The Football Mental Health Alliance

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 difficult. Even the simple joy of playing football in the park with friends has become daunting as the Worry Monster whispers doubts and fears into Jude's/Belle's mind.

However, upon meeting Man United stars like Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo, the story takes a hopeful turn. These real-life heroes step in to help Jude/Belle recognise the Worry Monster for what it truly is - a voice that can be challenged and quieted. Through their own experiences and insights, they teach practical techniques like box breathing, the Body Boss and the Traffic Light Method enabling Jude/Belle to learn about nerves and anxiety.

Together, they empower Jude to reclaim their joy and return to playing football with newfound resilience and self-belief.

Here’s the first two chapters outlining what Bruno Fernandes & Amad Diallo taught him.

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 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/Belle's favourite activities feel increasingly difficult. Even the simple joy of playing football in the park with friends has become daunting as the Worry Monster whispers doubts and fears into Jude's/Belle's mind.

However, upon meeting Man United stars like Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo, the story takes a hopeful turn. These real-life heroes step in to help Jude/Belle recognise the Worry Monster for what it truly is - a voice that can be challenged and quieted. Through their own experiences and insights, they teach practical techniques like box breathing, the Body Boss and the Traffic Light Method enabling Jude/Belle to learn about nerves and anxiety.

Together, they empower Jude/Belle to reclaim their joy and return to playing football with newfound resilience and self-belief.

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 around male suicide.

Football at all levels isn't just about the game; it's about community, friendships and support.

Yet, beneath the surface, many men are struggling with mental health challenges they feel they cannot voice. The alarming rise in male suicide, particularly within our football communities, demands immediate attention.

This podcast from the original webinar is a call to action.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK. In football, where resilience, strength and 'toughness' are often mistaken for silence, the crisis is deepening. We need to talk about it, not just as individuals but as individuals, teams, clubs and communities.

We need to break the silence, challenge the culture and save lives.

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 personal development books, Brad’s story is one of remarkable perseverance. From being £25,000 in debt and delivering pizzas to running a multi-million-pound business, his journey resonates with entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone striving for more.

Brad is also a passionate advocate for mental health, openly sharing his own experiences of overcoming challenges such as depression and anxiety. Through his talks, he breaks down stigmas, offering hope and practical advice for anyone struggling with mental health issues.

Brad’s raw and relatable style strips away corporate jargon, replacing it with practical wisdom and life lessons that connect deeply with audiences. Whether you’re looking to reignite your motivation, embrace change, or simply get unstuck, Brad’s insights are guaranteed to leave you inspired and ready to take action.

Tune in for an electrifying conversation with Brad — proof that success isn’t about where you start, it's about how you handle the journey.

See Brad at https://www.bradburton.biz/

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, grassroots development, and international teams, including the Afghanistan Women's National Development Team and the Chagos Islands team. Jon highlights the importance of emotional intelligence, resilience, and creating positive environments for player growth.

Jon also shares his deeply personal story about the loss of his daughter, Anastasia, in 2023, and how her memory inspires him to help others live fulfilling lives through football. This heartfelt episode offers practical tips for grassroots coaches on integrating player care, improving mental health awareness, and fostering meaningful connections.

Tune in for an inspiring and emotional conversation about football, mental health and making a lasting impact both on and off the pitch.

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, has been making Jude's favourite activities feel increasingly difficult. Even the simple joy of playing football in the park with friends has become daunting as the Worry Monster whispers doubts and fears into Jude's mind.

Through Bukayo Saka's guidance, with help from Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Leah Williamson, Mikel Arteta, Beth Mead and Ian Wright, children learn practical tools for managing anxiety in clear, age-appropriate language.

Each section includes interactive elements, from practice exercises to QR codes linking to additional resources, ensuring children remain engaged while developing crucial life skills.

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 football began over 15 years ago when he started taking his children to sessions. Recognising the profound impact that accessible sports can have, Simon quickly got involved as a coach and has since made it his mission to raise awareness, improve access and create opportunities for anyone who wants to play football. He takes great pride in witnessing how the confidence and skills developed on the pitch contribute to personal growth in players' everyday lives - enhancing their mental and physical health, building relationships and opening up employment opportunities.

