Hornets captain Troy Deeney was behind bars when he decided he wanted to change his life.

Half a decade after the striker was sent to prison for affray, Troy is in a classroom with children at Garston Manor School in Watford, a specialist school for children with autism and learning difficulties.

The 28-year-old has started a new foundation with wife Stacey to help children in need.

Watford Observer:

Speaking to the Watford Observer after a kickabout with the children, Troy said: “It’s all about leaving a positive legacy.

“I have a connection with the kids here and it’s genuine.

“I am fortunate I am doing well and am able to help.

“I have wanted to give back for a while and am so pleased to have finally found a way to be able to do that with my whole family.”

Through the Troy Deeney Foundation, he hopes to raise £40,000 to build a multi-purpose sports area for the children, all part of his new-found self dating back to prison.

Watford Observer:

Troy Deeney has set up the foundation with his wife Stacey

“When you come here and see what people go through on a daily basis, it makes all your problems seem small," he adds.

"Being able to play a part in making school a happy place means a lot."

Along with starting a just giving page, Troy and Stacey both donated 20 microwaves to the school on a previous visit.

Caroline Caisley, school business manager, said: “Garston Manor School, like many other schools is currently faced with tough financial decisions.

"When Troy and Stacey visited our school and met with our students and teachers they realised that with the foundations help they would be able to make a huge difference and lasting impact to the students school life.

"We are very grateful that they have chosen Garston Manor School and we look forward to working with the foundation on this project.”

Watford Observer:

Troy with students from Garston Manor and head teacher Miss C deGraft-Hanson and Caroline Caisley

Prison played a role in Troy's decision to give back, so too an upbringing in which his own father, who died of cancer in 2012, was in and out of prison.

Despite the jail time, he talks of it as a happy childhood.

“I grew up on a council estate, but was still sheltered,” he says.

His initial sentence is also the only time he has lied to his own son, Myles, now seven, making out he was at a football camp before telling the truth two years ago.

“Myles is proud of what I am doing now, and I just hope it rubs off on him,” he said.

Watford Observer:

Troy with head teacher Miss C deGraft-Hanson on Tuesday

“He has been to the school with me and even donated his £20 Christmas money to a homeless man.”

This season, Watford are 14th in the league and Deeney is adamant they are far from safe, saying the game this weekend is a “must-win”.

He said the club have been extremely supportive of his new foundation, and have bought tables to his upcoming chairty gala.

“The club have been great. They have said they will donate to the project, and they are going to show my promotional video during half time at the game on Saturday.”

To donate to the Troy Deeney Foundation’s fund go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Troy-Deeney-Foundation