ABOUT INSURESPORT
My name is Ritchie Sutton, I’m an ex-professional footballer and have accumulated over 500 games in the football league and non-league. Over the course of my career, there have undoubtably been many highs such as winning promotion at Wembley but also several lows, which were mainly because of injury.
When I was 18, I signed my first professional contract at Crewe Alexandra Football Club after a 3-year scholarship when through no fault of my own, I sustained a double stress fracture in my spine. As a direct result, I underwent specialist surgery to give myself the best chance of recovery to continue my career.
After successful surgery and 16 months on the side- lines, thankfully I was able to restart playing again, however there were no guarantees how long I could continue playing for, potentially ending my career prematurely.
During this time, I really began to think about what financial provisions I had in place should the unfortunate happen; it only takes one bad tackle, a freak accident or an unexpected illness and I would no longer be able to earn a living as a footballer.
Having also played for many semi-professional teams, it is not uncommon to lose pay if you are unavailable to compete due to injury or illness as many players operate on a non-contractual basis at this level.
Over the past 20-years I have witnessed many players having to end their career early due to injury or illness or lose wages as a result, subsequently being exposed to the financial strain and hardship
hat followed.
Now, working as a protection advisor it’s my duty and aim to make sure that sportspeople have the right financial protection in place should anything happen.