Women’s Football Hub

#074 Identity and belonging with Dr Ian Cookson

Identity & Belonging with Dr Ian Cookson
In this episode of the Women’s Football Hub Podcast, host Carolyn Kent sits down with Dr Ian Cookson, sport psychologist and host of our psychology series, for a deep and honest conversation about identity, belonging, and the evolving culture of football.
We explore:• How players develop (and sometimes lose) their sense of identity• The emotional impact of injury, long-term rehab and identity foreclosure• The critical role belonging plays in team dynamics• Identity challenges when players are released from academies• The transition into retirement and life beyond sport• Unique insights from parasport and amputee football• Whether women’s football is, or should be, following the trajectory of the men’s game• What coaches and support staff can do to foster healthy identity and belonging
This episode is packed with practical advice for practitioners, coaches, parents, and anyone supporting athletes through the highs and lows of the game.
Hashtags:#WomensFootballHub #PlayerIdentity #BelongingInFootball #SportPsych #InjuryPsychology #AthleteTransition #PlayerCare #WomenInFootball #FootballCommunity
 

#073 Why we should relax our pelvic floor with Chloe Evans

In this episode of Women’s Football Hub, host Carolyn Kent is joined by women’s health physiotherapist and Pilates instructor Chloe Evans to discuss the often‑ignored but hugely important topic of pelvic floor relaxation.
Many women - especially athletes - experience pelvic floor symptoms despite doing regular strengthening exercises. Chloe explains why this happens, why relaxation is essential before any contraction work, and how stress, daily habits, and breathing patterns all influence pelvic floor function.
Together, Carolyn and Chloe explore:
Pelvic floor tension in athletes
The importance of language when discussing pelvic health
Breathing techniques and nervous system regulation
Pain with intimacy and how physios approach difficult conversations
Practical tools for improving pelvic floor awareness
How mind–body work like Pilates can transform function and confidence
The link between relaxation, performance, and overall wellbeing
This is an open, supportive conversation suitable for any woman wanting to understand her body better, whether you’re an athlete, clinician, or simply curious about pelvic health.
Content note: Includes mature but non‑graphic discussion of intimacy and pelvic health, for educational purposes.
#PelvicHealth #WomensFootballHub #PelvicFloorRelaxation #WomenInSport #Physiotherapy #BreathingTechniques #PilatesForAthletes #PerformanceAndHealth
 

#072 The importance of sleep in football with Dr Kirstie Anderson

Sleep isn’t just rest it’s a performance enhancer. In this episode of Women's Football Hub, Carolyn Kent talks to Dr. Kirstie Anderson, a leading sleep specialist and neurologist, about the science behind sleep and its impact on football. We dive into why sleep matters for memory, mood, and recovery, how it affects injury risk, and what female athletes need to know about hormonal changes and aging. Plus, we bust myths about magnesium, discuss the truth about wearables, and share practical strategies for managing jet lag and optimizing circadian rhythm.
Whether you’re an elite player, a coach, or a walking footballer, this episode offers actionable advice to help you prioritise sleep for peak performance.
Listen now and subscribe for more evidence-based insights!
#SleepForAthletes #WomenInFootball #SportsScience #AthleteHealth #FootballPodcast #PerformanceRecovery #SleepMatters #CircadianRhythm #JetLagTips
 

#071 Nutrition what to know when you're injured with Phil Woodbridge

When footballers get injured, the first instinct is often to cut calories but is that the right move? In this episode, Carolyn Kent talks with sports nutritionist Phil Woodbridge about why nutrition matters during recovery and how athletes can avoid common mistakes.
Topics include:
Energy balance and why healing costs calories
Protein’s role in preventing muscle loss
Carbs and fats - how to adjust your plate when sidelined
Omega-3s and inflammation: when to supplement
Practical advice for meat-eaters, vegetarians, and vegans
Phil also shares insights from his PhD research on amateur footballers and injury recovery. If you’re a player, coach, or parent, this episode is your go-to guide for smarter nutrition during injury.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
Hashtags:#SportsNutrition #FootballRecovery #WomenInSport #NutritionTips #InjuryRecovery #ProteinForAthletes #FootballPodcast

#070 Groin pain with Christos Pippas

In this episode of Women's Football Hub, host Carolyn Kent is joined by Christos Pippas, a physiotherapist and PhD researcher specialising in longstanding groin pain. Together, they unpack the complexities of groin injuries in football, including adductor, iliopsoas, pubic, and inguinal-related pain.
Christos shares insights from his research and clinical experience, offering practical advice on assessment, rehabilitation, and the importance of tailoring treatment to each athlete. The episode also highlights the lack of research in women’s football and the need for more inclusive studies.
Perfect for physiotherapists, coaches, and players, this episode bridges the gap between evidence and practice.
#GroinPain #FootballInjuries #SportsMedicine #Physiotherapy #CopenhagenExercise #InjuryPrevention #WomensFootball #ClinicalPractice #CarolynKent #ChristosPippas

