THE latest chapter in the Mickey McCloskey story is one of inspiration.

Argyle's Football in the Community Trust transformed his life after attending a course at Home Park designed to help drug users find a new direction in their lives.

He has recently enjoyed a taste of national fame by appearing in the Sunday star magazine, Take5.

Mickey grew up in Glasgow and found life as a child boring: "My mates and I would kick a ball about outside; there was nothing else to do in those concrete jungles," he said.

With an uninspiring childhood, Mickey then turned to drugs and shoplifting and there were no positive role models around to show him a different path in life. After 20 years of experiencing life in and out of jail, Mickey then decided it was time to change.

He said: "I was 38 and I'd had enough. I had no skills and I didn't even know what I liked in life."

Mickey then got involved with the Football Foundation Course at Plymouth Argyle and found that the course not only gave him the skills to teach children, he also gained self-esteem and he developed his confidence within communication.

In 2008, Mickey's determination to turn his life around was rewarded by victory in the Loving Life category at the Pride of Plymouth Awards.

Mickey is now a full-time member of the Community team here at Argyle and he is seen as a positive role model by parents, children and co-workers.

Mollie Roberts