Afleveringen
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The Problem with Women’s Football Boots: Beyond ‘Pink It and Shrink It’
🎙 Guest: Dr. Amanda Jagielo🎤 Host: Carolyn Kent
Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Women’s Football Hub podcast, host Carolyn Kent sits down with Dr. Amanda Jagielo, a sports medicine expert and researcher specialising in sports footwear. Dr. Jagielo shares groundbreaking insights into how football boots (or soccer cleats) impact female athletes’ performance, injury risk, and overall game experience. She also discusses her scoping review on cleat design and the crucial need for gender-specific football boots.
Key Takeaways⚽ Football Boots and Injury Risk
Dr. Jagielo’s research highlights how current boot designs can contribute to common injuries like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and even other injuries.
Many female players experience increased ground reaction forces and higher plantar pressures compared to men, which could be linked to boot design.
👟 Why Women's Boots Are Just ‘Shrunk’ Men’s Boots
Historically, women’s football boots have been scaled-down versions of men’s boots, ignoring anatomical differences.
Most cleats are based on an adult Caucasian male foot shape, which doesn’t accommodate the wider forefoot and narrower heel seen in female athletes.
🧐 The Importance of Stud Configuration and Boot Stiffness
Bladed studs may increase rotational torque and risk of injuries, while conical studs may provide better force distribution.
Increased bending stiffness in boot design can limit natural joint movement and shock absorption, potentially leading to more injuries.
🏟️ The Impact of Artificial Pitches on Footwear
Artificial turf increases plantar pressures, exacerbating issues with current cleat designs.
Many players don’t switch to artificial turf-specific boots due to access, cost, or habit, increasing their injury risk.
🚀 The Future of Women’s Football Boots
Ida Sports is leading the charge in designing gender-specific boots with wider toe boxes, increased arch support, and better traction.
Dr. Jagielo advocates for more investment, research, and changes in industry standards to prioritise injury prevention and performance.
Where to Follow Dr. Amanda Jagielo📌 LinkedIn: Dr. Amanda Jagielo📌 Twitter: @TheVeganAT📌 Live Presentation: Isokinetic Conference, Madrid, 2-5th May 2025
Listen & Subscribe🎧 Catch this episode and more on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review to support women’s football!
📢 Join the conversation: What do you think about the current state of women’s football boots? Let us know in the comments on social media! #WFHPodcast #WomensFootball #FootballBoots
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Episode Description / Show Notes:
In this special episode of Women's Football Hub, host Carolyn Kent welcomes back Mark McGuigan, a mental health occupational therapist and founder of Willow Grove Consulting, after our launch of the Mental Health and Recovery Toolkit — a free resource designed for athletes at every level.
Together, they explore the why behind the project and the how behind using simple but effective tools to manage mental health challenges in sport — from pre-match nerves to post-game disappointment.
🛠️ The toolkit includes four short audio/video resources:
Dealing with Emotions
Dealing with Negative Thoughts
Guided Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Dealing with Poor Performance
Whether you're a player, coach, or part of the support team, this episode offers insight into managing anxiety, increasing emotional regulation, and enhancing recovery.
📲 All tools are available in podcast and video format on the Women's Football Hub YouTube channel and podcast feed.
👥 Guest Bio: Mark McGuiganMark is a registered Mental Health Occupational Therapist with over 15 years' experience across secure services, inpatient wards, and community mental health. Through Willow Grove Consulting, he works directly with elite and grassroots athletes to support their mental health, performance, and recovery.
🧠 Key Topics:The link between mental health and performance
Managing anxiety and panic in high-pressure situations
What is the “window of tolerance”?
