ACADEMY SPEND EVENING HEARING THOMPSON’S STORY

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Youngsters learn about Joe Thompson’s story

2022-12-16T09:00:00.000Z

ACADEMY SPEND EVENING HEARING THOMPSON’S STORY

Youngsters learn about Joe Thompson’s story

2022-12-16T09:00:00.000Z

Youngsters learn about Joe Thompson’s story

Two-time Cancer survivor and former professional footballer Joe Thompson visited Turf Moor on Thursday, spending the evening sharing his story with players from the Clarets academy.

Now 33 and retired, the former midfielder came through the academy at Manchester United and went on to make over 200 appearances in the Football League, though has more than just his efforts on the pitch to share in his current role as a motivational speaker.

Diagnosed with nodular sclerosis Hodgkin Lymphoma - a rare form of cancer - in 2013 while with Tranmere Rovers, Thompson overcame it and returned to the pitch less than 12 months later for new Club Bury FC.

Following spells on loan at Wrexham & Southport, and a permanent spell with Carlisle United, Thompson returned to Rochdale in 2016. But, midway through the 2016/17 season, he announced that the cancer had returned for a second time.

ACADEMY SPEND EVENING HEARING THOMPSON’S STORY - Image 1

Beating the illness oncemore, and in remission, the Bath-born midfielder worked his way back onto the pitch slowly but surely, with a remarkable ending.

On the last day of the season, with Dale on the verge of relegation, Thompson came off the bench against Charlton Athletic to net the only goal of the game and secure three points to ensure they would survive.

That proved his final-ever goal with retirement coming in February 2019, and since then, he has provided motivational talks like the ones given to those from the Clarets academy earlier this week as well as working in the TV industry.

Having overseen both of the talks, Head of Education Conor Craddock wanted to thank Thompson for his time, and highlight how important speaking to people like him can be for the youngsters.

ACADEMY SPEND EVENING HEARING THOMPSON’S STORY - Gallery Photo 1

Youngsters learn about Joe Thompson’s story

He said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Joe to Turf Moor to speak with our academy players as part of the Clarets enrichment programme.

“Across the two sessions, Joe has shared his truly inspiring story to all age groups from the U9s to U16s and has highlighted the key messages which have underpinned his journey.

“Our aim is always to enhance the holistic experience across the academy, and Joe’s messages are so relevant to the process that our young players & their families are currently a part of.

“We’d like to thank Joe for tonight, and look forward to being able to welcome more guests because these chats and talks can only help with the young players’ development.”