Women’s Football Hub

#024 Sports psychology series - Sarah Knapp Dealing with emotional regulation

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

#023 Sports nutrition - Aimee Ellen O Keefe - Hints, tips and mistakes not to make with nutrition

Mistakes not to make with nutrition with Aimee Ellen O'Keefe
Guest 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 Roses
Williams Racing (Performance Nutrition for Academy Drivers and Pit Stop Crew)
Episode Highlights
Guest Background (00:00:57)
Grew up in Liverpool with a football background
Played football from a young age, including Everton Center of Excellence
Transitioned to nutrition after realising the importance of proper fueling
Nutrition in Football (00:06:47)
Identified key nutrition gaps at Manchester United
Implemented simple changes like adding bagels and fruit options
Focused on carbohydrate availability and accessibility
Carbohydrates in Sports (00:11:26)
Primary energy source for high-intensity exercise
Importance of carbohydrate loading 24 hours before match/training
Addressing stigma around carbohydrate consumption in female sports
Disordered Eating (00:13:16)
Discussed challenges with nutrition in female sports
Addressed impacts of social media and body image pressures
Highlighted unintentional and intentional under-fueling
Nutrition Across Different Sports (00:15:13)
Compared nutrition approaches in football and rugby
Discussed unique nutrition needs for Williams Racing pit stop crew and drivers
Female Football Nutrition Network (00:25:46)
Co-founded with Dr. James Morehen
Mission to improve performance nutrition for female footballers
Developed an app and Instagram community for education
Where to Find Aimee
Instagram: @femalefootballnutrition
Where to Find the Podcast
Podcast: Women's Football Hub
Key References
Carbohydrate loading strategies
Performance nutrition for team sports
Nutrition for high-intensity athletes
Body image and sports nutrition
Disclaimer
The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.

#022 Pelvic Health Series - Emma Brockwell Pelvic Health in Professional Football

Integrating Pelvic Health in Professional Football with Emma Brockwell
Guest Profile
Emma Brockwell is a pelvic health physiotherapist who has worked with top football clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Southampton. She is:
Co-author of the Return to Running Postpartum Guidelines (2019)
Co-host of the podcast "At Your Cervix"
Part of the FIFA Female Health Project
Episode Highlights
Key Topics Discussed
Integrating pelvic health into professional football (00:02:00)
Importance of education in normalising female health conversations (00:09:14)
Comprehensive approach to pelvic floor health (00:19:02)
Musculoskeletal connections to pelvic floor function (00:20:05)
FIFA Female Health Project overview (00:23:07)
Memorable Quote
"Education is the key to supporting male and female coaches"
Key Insights
Pelvic health is not just about Kegel exercises
Holistic approach involves:
Thorax analysis
Hip and joint mobility
Breathing techniques
Whole-body movement assessment
Recommended Resources for Practitioners
POGP Courses
Educators to follow:
Michelle Lyons
Taryn Hallam
Dr. Sinead Dufour
Where to Find Emma
Podcast: At Your Cervix
Professional Focus: Pelvic Health Physiotherapy in Football
Key References
Return to Running Postpartum Guidelines (2019)
FIFA Female Health Project
Chelsea FC's Menstrual Health Program

