GAME CHANGER

Luke Chadwick says cruel jibes about his looks left him down as a youngster.. now he's using football camps to help children beat abusive bullies

- BILLY GADDI

A FORMER Manchester United star who was bullied for his appearance is offering Scottish kids a safe place to play football and build their self-esteem.

Luke Chadwick is now the director of Football Fun Factory, an organisation dedicated to providing a pressure-free environment where children can play while developing important life skills.

The Premier League winner suffered bullying and is passionate about ensuring kids grow up with the confidence he once struggled to find.

His motivation stems from his own painful experiences.

He said: "The TV programme They Think It's All Over began mocking the way I looked when I broke into the Manchester United first team. I began to feel down.

"My self-esteem suffered and I started to feel anxious and didn't like to leave the house.

"Away from football, it was more uncomfortable. Even things like walking off the bus to what people thought were funny comments really affected me. It got to the point where I just wanted it to stop.

"If I hadn't played for Manchester United, I probably wouldn't have got that attention to begin with.