In this episode, we dive deep into the mental health challenges that footballers and referees especially face, especially during transitional stages in their journeys. Simon and Danny explore the significant difficulties players experience when moving from youth to adult football, emphasising the lack of a proper transition period, which often results in young players dropping out of the sport. They discuss the physical and mental differences between youth and adult football, noting that the abrupt shift can be overwhelming for many players.

The conversation also covers the many mental health impacts of negative experiences on the pitch, particularly for referees. Simon shares a personal story about the verbal abuse he endured while officiating, which left lasting mental scars. This abuse, often overlooked, is highlighted as a serious issue that needs more attention from football authorities.

The hosts propose several solutions, including the introduction of transitional age groups (e.g., under-19s, under-23s) to better prepare young players for adult football. They also advocate for improved mental health support systems for referees, suggesting that after-match check-ins or mentoring programs could help retain referees and protect their well-being.

The episode emphasises the need for more education and awareness around mental health in football, both for players and officials. The discussion is a call to action for football organisations to take the mental health of everyone involved in the game more seriously.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The gap between youth and adult football and its impact on player retention.
• The mental and physical challenges young players face when transitioning to adult football.
• Personal experiences of mental health struggles as a referee, including dealing with abuse.
• The need for structured support and mentorship for referees.
• Proposals for transitional age groups and better mental health frameworks in football.

Simon's Experience:

Currently:

⚽️ No-Limits Director of Inclusive Football at CONIFA

⚽️ Director and Chairman of Southwest Inclusive CIC

⚽️ Assistant Manager of Saltash United Women's Team

⚽️ Referee

⚽️ Disability Officer at Saltash United

Previous Experience:

• Director of Inclusive Football at Kernow FA
• Disability Lead at Plymouth Argyle
• Disability Ambassador for Devon FA

In recent years, Simon has expanded his knowledge of disability football both within the UK and across Europe. His travels to watch La Liga Genuine matches inspired him to bring teams to compete against clubs like Rayo Vallecano, Getafe and Tenerife. These experiences have not only forged lasting friendships but have also provided invaluable insights into different cultures and perspectives on disability and disabled football. Simon and his teams will again be travelling to Belfast in June this year.

Under Simon’s leadership at Southwest Inclusive CIC, players are given opportunities to take on roles such as directors, social media managers and video editors. This initiative creates an environment where individuals can learn, support each other and help others find their own spaces to thrive. For Simon, providing a comfortable space where people can excel is of paramount importance and he is dedicated to achieving these goals both on and off the pitch.

https://southwesticic.spond.club/

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 systems in integrating mental health care with general health services. The initiative aims to address the rising demand for mental health support, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With a simple process - calling 111 and pressing 2 - people of all ages can access trained mental health staff, including specialists for children and adolescents around the clock. The service is already handling hundreds of calls daily, with a significant portion involving severe distress, including suicidal thoughts.

Latest NHS figures show mental health services have treated an extra one million people a year compared with six years ago. The integration of mental health support into the 111 system is seen as a vital step in making help more accessible, particularly for those who may struggle to navigate traditional pathways to care.

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

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 have been subject to numerous vivid recounts of the day’s football games. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and although I am a female with no previous interest in football, I became intrigued by the intangible effect that the game has on its fans. As my friends and I approached the end of our time at the University of Leeds, we were increasingly anxious about the start of adult life. This period between 18 and 25 years old is often a daunting and unstable time for many. Studying psychology and my final assignment looming, I decided to investigate whether the love of the beautiful game could positively impact the mental health and well-being of young men during this challenging phase.

To research this topic with my supervisor, Dr Mike Jestico, I conducted interviews with five young men aged 18 to 25 who identified as passionate football fans. What I found was compelling: football offers mental health benefits in four key areas—escape, connection, stability, and belonging.