Dropped - a failed dream "sends you to a dark place"
Alfie Cain has now produced a one-man play called Dropped which explores the darkness and pressures young men go through trying to make it as professional footballers.
When Chelsea fan Alfie Cain was given the chance to play for the club's academy at the age of eight, it was "a dream come true". But that dream didn't last for Alfie, who was released by Chelsea and then by his next club Barnet - resulting in him leaving professional football at the age of 18. And it sent him to a "dark place" - football was all he knew. It's a familiar story. There are an estimated 1.5 million children playing organised youth football in England at any one time - but only around 180 of those will make it as a Premier League professional.
Having left football behind, Alfie turned his attention to drama - a subject he loved at school. He's now produced - and is performing - a one-man show called Dropped - which is based on his own and his friends experiences. It explores the darkness and pressures young men go through trying to make it as a pro footballer.
To help others, Alfie has recently set up a website which works as a forum for young players who are released. "It's a safe space where you can be anonymous and just talk, share experiences and then those who've been in those situations can give advice."
For 5 Minutes On, Alfie - who's now 25 - shares his story with Radio 1 Newsbeat's Manish Pandey.
Image Credit: Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ News
