When my football league fell apart, so did I
Lisa Wrightsman was destined for a pro-soccer career, but her league folded and she turned to drugs. Sobriety and an unexpected community reconnected her with the game.
As a child, Californian Lisa Wrightsman was anxious and felt she didn鈥檛 fit in. But after being introduced to soccer, her confidence was transformed because she could do things on the pitch that others couldn鈥檛. Her ability took her to college and gave her the opportunity to play with the country鈥檚 best players and the national team.
On track to play at the highest level herself, Lisa鈥檚 dreams were cut short in 2003 when the women鈥檚 professional league announced it would be dissolving. Struggling to cope with this dramatic shift, Lisa became addicted to drugs and gave up her soccer ambitions. That was until she met a rag-tag team of soccer players, all former addicts or struggling with poverty. This team would re-ignite her love of the game.
Presenter: Asya Fouks
Producer: Tommy Dixon
Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707
(Photo: Lisa Wrightsman playing soccer in College Credit: Sacramento State Athletics)
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