The talk they'll still be discussing months later.
A true story of surviving childhood trauma inside football's dream factory, hiding it for 25 years while performing anyway — and what it really takes to rebuild. Trusted by audiences from UK conferences to the FBI's Crisis Negotiation Unit at Quantico. They don't check their phones. They don't move.
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Phones stay down. Then, sometimes, this — the end of a talk, and nobody asked them to stand.
The final minute. Unprompted.Life after football.The room, mid-story.
What your audience takes away
Mental strength, redefined
What carrying the unbearable and showing up anyway actually looks like — and why the people who seem "weak under pressure" are often the strongest in the room.
Safeguarding that lands
For sport, education and youth organisations: what grooming actually looked like from inside it, and what the adults around me could have seen. Not a policy lecture — a survivor's map.
Permission to speak
Every room contains people carrying something silently. This talk is regularly the reason one of them finally tells someone. Especially the men.
From the people who booked me
FBI Academy, Quantico, VA. June 2026.
"On behalf of the FBI's Crisis Negotiation Unit… your story and the challenges you have overcome are a true testament to human resilience and one's ability to overcome incredible obstacles to reach a better place. It was not only an inspiring personal story, but it was also illustrative of the challenges many of the individuals we encounter have experienced… you clearly enhanced our conference greatly."
Scott Abagnale Unit Chief, Crisis Negotiation Unit, Critical Incident Response Group — FBI, Quantico, VA
"Jamie's story is moving, heart-breaking and inspiring. He has a brilliant way of uplifting an audience whilst not losing sight of the important message he shares. I highly recommend him, particularly at events relating to safeguarding and child welfare."
Tara Dillon CEO, CIMSPA
"Jamie's words sparked conversations in class about resilience, mental health, disclosure, and trust. He teaches my students the importance of creating a compassionate rapport with the children and young people they serve."
Carmel Henshall Senior Lecturer, Liverpool John Moores University
"Thought provoking, truly inspiring, and incredibly moving. The entire room was captivated. If you're lucky enough to get the opportunity to hire Jamie, don't hesitate — he will be the speaker everyone talks about for months to come."
Joanna Walker Head of Marketing UKI, Xplor Gym
"With unparalleled energy and unwavering courage, Jamie captivates audiences with his dynamic presence and powerful, emotional message. He leaves audiences inspired and ready to take on any challenge."
Mark Learnihan Business Development Director, Freedom Leisure
Formats
Keynote — 45–60 min
The full story, for conferences and company events. Q&A optional but recommended — it's often the best part.
Education — 60–90 min
For universities, schools and academies: the story plus structured discussion on safeguarding, disclosure and trust.
Leadership session — half day
Story plus workshop: resilience, pressure and how leaders build teams where people can tell the truth.