Using breathing and grounding techniques for performance and wellbeing
When to use proactive vs. reactive tools
Why normalising mental health conversations matters in football
📌 Links & Resources:🔗 Watch the Toolkit on YouTube: [Insert YouTube link]🎧 Listen on Spotify/Apple Podcasts: [Insert podcast feed link]🌐 Follow Mark McGuigan: @WGCmentalhealth | www.willowgrove.consulting
🗣️ Connect with Us:Follow us on social media for more tools, episodes, and updates:📸 Instagram & TikTok: @womens.football.hub🐦 X (Twitter): @_WFootballhub📘 Facebook | 🧵 Threads | 🔗 LinkedIn | 🌐 womensfootballhub.com
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Episode Summary:Feeling tense? Need to switch off after a match or long day?This calming session, led by Occupational Therapist Mark McGuigan, guides you through a full-body Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) to help release stress and support recovery.
It’s perfect for use before bed, during injury rehab, or any time your body feels tight and your mind won’t slow down.
What You’ll Learn:✅ How to connect mind and body through muscle awareness✅ A step-by-step guide to progressive relaxation✅ When and how to use PMR in your routine✅ How to activate your parasympathetic nervous system for recovery
Who It’s For:Ideal for footballers, coaches, and athletes dealing with physical tension, match-day nerves, or stress-related fatigue. Use it as part of your self-care or recovery toolkit.
Resources:📺 Watch the video version on YouTube🎧 Explore the rest of the Mental Health and Recovery Toolkit🌐 Visit Women’s Football Hub and Willow Grove Consultants for more tools
🗣️ “This is your moment to breathe, reset, and let go.”
#ProgressiveMuscleRelaxation #AthleteRecovery #MentalHealthToolkit #FootballWellbeing #PMRForAthletes #WomenInSport #WillowGroveConsultants #WomensFootballHub #ResetReflectRecharge #RelaxationInSport
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Episode Summary:Emotions are part of football — but sometimes they can feel overwhelming or out of control. In this episode, Occupational Therapist Mark McGuigan offers a calming and reflective tool to help you make space for difficult emotions without letting them take over.
Designed for players and coaches alike, this short session helps you understand and regulate emotional responses in high-pressure moments.
What You’ll Learn:✅ That emotions are valid — even the uncomfortable ones✅ A simple strategy to process feelings without judgement✅ A moment of calm when you need it most
Who It’s For:Ideal for footballers navigating high-pressure games, emotional injury recovery, or off-pitch challenges. Also useful for coaches wanting to support their players’ emotional wellbeing.
Resources:📺 Watch the video version on YouTube🎧 Listen to more Mental Health and Recovery Toolkit episodes🌐 Visit Women’s Football Hub or Willow Grove Consultants for more support
🗣️ “You don’t have to ignore your emotions. You just need tools to sit with them.”
#MentalHealthToolkit #EmotionalRegulation #MentalWellbeing #WomensFootball #AthleteSupport #ResetReflectRecharge #SportPsychology #WillowGroveConsultants #WomensFootballHub #PlayerMentalHealth
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Episode Summary:In this focused session, Occupational Therapist Mark McGuigan offers a grounding reflection to help players recognise and interrupt negative thoughts.
Whether it’s self-doubt, overthinking, or inner criticism, this tool guides you to pause, shift perspective, and take back control of your mindset.
What You’ll Learn:✅ Why negative thoughts are normal — and what to do with them✅ A simple reframing strategy to stop spirals✅ How to respond with self-awareness, not judgement✅ A quick mental tool to reset in the moment
Who It’s For:Perfect for footballers, coaches, and support staff looking to build mental resilience and reduce the noise of inner criticism — before, during, or after matches.
Resources:📺 Watch this episode on YouTube🎧 Explore more from the Mental Health and Recovery Toolkit🌐 Connect with Women’s Football Hub and Willow Grove Consultants
🗣️ “You’re allowed to have negative thoughts”
#MentalHealthToolkit #DealingWithNegativeThoughts #AthleteMindset #PlayerSupport #ResetReflectRecharge #SportPsychology #WomensFootballHub #WillowGroveConsultants #FootballWellbeing #AthleteMentalHealth
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Episode Summary:In this short, reflective episode, Occupational Therapist Mark McGuigan offers a powerful mindset reset for players who are struggling after a poor performance.
