Ex-footballer joins charity due to retirement fears

A former professional footballer has become an ambassador for a homeless charity due to the fears he faced at the end of his playing career.

Marc Richards, who currently coaches Northampton Town's first team and previously played for the Cobblers, describes his role at the Hope Centre in Northampton as an "unofficial ambassador".

The Hope Centre, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, works to provide help for those facing housing insecurity in the town.

Reflecting on why he decided to get involved, Richards said: "I'm just trying to help and support in any way possible because I had a real fear of becoming homeless after I finished playing [professional football]."

Richards had two spells at the Cobblers and captained the club to the League Two title in the 2015-2016 season.

The former striker believed many footballers were ill-prepared for life beyond the pitch.

“I guarantee most players will not have considered their futures [past their football career]," he said.

Richards admitted that, by the age of 32 when he retired as a player, he felt lost and added: "I didn’t know what to do. I wasn’t a coach, I was just an aged footballer."

"So my fear [of becoming homeless] was generated through... not knowing where I was going to be because of the lack of qualifications and experience in other sectors.

"I didn't do well at school, and I didn't really earn the money I thought I'd earn to make me retire and live a comfortable life.

"I threw myself into coaching and I'm so glad I did. Now I want to help [at the Hope Centre] and it warms my heart to know I'm helping."

A spokesperson from the Hope Centre said the charity was "thrilled" at his involvement.

"He has visited us a few times now and he is very keen to get involved as one of our Ambassadors," they said.

"He has described his fears around homelessness and his passion for our cause, and we are really looking forward to working closely with him.

"He’s already offered to donate a one to one coaching session which we will be auctioning next year as well getting [Northampton Town] to help us promote our winter appeal."

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