PLAYER STORY
“When football is your identity”
Ronny Wakelin
Former Burton Albion scholar Ronny Wakelin on release, resilience and building a future beyond the academy system.
Ronny Wakelin spent 13 years in academy football, joining the system as a youngster and dedicating his life to pursuing a professional career. After being released by Burton Albion, he faced one of the most difficult moments experienced by many aspiring footballers: losing not just a club, but a core part of his identity.
Today, Ronny is combining higher education in the United States with competitive football, keeping his professional ambitions alive while building a strong foundation for life beyond the game.
For academy players, football is rarely just a sport. It becomes an identity, a routine and a vision for the future.
For Ronny Wakelin, his experience with Burton Albion forced him to confront the loss of a dream he had pursued since childhood and begin thinking differently about his future.
Rather than allowing that setback to define him, Ronny embraced a new opportunity in the United States, where he combines university education with high-level football. He speaks openly about the emotional impact of release, the importance of family support and the value of having education as a safety net.
Ronny also highlights the practical challenges many young players face when pursuing opportunities away from home and explains how support from The Players Foundation helped reduce financial pressures, allowing him to focus on both his studies and football development.
His story is a reminder that while football may remain a passion, success can take many forms and preparation creates opportunities far beyond the pitch.
INTERVIEW
“You’re kind of stripped of your identity.”
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Ronny Wakelin
Former Burton Albion scholar