To kick off season 3 Stef chats to Bohemian FC and Head in the Game ambassador Katie Burdis.

Open and honest conversation with Katie as she talks about some of her current and pass struggles.

One not be missed

The Head In The Game Podcast returns from Summer break with a powerful conversation with New Zealand based Football coach Brian Murphy. Brian talks candidly about his playing days and how his experiences playing in the UK at underage affected his mental health, and his return to the League Of Ireland where he had spells with Kilkenny City, Kildare County, Dublin City and Monaghan United before making the move to the Oceania!

Brian talks openly about his struggles when making the transition into coaching at Semi professional level and how negative reactions both inside the dressing room and on the internet led him to a dark point in his life. Through adversity, Brian has come out the other side and discusses how he uses his experiences to help the next generation of coach, recently assisting Ngaruawahia United gain promotion in New Zealand!

This is a very open and honest conversation. If you are affected by anything discussed during the conversation, please be advised to go to the resources section at headinthegame.ie.

Thanks for listening and remember, keep your Head In The Game!

The fourth episode of season two features an open and honest chat with Dubliner, John Connolly. John speaks about his early childhood, how he got involved in the game at an early age, including jumping in goal to get a game with older players!

John takes a walk down memory lane and tells us about his career highlights and some of his injury struggles.

John talsk openly about how his own personal struggles after the loss of both his parents and other close family members. This is a particularly raw and emotional conversation. If you are affected by anything discussed during the chat, please be advised to go to the resources section at headinthegame.ie. 

Thanks for listening and remember, keep your Head In The Game. 

In Episode 3 of Season 2 of the Head In The Game Podcast, we speak to Pato, a women's professional player at IFÖ Bromölla and co-founder of Football Is Everywhere. Pato talks about her early childhood, how she got into the game at an early age, having to relocate country without knowing the language and the ability to bond with people through football. 

Pato speaks openly about the struggles within the women's game, how it has improved and continues to do so alongside her own career and future aspirations both on and off the field. 

This conversation is open and honest. It's a great listen for any young aspiring player, male or female. If you are affected in any way by topics discussed, please go to the resource page at headinthegame.ie.

Thanks and remember, keep your Head In The Game 

The second episode of Season 2 is with opposition analyst for NIFL side Larne FC, Shane Taaffe. Shane talks in detail about his experiences with mental health and how he continues to overcome them.

For those who don't know, Shane's father Harry tragically passed away in 2020. Harrys passing was the catalyst in launching Head In The Game and during the discussion we talk a little about Harry's life and how his legacy is living on. We also talk about the special bond Shane and Harry shared as both travelled around Europe with Dundalk FC during the glorious trophy laden era with Stephen Kenny at the helm.

This is an extremely powerful and poignant conversation and we hope everyone listening can take something from Shane. If you are in anyway affected by topics discussed, please go the the resources section of our website, headinthegame.ie.

Thanks and remember, keep your Head In The Game.

We're kicking off season two of the Head In The Game Podcast with a really powerful conversation with former Derby County, Motherwell, Luton Town, Southport and Newport County player Mark O'Brien.

At aged 16, Mark was diagnosed with a rare heart problem just months after making his professional debut at Derby County. Despite being told his chances to continue as a professional were limited, Mark continued to carve out a career, including captaining Newport County in Wembley. In June 2020, Mark had to have a second open heart surgery which ended his career at the age of 27.

This is an inspiring and honest conversation with Mark who talks about overcoming the odds. He also speaks candidly about the aftermath of retirement and how the support of those around him helped him through tough times.

This is a truly fantastic listen and we hope those listening can take something from Mark's story!

#HeadInTheGame

Finally got to sit down and have a chat with Mr Chairman Dean Arrowsmith. This man has fought through so many adversities, obstacles and rough periods of his life and has become stronger for it all. Have a listen to his intriguing story, you won’t be disappointed! 

Disclaimer - anyone effected by any discussion in this podcast are advised to contact one of our charity partners Shine or Jigsaw.

Last week we welcomed Darren Kelly to the podcast to chat about his football career, highs and lows, successes and struggles! A very interesting story for all and a must for any young aspiring football players or parents of kids going to play football away from home! 

Thanks for taking time to do this Darren and you are always welcome at Head In The Game 

This episode of the Head In The Game podcast features former League of Ireland goalkeeper Barry Ryan. Barry played over 400 games in his career with UCD, Shamrock Rovers, Dublin City, St Patrick's Athletic, Galway United and Limerick before retiring in December 2014.

A great honest with Barry, we appreciate his opening up. Please feel free to share and remember; keep your #HeadInTheGame

Head In The Game committee member Stefan interviews former Manchester United, Wigan Athletic and Northern Ireland International Pat McGibbon about his career and his personal experiences with mental health.

If anyone is affected by this conversation please feel free to reach out to us on our various social media accounts and we will put you in touch with our charity partners Shine and Jigsaw!

Stay Safe and Enjoy!