Players on pedestals can be "struggling inside"

Aston Villa chaplain Jon Grant sees first-hand how money and fame can mask internal struggles.

Grant, who became a sports chaplain 25 years ago, said his Villa role offered special insight into the reality behind top-level footballers’ lives and what many fans see as a trouble-free existence.

“I have the privilege of sitting and chatting with players who are placed on pedestals every Saturday yet are struggling inside,” said Grant.

“I work with a real mix of people. I meet players from the men’s and women’s teams and staff at the stadium and training ground. I offer a listening ear and we’ve talked about bereavement, injury and many other challenges.”

Along with the playing and training side, Grant also helps the club’s hierarchy.

“One time I was approached by someone who was quite strategically high up. They’d lost their mum and said I was the first person they wanted to pick up the phone to.”

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