Whether you’ve had a tough match, made a mistake, or are feeling overwhelmed by expectations, this tool helps you let go, learn, and move forward with self-compassion and control.
What You’ll Learn:✅ How to separate who you are from how you performed✅ A simple mental reframe to stop negative spirals✅ Tools to build emotional resilience after tough moments✅ A reminder that one game doesn’t define your worth
Who It’s For:This episode is for any footballer, coach, or athlete who’s ever walked off the pitch feeling defeated — and wants to learn how to bounce back stronger.
Resources:📺 Watch this episode on YouTube🎧 Listen to the full Toolkit series🌐 Learn more about Women’s Football Hub and Willow Grove Consultants
🗣️ “You are more than your last performance. This is just one moment in your journey.”
#MentalHealthInFootball #PerformanceRecovery #DealingWithMistakes #PlayerSupport #MindsetReset #WomensFootballHub #WillowGroveConsultants #AthleteWellbeing #SportPsychology #ResetReflectRecharge
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Podcast Title: Women's Football Hub
Episode Title: Strength Training Myths & Realities in Women's Football with Sarah Payne
🎙️ Episode Summary:In this episode of Women's Football Hub, host Carolyn Kent speaks with Sarah Payne, a strength and conditioning coach specialising in women's and girls' team sports. Sarah, founder of The Human First Method and a player for Stevenage FC, shares her journey back to the pitch after a long injury and discusses the crucial role of strength training in football.
💪 What You'll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why strength training won’t make female footballers “bulky” or “slow”✅ How strength training can actually improve speed, agility, and injury prevention✅ Busting myths about strength training during the season and recovery strategies✅ The importance of progressive overload and smart training for performance gains✅ How young athletes can feel more confident in the gym
🔗 Resources & Connect with Sarah:📌 Follow Sarah on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn – @HumanFirstMethod📌 Learn more about The Human First Method
👀 Follow & Subscribe:Don’t forget to subscribe to Women's Football Hub for more expert insights on women’s football performance, training, and injury prevention!
📢 Join the Conversation!What’s the biggest strength training myth you've heard? Share your thoughts with us on social media!
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Episode Title: Concussion Rehabilitation with Dr. Julia Treleaven
🎙 Host: Carolyn Kent🎙 Guest: Dr. Julia Treleaven, Associate Professor at the University of Queensland and Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists
🔹 Episode Overview:In this episode of the Women's Football Hub podcast, host Carolyn Kent speaks with Dr. Julia Treleaven, a leading researcher in neck dysfunction, post-concussion rehabilitation, and sensory motor control. With over 150 publications and extensive clinical experience, Dr. Treleaven provides expert insights into concussion rehabilitation, return-to-play protocols, and long-term brain health in athletes.
🔹Key Topics Discussed:✅ What happens during a concussion – beyond a direct blow to the head✅ The key signs and symptoms players, coaches, and clinicians should watch for✅ Differences in concussion response between male and female athletes✅ Why complete rest in a dark room is outdated advice✅ The role of aerobic exercise in early recovery✅ How the neck, vestibular, and visual systems influence symptoms✅ The rehabilitation process – screening, treatment, and return to play✅ The link between concussion and musculoskeletal injuries like ACL tears✅ The importance of multidisciplinary care in concussion management✅ The latest research on long-term concussion risks
🔹 Key Takeaways for Clinicians & Coaches:💡 “If in doubt, sit them out.” – When unsure about a concussion, always prioritise safety💡 Rehab is essential – Concussion is a rehabilitative injury, not just a rest-and-recover issue💡 The neck matters! – Strength, proprioception, and coordination play a huge role in reducing concussion risk💡 Multiple concussions increase risk – Time between injuries matters, and rehabilitation must be thorough💡 Check for subtle impairments – Even when symptoms resolve, reaction time, balance, and vision may still be affected
🔹 Resources Mentioned:📌 Parachute Canada – Concussion guidelines for youth athletes https://parachute.ca📌 Headway UK – Brain injury and concussion resources https://www.headway.org.uk📌 FIFA Concussion Guidelines – Latest protocols for footballers https://inside.fifa.com/campaigns/concussion
🔹 Connect with Dr. Julia Treleaven:🐦 Twitter/X: @JuliaTreleaven🌍 University Profile: University of Queensland
🔹 Subscribe & Follow Women's Football Hub:🌐 Website: www.womensfootballhub.com
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🎙️ WFH Podcast: Perfectionism in Football with Dr Tracy Donachie
📢 Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Women's Football Hub podcast, host Dr Ian Cookson speaks with Dr Tracy Donachie from Newcastle University about perfectionism and overthinking in football. As a former footballer and sport psychologist, Dr Donachie shares insights into how perfectionism affects players' mental well-being, performance, and resilience.
