Sol Campbell shared details of the “crossroads moment” that led to him pursing a career in soccer at an inspirational question and answer session with budding sports stars.
The former England footballer told young cyclists, footballers and horseriders – who were all service users at the City and Hackney child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) in Homerton Row – about growing up in an overcrowded home with 11 siblings.
He described how he would play football to keep out of trouble on the streets.
The youngsters shared their own experiences of growing up in Hackney, where some have already been exposed to drugs, gangs and violence.
Many expressed interest in becoming professional sports players, despite recognising it’s not an easy path.
One said: “You have to work hard because that’s life.”
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