#021 Lola Arribas Rodriguez - Coaching youth and blind football

Coaching Youth and Blind Football with Lola Arribas Rodriguez
Episode Overview
In this episode of Women's Football Hub, host Carolyn Kent sits down with Lola Arribas Rodriguez, a technical support trainer at the Football Association (FA) in England and a passionate coach working with youth and visually impaired athletes.
Guest Profile
Name: Lola Arribas Rodriguez
Current Roles:
Technical Support Trainer at the Football Association
Participant in FA's Women's Leadership Program
Coach for U8 football team
Coach for Blind Football athletes
Key Discussion Topics
Lola's Football Journey (00:01:18)
Inspired by the England Lionesses' Euro 2022 victory
Transitioned from architecture student to football coach
Discovered her passion through FA initiatives and the Powerhouse Project
Coaching Young Athletes (00:07:21)
Challenges of coaching U8 players
Strategies for keeping young athletes engaged
Importance of making training fun and inclusive
Blind Football Coaching (00:17:38)
Unique aspects of coaching visually impaired athletes
How blind football works:
Sound-enabled balls
Communication techniques
Guidance systems for players
Class of 92 University (00:24:23)
Innovative university approach focused on personal development
Unique learning structure with block-based modules
Supportive environment for students with diverse learning needs
Memorable Quotes
"Trust the process. You really just learn on the job." 
"If they're not enjoying it, they're not going to engage." 
Where to Find Lola
Currently studying Sports and Exercise Science at Class of 92 University
Key Terms
B1 Blind Football
FIFA 11+ Injury Prevention Program
Grassroots Coaching
Parafootball
Disclaimer
The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.

#020 Breast Health series - Suzanne Carney - Breast health during pregnancy & motherhood

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Female Athletes
Guest Information
Guest: Suzanne Carney
Expertise: Physiotherapist specializing in breast anatomy, postpartum care, and women's health
Episode Overview
In this episode, Carolyn Kent and Suzanne Carney dive deep into the complex world of breast anatomy, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the challenges female athletes face during and after pregnancy. The discussion covers everything from breast physiology to postpartum recovery and mental health.
Key Topics Discussed
Breast Anatomy and Physiology (00:00:38)
Similarities between breast and lung anatomy
Hormonal changes during pregnancy
Breast changes during pregnancy
Breast Support for Athletes (00:03:11)
Importance of proper sports bras
Impact of breast movement during exercise
Supporting young female athletes
Postpartum Physiotherapy Approach (00:09:26)
Initial health checks (blood work, breast health)
Treating breastfeeding-related issues
Managing mastitis and nipple care
Return to Sport After Pregnancy (00:15:40)
Guidelines for returning to exercise
Myths about breastfeeding and exercise
Success stories of athletes returning to sport
Postnatal Mental Health (00:18:58)
Challenges of breastfeeding
Factors contributing to postnatal depression
Importance of support and realistic expectations
Key References and Terms
Cooper's Ligaments
Lactogenesis
Mastitis treatment
Lymphatic drainage
Pelvic floor health
Return to running postpartum guidelines
Memorable Quotes
"Having a baby is not a death sentence to your sporting career."
Resources Mentioned
Lactation consultants
Pelvic floor specialists
Return to running postpartum guidelines
Takeaways
Proper breast support is crucial for female athletes
Postpartum recovery requires comprehensive care
Exercise and breastfeeding can coexist successfully
Mental health support is essential for new mothers

#019 Sports Nutrition Series - Phil Woodbridge - Ongoing PhD does nutrition impact on injury?

Nutrition’s Impact on Injury Prevention in Women’s Football
Guest Profile: Phil Woodbridge
Lecturer at Buckinghamshire New University
Registered Sports Nutritionist
PhD Researcher focusing on nutritional interventions for injury prevention in female football players
Episode Overview
In this insightful episode of Women’s Football Hub, host Carolyn Kent interviews Phil Woodbridge about his groundbreaking PhD research on nutrition’s role in injury prevention and rehabilitation for recreational women’s football players.
Key Topics Discussed
Research Background (00:00:40)
Focus on recreational football players at levels 4-5 in England’s women’s football structure
Addressing a significant research gap in women’s football nutrition
Study 1: Baseline Nutritional Assessment (00:02:46)
Methods:
Food diary analysis
Nutrition knowledge questionnaire
Low energy symptoms investigation
Key findings:
56% of players had low energy
43% showed low energy symptoms
30% demonstrated poor nutrition knowledge
Study 2: Nutrition Intervention (00:07:13)
Six-month, season-long intervention
Objectives: Increase energy intake and carbohydrate consumption
Intervention methods:
Weekly emails
Monthly videos
Recipes and meal plans
Motivational content
Study 3: Injury Recovery Case Studies (00:21:54)
Individual case studies tracking nutrition’s impact on injury rehabilitation
Injuries include:
ACL reconstruction
Back injuries
Developmental challenges for young players
Key Research Insights
Nutrition knowledge significantly impacts player performance
Practical significance can outweigh statistical significance
Coaching staff support is crucial for intervention success
Challenges in Nutrition Research
Potential under-reporting in food diaries
Difficulty maintaining participant engagement
Complex real-world research environment