⚽ Key Topics Discussed:✅ Dr Donachie’s football and academic journey, from playing in the US to researching perfectionism✅ The three types of perfectionism and their impact on footballers✅ How overthinking and perfectionism contribute to anxiety, self-criticism, and performance pressure✅ The role of coaches and parents in shaping perfectionistic environments✅ Practical strategies for players to manage perfectionism and focus on progress rather than perfection
🎧 Why Listen?If you're a player, coach, or parent, this episode is packed with valuable advice on tackling self-doubt, fear of mistakes, and high-pressure expectations in football. Dr Donachie offers research-backed techniques to help athletes build confidence and resilience.
#WFHPodcast #WomensFootball #Perfectionism #FootballPsychology #MindsetMatters
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Women's Football Hub Podcast – MSK Physiotherapy Series
🎙 Episode Title: Emerging PhD Research on Hamstring Injury & Function👩⚕️ Guest: Emma Sconce, Researcher & Former Footballer🎧 Host: Carolyn Kent
Episode SummaryIn this episode, Carolyn Kent sits down with Emma Sconce, a former footballer turned researcher, who has just completed her PhD at Sheffield Hallam University focusing on hamstring injuries and function in footballers. Emma shares insights from her journey as a player, her transition into teaching and research, and her mission to reduce injury risks in athletes.
Key Topics Discussed✅ Emma’s Journey in Football: From playing in the UK to experiencing the highly physical style of the U.S. game.✅ Hamstring Injuries in Football: Why they are so common and the impact on performance.✅ The Rise in Hamstring Injuries: How increased workload and game frequency may be contributing to injury rates.✅ Predicting & Preventing Injuries: Emma’s PhD research into the Nordic hamstring exercise and breakpoint angles.✅ Introducing HAL-HAM: A new device and system designed to measure hamstring function and reduce injuries.✅ Practical Injury Prevention Tips: What players and coaches need to do to protect against hamstring injuries.
Key Takeaways⚽ Female players are at increasing risk of hamstring injuries – with research showing up to 12% of all football injuries involve the hamstrings.💡 Recovery is challenging due to scar tissue and muscle weakness, increasing reinjury risk.🦵 The Nordic hamstring exercise can reduce injury risk by up to 51% – but compliance remains an issue.📊 Emma’s research aims to bridge the gap between science and real-world injury prevention through the HAL-HAM system.
Resources & Further Reading📖 Read Emma’s latest research on hamstring injury prevention.🔗 Follow Emma on LinkedIn & X for research updates.
🎧 Listen Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.📢 Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts using #WFHPodcast #WomensFootball #InjuryPrevention
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🎙️ WFH Podcast: Youth Injuries in Women’s Football with Angela JacksonEpisode Overview
In this episode of Women’s Football Hub Podcast, host Carolyn Kent sits down with Angela Jackson, a consultant physiotherapist and strength & conditioning expert, to dive into one of the most crucial topics in youth football—injuries in young female players.
