The Football Mental Health Alliance

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 separate pregnancies and how this led to the creation of a football team as a unique outlet for grief and support for men facing similar situations.

Starting the team in 2020 amidst the challenges of the pandemic, Alex discusses how the initiative grew, offering a space for players to grieve through football. He touches on the significance of acknowledging and processing emotions, especially challenging the traditional male stereotype of stoicism.

We also explore the wider impact of his work, including the recent recognition from Sky Bet, and how such accolades have helped in spreading awareness and providing support to more individuals dealing with baby loss.

This episode is not just a tale of personal resilience but also a testament to the power of football in creating supportive communities and challenging the norms around men's mental health.

Alex's story is a compelling reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of addressing mental health issues head-on, especially within the grassroots football community.

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 football and educating grassroots clubs on accommodating players with disabilities.

Zoe shares her journey of resilience and determination in the face of societal norms and personal challenges. The conversation with Zoe serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative role leaders play in grassroots football, particularly in the context of disability and inclusion.

Her story is a testament to the strength of character and the significant impact one person can have on a community.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Defining Disability and Inclusion
• Learning from Disability Football
• The Influence of Positive Energy
• Coping with Negativity
• The Power of Gratitude
• Resilience as a Female Leader
• Encouraging Openness and Education
• The Ripple Effect of Positive Behaviour

This episode encapsulates the ethos that to make a difference, one must be willing to stand out and be counted, despite the challenges and criticism that may arise.

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 and positive affirmations, which can lead to improvements not just on the football pitch but in all aspects of life. This message is pertinent for anyone involved in grassroots football looking to build personal or athletic development.

Hannah was recently awarded 'Volunteer of the Year' at The FA National Awards and the 2023 Lincolnshire FA Grassroots Football Awards.

Winning the FA National Award meant, along with all the other national winners, a trip over to Wembley at The Community Shield game for an awards ceremony and the opportunity to go onto the pitch at half time to show off their medals. Hannah also carried the Community Shield itself up into the Royal Box for the Arsenal to lift. Hannah was described by Lincolnshire County FA as:

A DYNAMIC FORCE

Everyone who encounters Hannah is left in no doubt – here is a force of nature. A super administrator on the one hand, and a cheerful presence on the other, Hannah has proved herself a dynamic force in walking football

IN SAFE HANDS

Already a Level 1 coach, Hannah’s new role as Ability Counts League Welfare Officer is to develop safeguarding in the league. This means rewriting policies and liaising with clubs to ensure the correct processes are in place. Hannah also takes the lead on all grant applications and is always looking for ways to engage with the community and improve access to football for all.

IMPROVING ACCESS

As part of the Welfare Officer role, she has adopted walking football’s women’s division and is working with The FA to see how the league can be made more accessible to all women playing walking football. At the same time, Hannah is working with a disability club to improve access to football. She helped the club secure grants for those with mental health difficulties, all whilst gathering research to write a paper on the mental health benefits of walking football.

A POSITIVE PRESENCE

Hannah is always cheerful and makes everyone smile. She is enthusiastic and always there to help when people need her, offering her time and energy alongside working full-time and volunteering elsewhere.

As a sports life coach, Hannah helps Clubs to improve their mental health awareness, she helps teams work better together, or individuals with any problems they feel they are experiencing.

She will work with anyone involved in sport, but the reasons for the conversation do not have to be sport-related, as she believes everything is linked in some way.

You can find Hannah here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hmmhcoaching

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-marriage-53a08019b/

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 your surroundings, alleviating the intense feelings that come with a panic attack. Here is how to use this technique on the pitch and in an everyday situation.

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 play their part.

Their recent #YouAreNotAlone video has resonated with supporters and neutrals around the globe. It has been seen over 55 million times on X/Twitter, and their posts across their social media channels have seen over 2.2 million engagements.

We got in touch with Norwich City and asked them if we could add the video to The Vault. They were more than happy for us to do this.

At times, it can be obvious when someone is struggling to cope. But sometimes, the signs are harder to spot.

Check-in on those around you.

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 young players, coaches can build an inclusive and supportive atmosphere that not only enhances their players’ football skills but also bolsters their self-esteem and love for the game.

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 well-being at risk. 

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:

• Understanding ADHD - Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions: What ADHD truly means and address any potential stigmas.
• Coaching Techniques for Players with ADHD: Strategies for keeping players with ADHD engaged during practice, making instructions more digestible and channelling their energy into the game.
• ADHD and Game Strategies - Harnessing Hyperfocus: They explore the potential for hyperfocus in players with ADHD to be utilised as a unique strength in game situations.
• Psychological Support and Building Resilience in ADHD Players: The mental health aspect and the importance of building resilience and self-esteem in players with ADHD.
• Creating an Inclusive Environment for Players with ADHD: Providing guidelines on how to ensure an accepting and accommodating environment for players with ADHD at both grassroots and professional levels.
• Nutritional and Lifestyle Advice for ADHD Players: How a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and sleep, can help manage ADHD symptoms and improve performance.
• How those academies that embrace ADHD will attract and retain the best talent moving forward.

Tasha can be found at: https://seenandheardtherapy.co.uk/

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 supporting youth and adult athletes from amateur to elite level, following placement roles in Manchester United's Academy and in the match officials department in the Rugby Football League. Alongside this, Ross has worked with young people in education for several years. 

​Education and Training

• SEPAR Training (Ongoing)
• ​MSc Sport Psychology

Placement: RFL Match Officials - Sport Psychology Support

• BSc Sport and Exercise Psychology

Placement: Manchester United - Academy Performance Support

Ross and Danny discuss:

What sports psychology is and why it's crucial for footballers at all levels, particularly at the grassroots level.

What are some common psychological challenges that young players face and how coaches and parents/carers can recognise them.

What resilience means in a football context.

What exercises or practices grassroots coaches can use to build resilience in their players.

How parents and caregivers can support the development of resilience in young footballers.

What are some signs that a player might be struggling with low confidence and how this could be linked to their mental health.

"Quick wins" that coaches or parents can implement to boost player confidence in the short term.

How longer-term strategies for building confidence can be integrated into regular training and parenting methods.

Some practical takeaways that coaches, parents, and players can start implementing immediately to improve mental health.

Ross can be found at: https://www.challenger-mindset.com/

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 ASD can affect the whole team.

Debbie shares the difficulties families like hers can face and how all of us in grassroots need to educate ourselves and support ADHD more.

She shares tips on how clubs and coaches can support neurodiverse players more.

This episode is quite upsetting in parts as Debbie is open and honest about the challenges she and her football-loving 'neuro' boys have had to overcome to be able to enjoy the sport we all love.

"He's not normal!",

"I don't want my son around that!",

"He shouldn't be playing with normal children",

are just some of the disgusting things Debbie has heard about her boys.

This episode will resonate with anyone who lives with neurodiversity and all parents/carers/families who have young people living with ADHD and the like.

For those who don't have experience with neurodiversity, it will open your eyes to how we all need to be more understanding, less judgemental and ultimately more kind to situations and conditions we don't understand.