The Football Mental Health Alliance

The act of quitting is often stigmatised as a sign of failure, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Knowing when to quit - a job, a relationship, or a personal goal, is a testament to one's self-awareness, emotional intelligence and strategic foresight.

Have you ever walked into a packed bar or a football stadium? Y’know, where you’re enveloped by that dull buzz of inaudible noise like you’re stepping into a wall of treacle? Well, imagine that your brain tried to process every single word from every single conversation simultaneously. Tricky, right? I always remember watching the scene in Bruce Almighty where he starts hearing millions of prayers...

Anxiety is a natural and common emotional response that everyone experiences at some point. It involves feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear, often triggered by specific situations perceived as threatening or stressful. However, when anxiety becomes frequent or overwhelming, it may indicate an anxiety disorder, which requires professional attention and management.

The phrase "The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding" serves as a powerful reminder and motivator, suggesting that personal growth, success, and meaningful achievements often lie just beyond the tasks and challenges we tend to resist or put off.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. It is characterised by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Managing these symptoms can be challenging, but one helpful tool is the  H.A.L.T. method . This method encourages individuals to check in with themselves when they are feeling  Hungry, Angry,...

I can’t help but reflect on a year that has personally been one of the most challenging I’ve ever faced, yet professionally one of the most rewarding.

Do you want nothing more than to see your child play as well on the pitch as you see them play in training or the garden? Does there seem to be a gap between what you know they’re capable of and the performance they produce when it matters? How heartbreaking is it for them and you when the power of pressure puts limits on your child’s performance and enjoyment? Contrast that with how excited they...

If your physical health is about your body, then mental health is about your mind – about your internal thoughts, feelings and behaviours. As with physical health, your mental health can change regularly and you can experience good mental health – "she’s in a good place" or poor mental health – "he seems a bit down". At the far end of the mental health range could be a diagnosable mental health co...

Ross Preston talks us through 6 steps to help young footballers embrace pressure. Do you want nothing more than to see your child play as well on the pitch as you see them play in training or the garden? Does there seem to be a gap between what you know they’re capable of and the performance they produce when it matters? How heartbreaking is it for them and you when the power of pressure puts limi...

Alex Walmsley is not just another name in grassroots football; he is a symbol of resilience, community, and the transformative power of football. In this profound episode of The Football Mental Health Alliance Podcast, we delve into the heartfelt story of Alex Walmsley, Chairman of Sands United, West Yorkshire. Alex shares his deeply personal journey of coping with the loss of three babies in sepa...

Footie Mums Natalie and Laura sit down and discuss ADHD in grassroots football and life. In this enlightening and heartfelt episode, Nat and Laura, both mothers of young boys with ADHD, engage in an open and candid discussion about their day-to-day experiences and challenges. As they navigate through their journey, they shed light on various aspects related to ADHD, especially in the context of gr...

Grassroots football coaching can be stressful if not more than our 'day jobs' Why - because we can sometimes strive for perfectionism in ourselves which sets the same expectation for everyone else - 'this is what good looks like' and nothing else will do. Failure or losing a game is not an option....stress, stress, stress! Living with high levels of stress puts your entire&nbsp...

In the vibrant and dynamic world of grassroots football, coaching children and young people (CYP) with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. ADHD can affect focus, impulsivity, and patience—attributes that are particularly tested in the sporting environment. However, with thoughtful strategies tailored to meet the needs of these youn...

The Norwich City #YouAreNotAlone video was the pinnacle of the club’s longer-term strategy to proactively promote positive mental health. As a club, this all started for them in June 2022, when they uncovered a statistic that sadly showed the average age of their season ticket holders correlated to the age bracket most likely to die by suicide. They knew from this point onwards that they had to pl...

Panic attacks can occur unexpectedly, causing intense fear and discomfort even when no real danger is present. Recognising the early signs and understanding how to manage these symptoms can make a significant difference. One such way is to use a grounding technique that utilises the five senses - sight, touch, hearing, smell, and taste. This approach can help you regain control and reconnect with...

Hannah Marriage - Sleaford Academicals Walking Football Club/Lincolnshire Ability Counts League/Lincolnshire Walking Football League In this podcast episode, Danny and Hannah discuss the importance of a growth mindset and positive self-talk, particularly in the context of football and everyday life. The conversation encapsulates the idea that a growth mindset can be cultivated through daily habits...

In this fascinating and heartfelt episode, Danny engages in a deep conversation with Zoe Harvey, an influential figure in grassroots football for disabled and inclusive teams. Zoe is a Disability Ambassador and sits on Cambridgeshire FA's EDI committee. She is Head of Inclusion at Histon Hornets FC and coaches Cherry Hinton Lions U13 Red mainstream team. Her role involves promoting inclusive footb...

The Vault Ambassador Tasha Walsh returns to the podcast to discuss ADHD and Grassroots Football. Studies now suggest that 1 in 5 people are neurodiverse and it is becoming more apparent that ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions are more and more prevalent in the game, at all levels. FMHA Founder, Danny Matharu sits down with Tasha to discuss this massive topic. Between them, they cover: Understa...

Ross Preston of Challenger Mindset, joins FMHA founder, Danny Matharu on this episode. Challenger Mindset is a sport psychology and mindset training consultancy founded by Ross Preston (SEPiT). Ross is passionate about empowering amateur to elite athletes and performers to manage their minds, perform to their potential and become the version of themselves they want to be. He has experience support...

FMHA Founder, Danny Matharu meets Debbie McGough - a mum of two boys who is fighting for ADHD equality in grassroots football. It is estimated that 1 in 5 people have some form of ADHD/neurodiversity. Debbie reveals what neurodiversity is and explains what ADHD and ASD are as well as how medication works. She exposes the many difficulties neurodiverse players face every weekend and how ADHD and AS...

FMHA founder, Danny Matharu guests on Lee Wood's "Development Locker" Podcast. Lee is the Player Care Manager at Wigan Athletic F.C. His role is developing their current Academy Players and supporting their Alumni. He's also Creative Director at The Development Locker - promoting the continual development journey of Academy players in the UK. In this episode, Lee and Danny cover: Why digital menta...

The Football Mental Health Alliance founder, Danny Matharu talks to Johnnie Lowery, an author and keen football fan, following England and Sutton United home and away. Danny and Johnnie speak about his new book, 'Match Fit' and the stigma of mental health in football, covering some common mental health conditions that occur in football, what challenges footballers may encounter when they retire as...

This episode is a recording of a webinar from The Football Mental Health Alliance, delivered by Martin Roberts. Martin Roberts is one of the UK's leading experts in the lived mental health experience. A teenage survivor of the Hillsborough disaster, Martin shares his vulnerability by speaking openly about that fateful day and how unbeknown to him, it would be the catalyst of what would be another...

You may or may not be aware of the hit series,  Ted Lasso  – it’s won tons of awards and is a heartwarming comedy-drama television series that follows the journey of an American football coach, Ted Lasso, who is unexpectedly recruited to coach an English Premier League ‘soccer’ team, AFC Richmond, despite having no prior experience with the sport.

The nine protected characteristics under UK law are outlined in the Equality Act 2010.