#018 Pelvic health series - Gráinne Donnelly The use of compression garments for the pelvic floor

Host Sarah Thorne talks to Gráinne Donnelly the editor of the POGP about her PhD research on compression garments and their potential use for the management of pelvic floor issues. 
This podcast episode explores pelvic health in female athletes, with a specific focus on compression garments as a potential management tool for pelvic floor dysfunction. Gráinne Donnelly shares her research insights, emphasising that pelvic floor issues are common but not normal, and can affect athletes of all levels and ages. The discussion highlights the importance of breaking down stigmas, increasing awareness, and providing supportive solutions for women experiencing pelvic floor challenges in sports. The conversation underscores the need for comprehensive, collaborative approaches to pelvic health that consider both physical and psychological aspects of athletic performance.
Chapters:
Introduction and Guest Introduction (00:00:08) - Sarah Thorne introduces herself as a new host and welcomes Gráinne Donnelly, a renowned pelvic health physiotherapist. The introduction highlights Gráinne's extensive experience and expertise in pelvic health.
Compression Garments Research (00:01:57) - Gráinne discusses her research into compression garments for pelvic floor management, initially sparked by patients reporting benefits. She explains her research journey, including studying running biomechanics and the potential supportive effects of compression garments.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Symptoms (00:08:18) - The discussion explores various pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms beyond urinary incontinence, including bladder and bowel control, organ support, and sexual dysfunction. They emphasize the importance of screening and understanding the wide range of potential symptoms.
Overactive vs. Weak Pelvic Floor (00:14:18) - Gráinne explains the difference between overactive and weak pelvic floors, highlighting that muscles can be both tense and weak. They discuss how various factors like chronic constipation, infections, and lifestyle can impact pelvic floor function.
Compression Garments as a Support Tool (00:19:06) - The conversation focuses on how compression garments might support athletes by providing additional support to the pelvic floor. They discuss the potential preventative and rehabilitative roles of these garments in sports.
Availability and Future Research (00:24:02) - Gráinne shares information about current compression garment brands and ongoing research. They discuss the potential for these garments to help athletes manage pelvic floor symptoms and improve sports participation.

#017 Sports Science Series - Esther Goldsmith The Menstrual Cycle

Sports Science Series: Esther Goldsmith - The Menstrual Cycle
 
In this episode, Dr. Megan Lowry interviews Esther Goldsmith, a sport and exercise physiologist who works for Sport Wales. Esther specialises in supporting female athletes and educating coaches on how to best support the unique needs of female athletes.
 
Main Topics Discussed
 
- Esther's background and role as a sport and exercise physiologist [(00:00:31)
- Differences in training and supporting female vs. male athletes [(00:01:51)]
- Overview of the menstrual cycle and its impacts on the body [(00:03:24)]
- Strategies for athletes to track and manage menstrual cycle symptoms [(00:09:17)]
- Considerations for parents and coaches supporting young female athletes through puberty [(00:14:54)]
- Effects of hormonal contraceptives on the menstrual cycle and athletic performance [(00:18:44)]
 
---
 
Where to Find Esther Goldsmith
 
- Twitter: @EGoldsmithPhys
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esther-goldsmith-85445a167/
 
Key Terms & References
 
- Menstrual Cycle: A hormonal cycle that occurs in the female reproductive system, typically lasting 21-35 days.
- Estrogen & Progesterone: The primary hormones that fluctuate during the menstrual cycle.
- Hormonal Contraceptives: Birth control methods that use synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy, including the pill, IUD, implant, etc.
- Combined vs. Progestin-Only Contraceptives: Two main categories of hormonal birth control with different hormonal compositions.
- Project Red S: An organization providing resources for healthcare providers on the Female Athlete Triad.
 

