The Football Mental Health Alliance

I might not seem autistic, but that doesn’t mean it affects me any less. On the outside, I might look like everybody else, but inside my own head, it's a completely different story.

Understanding ADHD in Grassroots Football Coaching all young players in grassroots football requires patience, adaptability and an understanding of how different children learn and respond to instructions.

If you ask a doctor or read a medical book, it will define ADHD as a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by traits of impulsivity, forgetfulness, and disorganisation.

Do your players sometimes struggle to understand their neurodiverse teammate's needs? Creating an environment where neurotypical players comprehend and support neurodiversity within the team is essential for building genuine inclusion, empathy and compassion throughout the squad.

Neurodiversity refers to natural variations in brain development and function, not a mental health condition.

Jude's story is in All Footballers Experience: Anxiety , a groundbreaking children's book that follows the journey of the protagonist, a young Man United fan whose love for football is being challenged by an unwelcome companion - the Worry Monster. This antagonist, a manifestation of anxiety that children can visualise and understand, has been making Jude's favourite activities feel increasingly d...

A children's book where Manchester United stars teach young fans about anxiety through magical storytelling and practical techniques.  All Footballers Experience brings mental health education to life through vibrant, child-friendly illustrations. It's a groundbreaking children's book that follows the journey of the protagonist, Jude/Isabella, a young Man United fan whose love for football is...

In this episode of The Football Mental Health Alliance Podcast , Jon shares his remarkable 15-year journey in football, covering roles from coaching and player care to leadership positions. Jon discusses his passion for holistic player care, blending psychology, coaching, and strength training to support players on and off the pitch. He reflects on his work with women's and girls' football, grassr...

Brad Burton is the UK’s number one motivational speaker, renowned for his no-nonsense, straight-talking approach that inspires audiences to take action and transform their lives. As the founder of the UK’s largest business network, 4Networking, Brad has built a career on empowering individuals to achieve success through resilience, grit, and authenticity. A best-selling author of four business and...

The tragic, recent news of young grassroots footballers Jack Badger (24) and Riley Townsend (12) who both died by suicide have brought the crisis we face in society closer to the coal face of grassroots football. These two tragedies are not isolated. The silence around male mental health is deafening, and it’s costing lives. We believe that the football community needs more support and education a...

All Footballers Experience brings mental health education to life through vibrant, child-friendly illustrations. It's a groundbreaking children's book that follows the journey of the protagonist, Jude, a young Arsenal fan whose love for football is being challenged by an unwelcome companion - the Worry Monster. This antagonist, a manifestation of anxiety that children can visualise and understand,...

Julian Kynaston is the Chair of GenM, the menopause partner for brands. GenM, founded by Heather Jackson and Sam Siminster, empowers its Collective to better serve the unmet needs of the 1 billion global menopausal audience, too often overlooked and underserved. A self-proclaimed feminist, Julian aims to debunk myths and open up crucial conversations about menopause, educating the wider audience o...

In today’s fast-paced world, young men face unique pressures that can negatively impact their mental health. So, with the new football season upon us, it is the perfect moment to explore how the beautiful game can boost not only young men’s physical fitness, but also their mental health and well-being. Having spent many a Saturday night in the pub with housemates who were avid football fans, I hav...

Vault Ambassador Steven Caulker outlines how untreated depression affected his performance.

The NHS in England has expanded its 111 service to include dedicated mental health support, providing a crucial lifeline for those in crisis. This service connects callers to local mental health professionals, available 24/7, who can offer immediate assessments, deploy crisis teams and guide individuals to appropriate local resources. This move places the UK ahead of many international health syst...

Simon York is a dedicated father of four neurodivergent children and a committed carer to his wife, who has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Despite his own challenges, including being disabled with prolapsed discs and a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) following a neurological stroke in June 2023, Simon remains deeply passionate about disability football. His journey in disability footb...

In this candid and insightful session, in association with  Reward Finance Group , Steven, who played for  England  and  Premier League clubs   Liverpool, Southampton  and  Spurs delves into his personal journey with mental health, offering an unparalleled perspective on the challenges footballers face on and off the pitch. With a career that has seen the highs o...

The first time I said these words I was 19, doing my first stint in rehab. I never really knew what they meant, and I certainly didn't know just how bad things were going to get. What does it mean? "People with compulsive gambling have a hard time resisting or controlling the impulse to gamble. The brain is reacting to this impulse in the same manner it reacts to a person addicted to alcohol or dr...

The following tips and advice on managing ADHD have been sourced from personal experiences shared by individuals on the internet. This information should not be considered medical advice. As with all content provided by The Vault , it is essential to seek specialist or expert advice before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional...

Over four million children in England play football, which for many is the start of a lifelong love affair with the sport. Many years down the line these children will become the volunteers that keep the game running, whilst many will continue playing well into their later years. A very small portion of them will even make it professional.

R;pple Suicide Prevention is an innovative digital tool designed to intercept harmful online content related to self-harm and suicide. Founded by Alice Hendy MBE, R;pple aims to provide immediate support and resources to individuals in crisis, thereby preventing potential tragedies. Click here to learn more about R;pple.

Guest: Hans Cook, Business Support Administrator at Berks and Bucks FA. Responsible for supporting the CEO and staff with administrative tasks across areas including Finance, Process Management, HR, Office Management and Communications. Mental Health Ambassador for Berks & Bucks FA. In this episode, Hans shares his transformative journey from the field of chemistry to the football pitch,...

In this episode of the FMHA Podcast titled "Tough to Talk," host Danny delves into the pressing issue of male suicide with Steve Whittle from the charity Tough to Talk. The conversation addresses why discussing mental health, particularly suicide, remains a challenge, especially among men. Steve shares his personal experiences with suicide attempts and mental health struggles, emphasising the impo...

In this episode of the Football Mental Health Alliance podcast, host Danny warmly welcomes Jake Mills, an award-winning comedian and the founder of the Hub of Hope, a pioneering charity dedicated to mental health support. As they delve into Jake's transformative journey from battling personal mental health challenges to spearheading a national charity, the conversation highlights the crucial role...

Confidence is one of the most desired mental qualities for footballers and athletes. But, you might have noticed that feelings of confidence don't always stick around, especially in difficult moments. This blog will tell you or your child how to turn up-and-down confidence into long-lasting self-belief on the pitch.