To minimise the risks to young football players we should ban agents recruiting under-18s | Letter

Jonathan Liew’s article (Raheem Sterling’s bleak tale a reminder of absurd path young footballers face, 17 September) is informative and timely. It is especially worth reading alongside Jacob Steinberg’s report (‘They are very similar’: Arsenal’s Dowman reminds Merino of Lamine Yamal, 16 September).

Only a very small number of young footballers who are signed by top flight clubs at a very young age go on to achieve their dream of a Premier League career. Most of their peers are let go at 16 or 17 years old. This should be a reality check for parents and guardians of young athletes who hope to succeed in sport.

People like Raheem Sterling, Max Dowman and JJ Gabriel do reach their goals. But they must face huge pressure from coaches, fans, sponsors and social media. Handling this pressure needs great personal maturity beyond their age. It would help if they had a trusted mentor to guide them through the many dangers they may face. This is better than relying on standard promises from their clubs about their welfare. To help reduce the risks facing these young players, I would also suggest that football authorities stop any agent from recruiting or negotiating on behalf of a player under 18. None of these young players should be exposed to such harmful influences early in their careers.

If such measures are not put in place, I have no doubt that in years to come, there will be regular reports of young athletes. In their mid-teens, they are praised as the next "big thing." But later, they end up struggling under the pressure that comes with success in their sport. This is truly a bleak prospect.Phil MurrayLinlithgow, West Lothian

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