From growth-related injuries to training loads and injury prevention, Angela shares must-know insights for coaches, parents, and players. Whether you're working with a youth team or just passionate about the game, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode⚽ How growth & maturation affect young female players🚑 Common injuries in girls vs. boys & why they happen🏃♀️ The dangers of early specialization & high training loads👀 Key injury warning signs for parents & coaches🩺 Why traditional injury advice (like “just rest”) may not work📊 How to modify training & keep young athletes playing safely
Key Quotes from Angela Jackson💬 “Growth is part of the game, and it creates a dynamic challenge in youth sports. We can’t stop it, but we can manage it.”💬 “Too much too soon is the biggest risk factor for injuries in young athletes.”💬 “Losing a period is NEVER normal for a young female athlete. It’s a sign something is wrong.”
Resources & Links🔗 Visit Angela’s website: https://kidsback2sport.com/
📖 Download free injury guides: https://kidsback2sport.com/resources/
📢 Follow Women’s Football Hub for more insights: IG @womens.football.hub
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Women's Football Hub Podcast – Heading, Concussion & Brain Health in Football with Dr. Kerry Peek
🎙️ Host: Carolyn Kent🎙️ Guest: Dr. Kerry Peek – FIFA Medical Researcher in Brain Health, Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, Former Council Chair at Sports Medicine Australia
Episode OverviewIn this episode of the Women’s Football Hub Podcast, host Carolyn Kent speaks with Dr. Kerry Peek, a leading expert in brain health, heading, and concussion in football. Dr. Peek is currently working as a FIFA medical researcher, focusing on injury prevention and brain health in football.
The conversation explores:✅ The latest research on heading and concussion in football✅ Differences between male and female players in heading incidents and injuries✅ The short-term and long-term risks of heading and head injuries✅ Why inexperienced players are at higher risk of injury✅ The importance of coaching heading as a skill to reduce injury risk✅ What coaches, parents, and physios need to know about concussion✅ Why helmets & scrum caps don’t prevent concussion
Key Takeaways🔹 Heading is a skill that must be taught properly – Poor technique and lack of coaching increase injury risk.🔹 Timing, vision, and awareness are crucial – Players who close their eyes before impact are at a higher risk of injury.🔹 Women and girls are more likely to be injured by the ball than men – Dr. Peek's research explores why this happens.🔹 Concussions are preventable – Up to 70-80% of head injuries could be avoided through proper technique and decision-making.🔹 Physiotherapists & coaches need better concussion education – If in doubt, sit them out!🔹 Helmets and scrum caps do NOT prevent concussion – The brain still moves inside the skull during impact.
Resources Mentioned📚 FIFA Brain Health & Heading Research – Stay updated on FIFA’s latest studies.📲 Follow Dr. Kerry Peek on LinkedIn to learn more about her research and projects.📊 Upcoming FIFA Research Database – A global resource for heading and concussion studies.
Follow & Connect📌 Follow Women’s Football Hub Podcast for expert insights into female football performance and injury prevention.📌 Tag a coach, player, or physio who needs to hear this!
🎧 Listen now – Available on all major podcast platforms!
#WomensFootballHub #FootballScience #ConcussionAwareness #BrainHealth #WomenInSport #HeadingSafety #SportsPhysio #InjuryPrevention
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Women's Football Hub Podcast – Breast Health & Performance with Prof. Deirdre McGhee
🎙️ Host: Carolyn Kent🎙️ Guest: Professor Deirdre McGhee – Sports Physiotherapist, Researcher, and Educator at the University of Wollongong
Episode OverviewIn this episode, Carolyn Kent speaks with Professor Deirdre McGhee, a leading expert in breast biomechanics and injury prevention in sport. With over 20 years of experience, Prof. McGhee has conducted pioneering research into breast health and its impact on athletic performance.
