A PROMISING young footballer described as an "exceptional talent" tragically took his own life after a series of injuries ended his career, an inquest heard.

Joel Darlington, 20, once had trials with Manchester United and represented Wales at youth level before playing for a Welsh Premier League side.

1 Joel was a sporting star but suffered with anxiety following a spate of injuries that affected his career Credit: Bala Town FC/MEDIA WALES

But a broken arm and scar tissue in his back put an end to his pro career.

Joel's injuries left him suffering from anxiety after physiotherapy and acupuncture failed to help with back pain from a slipped disc beginning in 2017, The Daily Post reports.

He had dropped out of college as dreams of being a fitness instructor were complicated by back-pain and other issues.

The talented footballer had played for local junior sides from a young age and was so focused, his training reportedly affected his social life.

Sadly his trials with Manchester United ended when he broke his arm.

He also had trials with Shrewsbury Town.

He was the top scorer for Welsh Premier league side Bala Town, playing in their academy.

The promising footballer was tragically found dead in a garage at his home after his mum returned from a trip and found the garage door locked.

Upon forcing entry to the locked garage, his body was found by his brother Kyran, along with several notes indicating Joel intended to take his own life.

His mum said he had spoken positively to his dad about plans for the future just one day before.

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Following his death, Andy Kelly, Bala Town's academy administrator, described Joel as "an exceptional talent.

He added: "He was a pleasure for me to watch and coach during my time with him."

Ruthin Youth team chairman Wynne Davies said Joel had almost single-handedly won the league for the side when playing for the club's under-12s and described Joel as having "two great feet".

YOU'RE NOT ALONE EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide. It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others... You're Not Alone. If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: CALM, www.thecalmzone.net , 0800 585 858

Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk

Mind, www.mind.org.uk , 0300 123 3393

Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org , 0800 068 41 41

Samaritans, www.samaritans.org , 116 123

If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, or visit Mind’s website.