although players are offered support, he believes more is needed to help those who do not make it as professionals.

The club said it kept in touch with players for three years after their release.

Roberts, from Pwllheli, Gwynedd, said running was key to his recovery.

Having the "freedom to go out and not think about anything" helped him deal with his feelings, he said.

He recently completed the Sydney marathon in Australia, an experience he described as "unforgettable", and has applied to run the Tokyo marathon with his brother next year.

But first completing the London Marathon symbolised "resilience, recovery, and finding myself again", he told BBC Radio Cymru's Dros Frecwast.

Roberts said he wanted to use his experience to "help others who may be struggling silently - by raising awareness about mental health, and showing that no matter how dark life may feel, things can get better with support and hope".

Roberts was released from Wrexham in May 2025, describing it as a "difficult time".

He said it led to a "lot of change in terms of having to find another job, finding another club to play for, and that's the reality when you're playing football, or trying to be a professional footballer".

"I got into a really bad situation where I started to feel... quite negative things."

With only a small percentage of young players securing professional contracts, Roberts believes more support is needed to help them cope with the disappointment.

"Clubs give support, of course, but I don't think it's enough to help them deal with the changes."

He added that many young players can take not making it as professionals in a "very bad way", with many of them "struggling".

He said he is in a "better place now", with running having helped him "so much".

He ran last month's Sydney marathon while raising money for the Sport in Mind, a charity that encourages people to use sport to deal with mental or physical health problems.

Roberts said he had "rebuilt himself through fitness, training his mind and running" with the support of his family, GP and psychologist.

Wrexham AFC said: "At Wrexham AFC, we pride ourselves on creating an academy culture centred around development, accountability, and care for our young players and staff.

"We know not every player will make the step up into professional football, and so we work to create an environment that focuses on creating not just good footballers, but good people too - building a platform for them to learn, develop and perform on and off the pitch.

"Our care for the players does not end when they leave the football club either, and our player care officer will remain in touch with all players for three years after their release."

The full interview with Hari Roberts will be broadcast on Dros Frecwast on Monday 21 September.

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