AcademyPlayerThere is a big debate about the pampered lifestyles of some of the superstars in the game, but spare a thought for those who are really making sacrifices to play the game they love, writes David Vincent.

Academy

Player

There is a big debate about the pampered lifestyles of some of the superstars in the game, but spare a thought for those who are really making sacrifices to play the game they love, writes David Vincent.

Will Snowdon has left his family and friends behind to try and rebuild a future in sport.

Tough-tackling former Ipswich Town academy defender Snowdon, from Clacton, has had some tough times early in his career.

After the heart-break of being released by Town, Snowdon went on trial to Scotland and was taken on by Bank of Scotland Premier Division side Livingston.

But a nasty injury early at his new club put him in hospital and, two operations later, he is still some weeks away from competitive football.

"There is some positive news," he said, "I've been training full-time for a month now but I am still not allowed contact, I can't tackle yet.

"I have been told it will be another two months before I can play again. Hopefully I am looking forward to getting back just before Christmas and getting a few games in.

"I am enjoying it up here. They are really nice people and the squad includes people from all over; Spanish and Argentinians, a few Scots and a couple of Jamaicans.

"There are just three English lads and I live with Tommy English, who is from Newcastle. He played against Ipswich U17s a couple of years ago.

"The young Scots give is a bit of a hard time when there are international games on but there is no contest between England and Scotland, is there?"

Snowdon was originally injured at the start of last season and he had an operation on his torn cartillages last November.

"I came back to Ipswich and did some work with the physios at Christmas and started to play again in January but then I found I needed an operation on my cruciate ligament and I got that done in April," he added.

"It usually takes about nine months to get back after that so I am making progress.

"I work with the physios three times a week in the hospital and I am training with everyone now."

He is hoping to return to competitive action before the end of the year.