WHEN his dreams of playing professional rugby league were shattered at the age of 16, a Penketh man would not have imagined he would be following in his mum’s footsteps almost a decade later.

Will Stringer, aged 24, is currently balancing his studies at Liverpool John Moores University with NHS training in the north west.

But it was all set to be so different and further education was out of the question when the path to a different career seemed a certainty.

At 16, with the world at his feet at a Super League club’s academy, Will’s life was then turned on its head.

“I got released without a word or anything,” he said.

“Playing rugby was all that I wanted to do and so I did not know what to do next when it happened.

“I was not planning to go into further education at the time, and knowing what I do now, I was on my way to depression or actually depressed at that point.

“It was not ideal and I did not want to see a doctor but I had a good support network around me.

“But compared to what I had, I know a lot of people who have really suffered.”

Now with the experience behind him, Will is supporting State of Mind’s programme to improve the mental health, wellbeing and working life of rugby league players and communities.

‘Men don’t seem to seek help and it is important that they do’
Will Stringer

As well as entertaining week in, week out on the pitch, the rugby fan believes players have an even bigger role to play off it.

“Through State of Mind, we are trying to break down the stigma surrounding mental health problems,” he added.

“Men don’t seem to seek help and it is important that they do.

“I think when players speak about mental health problems, or their own experiences, it makes people more willing to tell others and get the help they need.”