#069 ACL Injury timing and its relationship to fatigue with Wyatt Hampstead

In this episode of Women's Football Hub, host Carolyn Kent speaks with PhD researcher Wyatt Hampstead about his recent study analyzing 208 ACL injuries across professional women's football. They discuss why most ACL injuries happen in the first half, the biomechanical and tactical factors at play, and how fatigue both acute and chronic may be influencing injury risk.
Wyatt shares insights into the use of public data, the importance of warm-up protocols, and the gendered nature of injury environments. Whether you're a coach, player, or professional, this episode offers valuable takeaways for injury prevention and athlete care.
Topics Covered:
ACL injury timing and match intensity
Tactical implications and neuromuscular fatigue
Kaplan-Meier survival analysis explained
Gendered environments and training access
Practical advice for young players and medical teams
Follow us: www.womensfootballhub.com
Hashtags:#ACLInjury #WomensFootball #SportsScience #InjuryPrevention #Fatigue #FootballResearch #WyattHampstead #CarolynKent #FootballPodcast #SoccerInjury #NeuromuscularFatigue #KaplanMeier #PerformPlus #FIFA11Plus #FootballMedicine

#068 Concussion in the grassroots with Dr Stephanie Adams

In this episode of the Women's Football Hub Podcast, host Carolyn Kent is joined by Dr. Stephanie Adams, neuropsychologist and founder of concussED, to discuss the evolution of concussion guidance in grassroots sport over the past decade.
From the tragic story of Benjamin Robinson to the development of the GRASP program and the 2024 UK-wide concussion protocols, this episode offers vital insights for coaches, parents, players, and educators. Dr. Adams shares her research journey, the challenges of changing behaviour through education, and the importance of early intervention and cultural change in sport.
Whether you're pitch-side or classroom-based, this episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in youth and grassroots sport.
Follow us:🔗 www.womensfootballhub.com📱 @concuss_edu📚 Scottish Sports Concussion Guidance available via SportScotland
#ConcussionEducation #GrassrootsFootball #WomenInSport #Neuropsychology #GRASPProtocol #SportsSafety #Podcast

#067 Player care with Tracey Smith

In this episode of the Women's Football Hub Podcast, host Carolyn Kent speaks with Tracey Smith, founder of Player Care Support Services, about the essential role of off-pitch support in football. From helping players settle into new countries to supporting their families and mental wellbeing, Tracey shares her experience working across male and female academies and professional teams.
We discuss:
The importance of holistic player care
Cultural and language challenges for international players
Gender differences in academy support structures
How clubs can better invest in their players off the pitch
Real-life success stories and practical advice for clubs and players
Whether you're a coach, player, or football enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into the human side of the game.
#WomensFootball #PlayerCare #FootballSupport #MentalHealth #FootballAcademy #FootballPodcast #CarolynKent #TraceySmith #PCSS #WomenInSport #FootballTransitions

#066 Trauma and somatic psychology with Lucy Burdin

In this episode of the Women's Football Hub Podcast, Dr. Ian Cookson is joined by Lucy Burdin, a freelance sports psychologist with experience at Arsenal Women’s Academy and London City Lionesses. Together, they explore the psychological demands of goalkeeping, the impact of trauma and somatic psychology on athletes, and how attachment theory plays out in sporting environments.
Lucy shares her journey into trauma-informed practice, the importance of building trust with athletes, and how being present can transform performance and wellbeing. Whether you're a player, coach, or parent, this episode offers valuable insights into the human side of sport.
Connect with Lucy:
Instagram: @thesupportpsych
Website: thesupportpsychologist.com
LinkedIn: The Support Psychologist
Support the Hub: www.womensfootballhub.com
#SportsPsychology #TraumaInSport #SomaticPsychology #GoalkeeperMindset #Women'sFootball #MentalHealthInSport #LucyBurdin #FootballPodcast #AthleteWellbeing #PsychologyInFootball

#065 Goalkeeping Talent ID - With Harry Watson

In this episode of the Women's Football Hub Podcast, host Carolyn Kent is joined by Harry Watson, Women's Goalkeeping Talent Coach at the FA, to shine a spotlight on the art and science of identifying and developing goalkeeping talent in the women's game.
They discuss:
The FA’s “Discover My Talent” initiative
Why early specialisation can be risky
The evolving standards of goalkeeping in the WSL
The impact of role models like Mary Earps and Hannah Hampton
The myth of shrinking goal sizes
How grassroots clubs can better support young goalkeepers
This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about women's football, youth development, or the goalkeeper position.
#WomensFootball #Goalkeeping #FA #TalentID #WSL #Lionesses #YouthFootball #FootballDevelopment #GoalkeeperUnion #CarolynKent #HarryWatson #DiscoverMyTalent #ChatGPT