Representatives of the renowned Sporting Chance Clinic delivered an inspiring presentation to young Owls at Hillsborough on Wednesday morning.
A raft of S6 academy players and Under-21s listened attentively as they were warned of the potential pitfalls of becoming a professional sportsman.
Led by former footballer Andy Brownrigg, the Sporting Chance presentation covered all aspects of the dark side of sport that supporters rarely see.
Sheffielder Brownrigg, who was on the books of Hereford, Norwich and Rotherham in the early 1990s, said:
“We are here to raise awareness and talk to the lads about the pressures that come with professional football and making healthy lifestyle choices.
“The seminars centre around the addiction to gambling, drinking and drugs and we can only reinforce the message that some choices are the wrong ones.
“The lads at Sheffield Wednesday were a really good group and a credit to the club.
“The coaches and the likes of Dan Potts, the club’s education and welfare officer, are a great support to what we do.
“Lee Bullen also asked his Under-21 players to attend, which was really refreshing because we don’t always get that.”
Wednesday youngster Johnny Fenwick – on target for the Owls during the Development Squad win over Barnsley on Tuesday night – added:
“It was interesting to hear what Sporting Chance had to say and good to know that help is out there if players need it.”