This is something I never ever thought I’d have to write, but my life has just been turned upside down after being forced to make the devastating decision to retire from the career and sport I love. 19 years old wasn’t the age I expected to hang up my boots, especially at a time when my career was only just beginning.

A debilitating head injury was diagnosed by medical experts as a result of a simple header in training with my team at Peterborough United FC. On return to play after a period of rehabilitation and medication trials, the same thing happened again and my medical team gave me the devastating news that playing the game I love could have serious impact on my long-term health. Months after that decision I am still having day to day problems because of the injury.

A period of coming to terms with the situation followed, and I admit to finding myself in some very dark places at times. But once again the support of my family, my girlfriend and those close to me, got me through and the people at my football club have been extremely supportive.After announcing my retirement I have been overwhelmed and humbled with the media attention my story has received, and I am determined that this set back will not define me. Therefore I aim to turn this story of adversity into one that will benefit others.

The Bobby Copping Foundation aims to become an independently funded organisation that will provide additional support to players, their families and staff involved in elite sport. I hope to use my story of adversity in professional football to provide emotional support and guidance to those entering the sports profession, those already in it and to those like me who have been forced to retire due to injury.

I am looking for JustGiving support to help me set up a foundation that will help educate those entering elite sport, to offer counselling to those who have experienced their world falling apart like myself through injury and help those who have been released from sports clubs and are finding that hard to deal with and struggling with their mental health.

I’d be really grateful if you could spare a little (or a little more) to help us educate young sportsmen and women about the perils of elite sport when it all comes crashing down. Additionally, following on from my own story, I want to extend that support to the families who have sacrificed so much of their physical and emotional time to help those talented children fulfil their dream – only to have to pick up the pieces when that dream is not realised.

Any money I raise from JustGiving will help me set up a foundation to create a series of workshops that can be delivered up and down the country to educate and support the team around the sportsperson. I will be setting up counselling and support seminars that will be delivered to athletes, parents, carers and supporters to help them go into their sport with their eyes wide open. In a very short space of time, I have been supported by a number of people who have offered time in their specialist areas of sport, education, business and counselling and with your support I hope to get this foundation out there as soon as possible.