“I support #LetUsPlayFootball because I know how quickly the industry can become very serious and sometimes part of the fun in playing can be lost.

I believe that for kids playing football, enjoyment is the most important thing.

It should be a space for them to have fun, express themselves and to simply do what they love without any added pressure.”

Jacob Brown, Luton Town FC

"Football is freedom for young players, a space where they express their passion.

Yes, clubs will apply pressure, and that's part of the game, but no player should come home to added pressure.

Let them find themselves, let them grow. This is their journey—our role is to protect, guide, and encourage them to become the best version of themselves.

When we nurture them with patience and belief, they can truly flourish both on and off the pitch."

Leon Mckenzie, Mental health ambassador Youth mentor. Former professional boxer and premier league footballer.

“I support LetUsPlayFootball because I know how brutal the football journey is. I believe that kids are just as likely to reach their potential by getting the support and love they need!

The best kids teams I have seen, play with a freedom and desire that is bred through positivity and without pressure.”

Jordan Shipley, Shrewsbury Town FC

”I’m supporting #LetUsPlayFootball because I now realise at a the end of my professional footballing career that playing at grassroots level was the last time I was truly myself.

Not dreaming about what I could be beyond just expressing myself, playing football hours on end and truly loving it for the enjoyment it brought me in that present moment.

Football gets very serious very quickly. Let players discover who they are, and let them play for the pure love and enjoyment for the game!!”

Jake Jervis, Player Care | Ex Professional Footballer

“Football needs to be, and can be, a safe space within which youngsters can express how they feel, be creative, enjoy the freedom of 'playing' a sport with friends but with appropriate guidance and informed support from the adults needed to make that space safe for them.”

Sue Parris, Emotional welfare specialist in pro football. Founder of The Changing Room and Simply Human

“We seem to have forgotten why we loved playing football. The freedom and safety to just be yourself and feel accepted. Scoring a goal, beating a player, making a save or a great tackle, why did we sacrifice so much and enjoy doing it in the wind, rain and snow??

Because we loved it!! And we must ensure that this love never dies.”

Paul Mortimer, Ex Professional Footballer, Coach & Manager