Every Summer hundreds of hopeful footballers are released aged 18, with a small percentage being offered their first ever professional contract.
George Williams suffered this fate back in 2012 when, as an academy scholar with MK Dons, the Defender wasn’t offered a professional deal and was forced to explore his options elsewhere.
The 27-year-old chose to combine his football with his education and would study at Loughborough University, who were playing in the Midland Football League.
Earlier this year, five scholars were not been offered professional contracts and left MK Dons at the end of their apprenticeship.
Williams says he reached out to them and offered them words of advice ahead of the next stage in their career.
“I spoke to a lot of the scholars who left the club – I saw one of the lads was going to Loughborough - which I was really happy about so I reached out to him.
“I've been in contact with them, and it's something I'm really big on. It's not all about your pro contract at 18, but it's what you do in the next few years to set yourself up whether it's in football or not.
“It's definitely something I want to pass on to the younger lads.”
