Professional footballer Steven Caulker has had quite the career. Since signing his first professional contract at Tottenham Hotspur he has played for the likes of Liverpool, Southampton, Cardiff City, Swansea City, Wigan Athletic & Malaga City. A promising start to his career led to him being selected for the England national side as well as the Great Britain Olympic team.

Steven’s competitive edge and addictive personality eventually led him down some dark paths and before long gambling, alcohol and depression were major factors in his life.

On this episode of ‘Hold or Fold’ Steven talks candidly about how he first got into football, signing that first contract, scoring on his England debut and the issues his gambling addiction caused him. Steven has now turned a corner in his life and is able to reflect on how his addictions stifled his career progression and what he learned on his road to recovery.

Discussion points…

Steven talks about ‘that’ Ibrahimovich goal

His premier league debut for Swansea

How Gambler’s Anonymous has supported him

USEFUL LINKS:

• Reframe Coaching

• Gamcare

• Gamble Aware

• Bet Know More

• Breakeven

• Gamfam

• Gamlearn

Call the National Gambling helpline, for free, on 0808 8020 133

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This episode is hosted by...

Ben Jones & Steve Girling

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