England star Jake Livermore helping kids stay on track after recovering from drug shame following tragic death of his child
Three Lions midfielder has travelled the country in a bid to help teach children to understand how to deal with disappointments
JAKE LIVERMORE could have been serving an FA ban this week.
Instead he will be proud to give his all for England — and the FA chiefs who gave him a second chance.
The West Brom midfielder, 27, has become an unlikely poster boy for the FA, helping youngsters in danger of losing their way.
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It is a remarkable turnaround for the man who convinced bosses he could turn his life around.
He tested positive for cocaine in 2015 after the tragic death of his newborn son, Jake junior.
The maximum punishment was a two-year ban, but he was spared.
Livermore, whose one cap was against Italy in 2012, said: “I never thought I’d represent my country again.
“It’s like a dream to come back — hopefully I do my country proud. I want to put a positive spin on my career the friends, family and those who stuck by me – the FA among them.
“I’ve been into clubs and youth teams with young prospects who may have outside influences.
It’s nice to give something back as when I needed it I was fortunate to get that support
Jake Livermore
“It’s nice to give something back as when I needed it I was fortunate to get that support.
“I went to see Mr Alder my old history teacher at Enfield Grammar School who was very supportive to me. There were a few children in the excluded unit section, where they are taken away from the other kids.
“My teacher asked if I could sit and talk with a lad who was also very talented at football. I just told him about my experiences and how you have to stay focused. Things can turn full circle and be better.
“It’s not something I find easy but it’s for a good cause. When people need you, like I needed someone, I want to be a person who helps someone else.
“I’ve found the kids receptive and that gives you a lift and makes you want to carry on doing it.
“This is just the start of what I’d like to do. It wasn’t so much helping them avoid temptations it was dealing with disappointments in life. Everyone has their own story.”
Livermore also reached out to Bournemouth’s Harry Arter, who suffered a similar tragedy when his baby Renee was still-born.
He added: “He’s conducted himself brilliantly and I’m over the moon he’s now out the other side. We became good friends.
“I have got children now and I want them to look at my football career and be proud of their dad – rather than what they may have read instead.”