{
  "id": 5509317,
  "title": "From playing with Rashford to non-league and new career",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/from-playing-with-rashford-to-non-league-and-new-career",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-04T06:59:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Sport Football",
    "slug": "bbc-sport-football",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cjdvkn8y5gvo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A Tuesday night in late August in Workington saw Joe Riley lead his Warrington Rylands team out for a match at the Fibrus Community Stadium, facing off against Hyde United. Earlier in the season, Rylands had won 2-0 against Cumbrian competition, but lost 3-2 after two players were sent off. Riley, now 29, discussed his new career path with BBC Sport, stating that while losing would be disappointing, another game would always be around the corner. At 19, Riley began his football career with Manchester United, making two first-team appearances before leaving the club at 21. He drifted through non-league and lower leagues due to injuries, eventually studying for a new career in financial services. Riley now sells life insurance, income protection, and critical illness cover, while still playing non-league football for Rylands. He grew up in Lytham, Lancashire, and joined United at the age of six, playing alongside future stars Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, and Dean Henderson. Riley's big break came in 2016 when he came on as a substitute in a Europa League match against Midtjylland, earning a starting spot in the next round. Despite playing well, Riley did not play again for the senior team and moved on to other clubs, ultimately retiring due to injuries.",
  "summary": "Ten years after lining up with Marcus Rashford for Manchester United, Joe Riley tells BBC Sport about his new career - and why he does not miss full-time football.",
  "key_points": [
    "Joe Riley began football career with Manchester United at 19.",
    "Played two first-team games for United before leaving at 21.",
    "Now sells insurance while playing non-league football for Rylands."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "From playing with Rashford to non-league and new career",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/from-playing-with-rashford-to-non-league-and-new-career-5516115",
        "published": "2026-09-04T06:59:51.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "From playing with Rashford to non-league and new career",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/from-playing-with-rashford-to-non-league-and-new-career-5516280",
        "published": "2026-09-04T07:23:36.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}