Ex-Wrexham player Hari Roberts calls for more support for youngsters released by clubs

A young footballer has described the impact on his mental health after failing to secure a professional contract, calling for greater support for others who may be “struggling”.

Hari Roberts said hearing at the age of 18 that he would not get a deal with Wrexham AFC was a “big shock to the system”.

He said it led to a difficult period as football had been his main goal since childhood, representing Wales and signing for Wrexham at 14.

Roberts said that although players are offered support, he believes more is needed to help those who do not make it as professionals.

The club said it kept in touch with players for three years after their release.

Roberts, from Pwllheli, Gwynedd, said running was key to his recovery.

Having the “freedom to go out and not think about anything” helped him deal with his feelings, he said.

He recently completed the Sydney marathon in Australia, an experience he described as “unforgettable”, and has applied to run the Tokyo marathon with his brother next year.

But first completing the London Marathon symbolised “resilience, recovery, and finding myself again”, he told BBC Radio Cymru’s Dros Frecwast.

Roberts said he wanted to use his experience to “help others who may be struggling silently – by raising awareness about mental health, and showing that no matter how dark life may feel, things can get better with support and hope”.

Roberts was released from Wrexham in May 2025, describing it as a “difficult time”.

He said it led to a “lot of change in terms of having to find another job, finding another club to play for, and that’s the reality when you’re playing football, or trying to be a professional footballer”.

“I got into a really bad situation where I started to feel… quite negative things.”