International footballer retrains as barber

Joel Grant was part of the Jamaican squad to face Argentina in the Copa America in 2015

Former Jamaican footballer Joel Grant has said his career-ending car crash was perhaps "a blessing in disguise" because it gave him the push to retrain as a barber.

The former Crewe Alexandra player recently passed his Level 3 Diploma at Stoke-on-Trent College.

He described himself as an artistic creative who has always had an interest in fashion.

“It’s something I wanted to do during my career but maybe didn’t have the guts to step out of my comfort zone,” Grant admitted.

Grant began his playing career at Watford, before moving to various clubs including Wycombe Wanderers, Yeovil Town and Plymouth Argyle.

“The highlight for me was being a professional footballer for so long,” he reflected.

“I firmly believe in trying to do something that you really love and you're passionate about and if you can earn from it, it’s a bonus.”

Playing for his country gave him his greatest sporting moments, including scoring his first international goal against Mo Salah’s Egypt.

In November 2022, whilst on the books at Nantwich Town, Grant was involved in a serious car crash which effectively stopped him playing football.

Looking for other career options, Grant enrolled in a barbering course at Stoke-on-Trent college.

“Going back to college was a little bit daunting, but I really enjoyed it,” Grant said.

Grant earned 14 caps for Jamaica before a car crash ended his playing career

The recent graduate has started a work placement at Twocees Cuts in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent.

He said he enjoyed both the creativity of the job and meeting new people, treating their hair like a "canvas."

“That satisfaction of seeing somebody happy and making somebody’s day with a haircut, for me, is a nice feeling.”

Grant colours and cuts his own hair as well as his happy customers