In Premier League academies there are around 3,500 boys - but of those entering academies at the age of nine, less than 0.5% will ever make a living from the game.
So what happens to those who don’t “make it” and does football adequately prepare them for life and alternative careers?
Sky's Martha Kelner travels around the UK to meet some of them.
SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel for more videos: www.youtube.com/skynews
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/skynews and twitter.com/skynewsbreak
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/skynews
Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/skynews
For more content go to news.sky.com and download our apps:
Apple itunes.apple.com/gb/app/sky-news/id316391924?mt=8
Android play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bskyb.skynews.android&hl=en_GB