The discussion covers:✅ How breast movement affects performance and posture in female athletes✅ The importance of proper sports bra support for performance and injury prevention✅ Common issues athletes face with breast pain and injuries✅ Best practices for choosing and fitting a sports bra✅ How coaches and physiotherapists can support female athletes with breast health✅ The future of breast health research in women’s sport
Key Takeaways🔹 Breast movement is significant: During an hour of running, breasts can bounce up to 10,000 times, affecting posture and muscle activation.🔹 Sports bras are essential sporting equipment: Wearing the right level of support can improve comfort, running efficiency, and overall performance.🔹 Common breast injuries: Impact injuries from contact sports, chafing, and cyclic breast pain can negatively affect athletes.🔹 How to choose a sports bra: Learn about crop tops, encapsulation bras, and hybrid bras, and how each type provides different levels of support.🔹 Coaches need to be involved: Educating male coaches on how to have safe conversations about breast health can help normalise the topic in women’s sport.
Resources Mentioned📲 Breast Research Australia App – A free resource to help women find the right sports bra: www.bra.edu.au📚 Australian Institute of Sport Female Performance & Health Initiative (AIS FPHI): AIS Female Performance & Health Initiative – A great resource covering all aspects of female athlete health, including breast health.
Follow & Connect📌 Follow Women’s Football Hub Podcast for more evidence-based discussions on women’s football and athlete well-being.📌 Connect with Prof. Deirdre McGhee via Breast Research Australia for more on her research and educational initiatives.
🎧 Listen now and learn how optimising breast support can improve athletic performance!
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Women's Football Hub Podcast – Episode with Ivi Casagrande
🎙 Host: Carolyn Kent🎙 Guest: Ivi Casagrande – Performance Coach, Former Brazil Women’s National Team and Orlando Pride Coach, FIFA & UEFA Technical Expert
Episode OverviewIn this episode of Women's Football Hub, Carolyn Kent sits down with Ivi Casagrande, a performance coach with an impressive career spanning multiple continents. From playing football in Brazil to coaching at the highest levels with FIFA, UEFA, and the Football Association of Ireland, Ivi shares her unique journey in sports science, coaching, and leadership.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode✅ Ivi's Journey in Football & Coaching
Growing up playing futsal in Brazil and her early football careerMoving to the U.S. to play college football and study exercise physiologyTransitioning from player to coach and her rise in elite performance coaching✅ Coaching at the Highest Level
Working with the Brazilian Women’s National Team and Orlando PrideCoaching world-class players like Marta and Alex MorganOvercoming imposter syndrome and growing as a professional✅ Building a High-Performance Culture in Football
The importance of listening, adapting, and understanding different team environmentsThe role of intuition in coaching and player developmentHow to foster autonomy in athletes to enhance decision-making on the field✅ Collaborating with Coaches & Managing Team Dynamics
Finding common ground with coaches who may not fully buy into sports scienceThe importance of negotiation, relationship-building, and understanding the pressures coaches faceHow to create a strong team culture by aligning staff roles and priorities✅ Mental Health & Work-Life Balance for Athletes
Strategies to help players disconnect from football and rechargeThe impact of social media and 24/7 football culture on player well-beingBreathing techniques, mindfulness, and creative recovery methods for athletes✅ The Future of Women's Football & Brazil Hosting the World Cup
How hosting the Women's World Cup could impact football development in BrazilThe importance of investing in grassroots football and legacy programsIvi’s hopes for the future of women's football globallyConnect with Ivi Casagrande🌐 Website: CasagrandeCoaching.org📸 Instagram: @IviCasagrande
🔗 Follow Women's Football Hub for More!💻 Website: www.womensfootballhub.com📷 Instagram: @womens.football.hub
🎧 Subscribe & Review!If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us bring you more insightful conversations on women's football.
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Women's Football Hub Podcast Episode Title: Understanding Menopause in Female Athletes with Dr. Nicky Keay
Episode Summary: In this episode of Women's Football Hub, host Carolyn Kent speaks with Dr. Nicky Keay, a leading expert in female athlete health, honorary clinical lecturer at University College London, and author of Hormones, Health and Human Potential and The Myths of Menopause. They discuss the impact of menopause on female footballers, the physiological and psychological challenges it presents, and strategies for coaches, clubs, and players to manage training and recovery effectively.
