Ep.71 Coming to Terms with the end of Your Career with Former Manchester United and West Ham Footballer Luke Chadwick

Welcome to Episode 71 of the Blue Light Leavers podcast. Luke Chadwick is a former professional footballer who made his mark as a talented midfielder during his time at Manchester United, going on to play for numerous clubs, including West Ham, Norwich City, MK Dons, Cambridge Utd and others. Known for his dedication and perseverance, he was hugely admired for his work ethic, versatility, and ability to create scoring opportunities. In this episode we talk about Luke's football career, from grassroots schoolboy to his debut for Manchester United and beyond, and the lessons he learned from his time under Sir Alex Ferguson. Luke also talks really openly about his career highs and lows and how difficult he found it coming to terms with the end of his career and loss of identity, and how he ultimately had to seek help and learn to be vulnerable and grieve. There are so many similarities between a lifelong career in sport and a career as a first responder. Post-retirement, Luke has become a respected figure in football analysis and commentary, sharing his valuable insights and experiences, and is a Director of The Football Fun Factory where their mission is to use the nation’s passion for football as a vehicle for child development, and where the focus isn't simply on development or progression… they focus on having fun, and you can find out more, and potentially own your own Football Fun Factory franchise, by contacting Luke on [email protected] and mention the podcast! Luke's mindset throughout his career and post football, is so inspiring and I'm incredibly grateful for his time and honesty. This episode is sponsored by Motor Source Group. MSG offer genuine new car discounts to serving and retired emergency services personnel, including Police, NHS, Fire and Rescue, and the Prison Service. They're completely independent, offering a full range of makes and models, and are rated excellent by their customers on Trustpilot. I promise you; you will make savings. To find out more, go to https://www.bluelightleavers.com Don't forget, you can join the private Facebook Group via www.facebook.com/groups/bluelightleavers The Academy Membership from Blue Light Leavers gives you all the help you need to find your new role or career, including live sessions with Andy and others who've been there and done it along with subject matter experts, talking CVs, LinkedIn, interviews and so much more, so if you're looking for a little more help and support and want to find out more, you can go to https://www.bluelightleavers.com/ You can listen to the podcast on shift, walking the dog, pottering about, and do it on your phone, desktop, laptop, or tablet, anywhere and whenever suits you, pause and play and they're all completely free!