"Sometimes the hardest thing in the world is admitting you need help. Unlike an opposing centre forward, I finally realised my addiction wasn't something I could tackle on my own. The trouble was, I didn't know where or who to turn to."
Based on his experience, Tony saw the need for a safe, dedicated environment, where sportsmen and women could receive support and counselling for the kinds of destructive behaviour patterns that are all too common in the world of competitive sport, but all too often ignored.
Sporting Chance Clinic was founded in 2000, and began working with patients two years later. Since then it has quickly developed into one of the world's most innovative centres for the treatment of behavioural problems among professional sports people, and has become an integral tool for a number of football clubs and other sporting organisations.
To facilitate this growth, a management team has been put into place headed by Peter Kay, and Sporting Chance moved to Forest Mere - a 158-acre site of outstanding natural beauty and even more outstanding facilities.
Today, Sporting Chance works closely with the English and Scottish Premier Leagues, the PFA and SPFA, offering a variety of individually-tailored programmes, from one-day anger management workshops, to an intensive four-week residential course.
We also run a successful Preventative Education Programme, designed to give young athletes the information and tools they need to avoid the pitfalls and destructive behaviour patterns which can develop in the pressure-cooker world of professional sport.
"I have achieved much in my life of which I am proud, and along with my family, Sporting Chance Clinic is up there with my proudest moments. Although I am still a trustee, the day-to-day running of the charity is down to Peter and his highly-professional team. I wish they'd been around when I was wrestling with my demons. That's what I'd say to any professional sportsman or woman out there trying to get through it without guidance. On your own you've got no chance. With Peter and the team, you've got a great chance - a Sporting Chance."
Tony Adams MBE.