Key Topics Discussed:
🔹 What is Menopause? – Understanding the physiological changes when the ovaries retire and hormone production stops.
🔹 Physical & Mental Effects – Common symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep disturbances, mood fluctuations, and anxiety.
🔹 Training Adaptations – How players and coaches can modify training and recovery to accommodate hormonal changes.
🔹 Coach Education – Encouraging male coaches to become comfortable discussing menopause and supporting players effectively.
🔹 Exercise & Menopause – Why strength training is crucial, but not the only form of exercise needed for menopausal athletes.
🔹 Fitting Exercise into a Busy Life – Practical tips for women juggling work, family, and training.
🔹 Psychological Wellbeing – How cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and journaling can help manage symptoms.
🔹 HRT: Myths & Facts – Common misconceptions about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and how it can help manage symptoms.
🔹 Red-S & Menopause – The crossover between low energy availability (LEA), underfueling, and perimenopause in active women.
Resources & Further Reading:
📚 Hormones, Health and Human Potential – Dr. Nicky Keay
📚 The Myths of Menopause – Dr. Nicky Keay
🌍 Visit Dr. Keay’s Website for research, resources, and advisory consultations www.nickykeayfitness.com
Final Message: If you or someone you know is struggling with menopause and its impact on sports and daily life, reach out for support. Follow the latest evidence-based guidance and adapt training and recovery to fit individual needs.
🎧 Subscribe & Tune In Next Time Follow Women's Football Hub for more expert insights into women's football, health, and performance.
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Episode Summary: Host Carolyn Kent speaks with Siobhan O’Donovan, physiotherapist and founder of Posture Fitting, about the vital role of breast health and posture in women’s performance. Siobhan, known as "The Boobie Physio," shares practical insights on managing breast weight, finding the right bra, and building internal support through posture and muscle activation.
Key Points: Breast Weight & Posture: How breast weight affects alignment and the importance of resisting gravity.
Support Systems: Combining internal activation (muscle strength) with properly fitted bras for optimal support.
Bra Fitting Tips: Common fitting mistakes, the importance of proper sizing, and differences between daywear and sports bras.
Impact on Sports: Breast-related discomfort as a barrier to participation and the role of education in keeping girls in sport.
Educational Initiatives: Siobhan’s Posture Fitting service and Gals Against Gravity course to raise awareness and provide practical solutions.
Connect with Siobhan O’Donovan:
Instagram/Facebook/LinkedIn: @Posture.Fitting Email: [email protected]
Phone: +353 87 POSTURE
Takeaway: Breast health is essential for performance, confidence, and posture. Proper support allows female athletes to reach their full potential.
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Episode Summary: In this episode of Women's Football Hub, Carolyn Kent sits down with Hannah Antony, a senior physiotherapist from Alberta, Canada, and a medical content specialist. Hannah shares her personal journey through ACL injury and reconstruction, providing unique insights from both a patient's and a physiotherapist's perspective.
Topics covered include:
The mechanism of Hannah's ACL injury and her initial reaction.Decision-making around surgical vs. non-surgical management of ACL injuries.The challenges and milestones in post-operative rehab.Psychological and physical aspects of returning to play after an ACL injury.Key insights into injury prevention, including the importance of proper warm-ups.How Hannah's experience led her to create an evidence-based eBook on ACL injuries.Key Takeaways:
The importance of individualized rehab protocols tailored to patient needs.Insights into Limb Symmetry Index and its role in return-to-play assessments.The need for neurocognitive and sport-specific rehab components.How ACL injuries can lead to broader contributions to physiotherapy and athlete education.Resources Mentioned:
Hannah's eBook: hanphysio.comFollow Hannah on Instagram: @hanphysioConnect with Hannah on LinkedIn: Hannah AntonyHave a question about ACL injury prevention or rehab? Reach out to us or visit Hannah's website for more resources.
