‘We’re called The Unbeatables and we’re a mixed bag of players, men and women, all ages, and a range of abilities. But we’ve got two things in common. One, we love football. Two, we’ve had heart problems and that’s what brought us together. Four of us have technically died – our hearts actually stopped – but we’ve come back from that. So whatever happens when we play our first matches next week, we’re always going to be unbeatable. That’s how we got our name.’

‘And this is a subject that’s literally close to your own heart, right? Tell me about that.’

‘I had a cardiac arrest in 2000 and it ended my football career. I’d played for the Dolphins Under 23s and I dreamed of playing in the Premiership. So do most boys, but in my case, it was so, so close. And that was very disappointing.’

The presenter nods off-camera but doesn’t ask another question, expecting me to keep talking. And as the light shining in my face dazzles my eyes, I know my answer was glib and I get this mad urge to tell the truth.

‘OK. More than disappointing. When my heart let me down, it was the end of everything. I couldn’t see that I’d been given another chance, that I was lucky. Instead I felt like a dead man walking.’

I’m not seeing the presenter and the cameraman and the sound man anymore. Instead, I feel as though I’m talking to Kerry.

‘People went out of their way to help me but I threw it back in their faces. Got into trouble. Hurt my friends, family members. I was selfish and a lot of what I did was unforgivable.

‘But the guys behind me . . . they’re not like that. They’re brave and strong and they’ve come together to create something amazing. Watch them play, see the joy it gives them. What doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger. And I want to thank them for showing me how crazy I’ve been for turning my back on what was once my whole world. Being in this team has reminded me why I love football so much. It’s more than a game. It’s life.’

The presenter nods.

There’s your soundbite.

I am not telling the whole truth. Leo, not football, is my reason for living, but he’s too precious to share. Being his dad is not only the toughest thing I’ve ever done, it’s also the most important.

But football is allowed to come second.

The presenter calls the next day. I know enough about TV to ask straight away if they’re dropping the piece.

‘No, it’s the opposite. When we viewed the rushes, we were blown away. We’d like to follow you guys all the way through your first season for our regional documentary slot.’