#016 Physiotherapy series - Mark McGuigan mental health management and the case for Occupational Therapy in Football

In this episode of Women's Football Hub, host Carolyn Kent interviews Mark McGuigan, an occupational therapist and mental health practitioner who works with athletes in the sports industry.
 
Mark is the Director at Willow Grove Consultants and a Player Care Consultant at the Player Care Group. He has extensive experience working in mental health services and has recently focused on supporting the mental health of elite athletes, particularly those recovering from long-term injuries.
 
Main Topics Discussed
 
- Mark's background as an occupational therapist and how he got involved in supporting athletes' mental health (00:00:49)
- The concept of "occupational deprivation" and how it applies to athletes dealing with injuries or retirement (00:01:32)
- Developing an "injured athlete pathway" to provide structured support during the recovery process (00:03:22)
- Addressing mental health challenges that elite athletes face, beyond just injury-related issues (00:04:40)
- Differences in supporting mental health for elite vs. recreational/amateur athletes (00:10:59)
- Common mental health scenarios Mark encounters, such as anxiety, depression, and maintaining balance/structure (00:16:22)
- A hypothetical case study of supporting an athlete through a major injury (00:20:11)
 
 
 
Where to Find Mark McGuigan
 
- Willow Grove Consultants website: https://www.willowgrove.consulting/
- Social media:
- LinkedIn: Mark McGuigan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mcguigan/)
 
Key Terms & References
 
- Occupational therapy
- Occupational deprivation
- Injured athlete pathway
- Mental health support
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Behavioral activation
- Multidisciplinary team
- Professional Footballers' Association (PFA)

#015 Pelvic Health Series - Angela Kenneally - Blending sports physiotherapy and pelvic health

In this episode, host Carolyn Kent interviews Angela Kenneally, who is a sport and exercise medicine specialist Physiotherapist and the current lead physiotherapist for the Football Association of Ireland. Kenneally also specialises in pelvic health.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Kenneally's background and path to becoming the lead physiotherapist for the Irish women's national team (00:01:51 - 00:03:24)- Tips for young physiotherapists looking to work with national teams (00:03:38 - 00:04:57)- Kenneally's experience with the Irish women's national team at the 2023 World Cup in Australia (00:09:50 - 00:11:35)- The importance of pelvic health for female athletes, including common issues and how to address them (00:12:17 - 00:19:34)- Kenneally's training and specialization in pelvic health physiotherapy (00:20:21 - 00:23:27)- The "In Her Boots" initiative Kenneally is working on with the Football Association of Ireland to educate coaches on topics like menstrual health, breast health, and pelvic floor function (00:25:00 - 00:29:26)
 
Key References and Resources Mentioned:
- UEFA statistic: 63% of 12-19 year old female football players experience pelvic floor dysfunction (00:13:21)- Pelvic health courses and training:  - Level 1 Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Course from Irish Continence Foundation (00:22:27)  - Advanced Pelvic Floor Techniques course with Maeve Whelan (00:22:55)  - Courses and mentorship from Leah Brines and Michelle Lyons (00:23:27)- "The 10 Naked Truths of Pelvic Floor" infographic (00:27:34)- University of Portsmouth resources on breast health and sports bra fit (00:28:17)- "Return to Running Post Partum Guideline" by Grainne Donnelly, Emma Brockwell, and Tom Goom (00:32:17)