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Episode Title: Unlocking Youth Potential: Athletic Development with Rob Anderson
Episode Summary:In this episode of the Women's Football Hub podcast, Carolyn Kent is joined by Rob Anderson, BSc in Strength and Conditioning and MSc in Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology from St Mary's University. Rob was the 2024 UK Strength and Conditioning Association Coach of the Year for Youth Sports and is the founder of Athletic Evolution in Edinburgh.
Together, Carolyn and Rob dive deep into the importance of athletic development in youth sports, touching on key topics such as:
The critical role of movement quality and athletic development for young athletes.How to balance training load and prevent overuse injuries in youth sports.Misconceptions around strength training for female athletes.The benefits of sampling multiple sports for better athletic performance.Rob also shares his philosophy on how proper athletic development can minimise the gap between early and late maturers and provides practical tips for parents, coaches, and young athletes to get started.
Where to Find Rob Anderson:
Instagram: @_theathleteacademyLinkedIn: Rob AndersonCollaborate Sports Mentorship Program:Key Quote:"Better is better. More is not better. Focus on quality, not just quantity, in youth athletic development."
Don't Miss: Rob shares practical tips for building movement competence, balancing training loads, and why female athletes have so much to gain from strength training.
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Emotional Regulation in Women's Football with Sarah Knapp
In this episode of Women's Football Hub, Dr. Ian Cookson interviews Sarah Knapp from Northampton Town Women's Football Club. They discuss Sarah's unique journey into sport and exercise psychology, and focus on the topic of emotional regulation.
Sarah shares insights from her experience working with a football player, emphasizing the importance of normalising emotions and using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approaches. They cover practical techniques used during non-traditional pitch-side sessions and reflect on the significance of tailoring psychological support to each athlete's needs.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:42 Sarah Knapp's Background in Sport
02:02 Research and Applied Interventions
04:18 Case Study: Emotional Regulation
06:20 Understanding Emotional Regulation
08:12 Approaches and Challenges in Sport Psychology
17:53 Differences in Emotional Regulation: Men's vs. Women's Game
19:39 Gaps in Research and Final Thoughts
23:47 Conclusion and Contact Information
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Mistakes not to make with nutrition with Aimee Ellen O'KeefeGuest Introduction
Aimee Ellen O'Keefe is a performance nutritionist with an impressive background in sports nutrition. She has worked with:
Manchester United Women's Football Team (First full-time nutritionist in WSL in 2021)England Rugby Red RosesWilliams Racing (Performance Nutrition for Academy Drivers and Pit Stop Crew)Episode HighlightsGuest Background (00:00:57)Grew up in Liverpool with a football backgroundPlayed football from a young age, including Everton Center of ExcellenceTransitioned to nutrition after realising the importance of proper fuelingNutrition in Football (00:06:47)Identified key nutrition gaps at Manchester UnitedImplemented simple changes like adding bagels and fruit optionsFocused on carbohydrate availability and accessibilityCarbohydrates in Sports (00:11:26)Primary energy source for high-intensity exerciseImportance of carbohydrate loading 24 hours before match/trainingAddressing stigma around carbohydrate consumption in female sportsDisordered Eating (00:13:16)Discussed challenges with nutrition in female sportsAddressed impacts of social media and body image pressuresHighlighted unintentional and intentional under-fuelingNutrition Across Different Sports (00:15:13)Compared nutrition approaches in football and rugbyDiscussed unique nutrition needs for Williams Racing pit stop crew and driversFemale Football Nutrition Network (00:25:46)Co-founded with Dr. James MorehenMission to improve performance nutrition for female footballersDeveloped an app and Instagram community for educationWhere to Find AimeeInstagram: @femalefootballnutritionWhere to Find the PodcastPodcast: Women's Football HubKey ReferencesCarbohydrate loading strategiesPerformance nutrition for team sportsNutrition for high-intensity athletesBody image and sports nutritionDisclaimerThe information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.
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