The club launched in 2015 and connects to hundreds of wives and partners of professional and ex pro footballers. Recently 30 members met up for lunch at The Ivy restaurant in Manchester, reports Manchester Evening News.
The former ITVBe reality star then reveals the highs and lows of being married to a footballer. "It's about making young lads that play football aware of what happens when they're preparing to retire and their career ends," she told Manchester Evening News. "There should be more education out there because so many are injured early in their career."
"Wes was just 14 when he went to boarding school (after being signed by United). It's like being in the army and for some it can lead to depression and alcoholism. The LifeStyled Club wants to bring awareness to the women who support these players and make us aware that we're not alone out there."
"Yes we've got a lovely life and all this money but, and I'm not saying the money isn't great, but when you're in it you're living in this bubble," she explained. "There's a lot that doesn't get publicised, about how people look down on it thinking 'they've got it so easy.'"
"At Christmas footballers very rarely get to spend it with their families. The LifeStyled Club bring wives and girlfriends together and it's nice to talk and open up. People also want to know when they arrive at a club where to eat and where to shop. And for some of the wives and girlfriends joining a club there's a language barrier."
She continued: "I want to make wives and partners more aware that they need to be there in (professional and financial) meetings and be there when they say you don't need to, because it's your futures and you need to be investing carefully. After retirement there's a limited amount of career choices."
"Well there’s a number of things, whether they play well and getting injured - we basically worry about them. Although the fans can be amazing they can also be very cruel. It must be hard to deal with to be on top one minute and hated the next for a bad kick or missing the goal," she told Manchester Evening News. "We are the ones that are left to pick up the pieces and bear the brunt of whatever is left at the end of their careers."
"Sometimes it’s hard being alone a lot. The lads are away a lot, especially if involved in a high profile club and England international too."
Leanne then shared what Wes has been up to these days. "After his retirement Wes has worked with MUTV and has been commentating," she added. "He's been fortunate to have worked with one of the best clubs in the world and he loved playing for them. And he's so humble and down to earth. All he's ever wanted to do is play football."
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