Shortly after signing for Brentford, teenage forward Michel Boni sustained an adductor injury that left him with difficulty walking and kept him out of action for three months.
He had moved away from home after his transfer, and with his development being dealt a significant blow at a crucial point, did not have the support of his family to call upon.
But what he did have was the relentless backing of Tiffany and Steve, a married couple who just weeks before were total strangers to him.
The pair are Boni's host family - people who have signed up to take in young footballers who join a new club, care for them in a safe home environment, and give them the best platform possible to pursue a professional career.