'No one knew the full extent of how shit I felt about myself. I was a shell of my former self. I felt worthless'

Flynn reflects on his high school days at St Benildus College, expressing pride in sharing his experience of trialing for the Premier League champions, Leicester City. His enthusiasm captures the teenage dream of pursuing football at such a high level, feeling on top of the world as he shared the news with his classmates, showcasing how pivotal that moment was in shaping his aspirations and memories.

The disillusionment set in quickly after the excitement faded, as Flynn faced the harsh realities of professional football during his trial. The contrast between the glamour of the Premier League and the relentless demands of training and evaluation often left young players feeling overwhelmed. This stark realization led him to question whether the dream career he had longed for matched the reality he was experiencing, reflecting a common sentiment among ambitious young talents.

Read at Independent