Jay Mady’s life has been transformed by the work of the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation.
Jay was signed up to the Tottenham Hotspur Academy at the age of 12 but was released at the age of 16.
“Being a footballer is the best job in the world,” he said. “And when I was released it crushed me. I was used to getting so many ‘yeses’ in life and I got my first ‘no’. I didn’t know how to feel good.
“I ended up living with my Nan and that relationship deteriorated. To cut a long story short I ended up homeless for two months.”
Jay also suffered mental health problems but at the age of 18 was introduced to a unique collaborative project that put his life back on track.
“The Partnership with the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and Street Soccer Foundation got me back on my feet again when I was struggling with the fact that there’s a life outside of football,” he said.
“It started out as a 10-week programme that helps with a lot of aspects of your life. We had morning classroom sessions that gave guidance on how to apply for jobs, put together a CV, goal-setting, that sort of thing. I thought it was just about football but it was about much more. It really helped with my confidence and resilience.
“In the afternoons we played football and learned practical lessons about coaching. At the time I was really struggling with commitment and I surprised myself by completing the course. I was crushed before that and it put me back on my feet again. I’ve become more responsible, reliable and gained mental strength. I don’t know where I would be without it.”
Jay, now 23, retains his ambition to be a professional footballer and now works as a coach with the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation on an 18-month internship. He is also working toward his FA Level One Coaching qualification.
“I’m proud and happy with myself,” he said. “I would say to other people who find themselves in the situation that I was in, “never give up”. Trust in opportunities and try things, don’t be shy to get yourself out there.
“I’m glad to be continuing with the Foundation and now have lots of decisions to make about my future.”
