Women’s Football Hub

#038 The History of Women's Football with Clare McEwen

Show Notes – Women’s Football Hub Podcast
Episode: The History & Future of Women’s Football with Clare McEwen
🎙️ Host: Carolyn Kent🎙️ Guest: Clare McEwen – Freelance Sports Writer, Author of She Can Kick It, and Health Researcher at Oxford University
Episode Overview
In this episode, Carolyn Kent welcomes Clare McEwen, author of She Can Kick It, a book that delves into the rich and often overlooked history of women's football. Clare shares her own journey as a football-loving girl growing up in Cornwall, explores key moments in the women's game, and discusses how history continues to shape the sport today.
📖 From bans and discrimination to the rise of the Lionesses, this conversation uncovers how far the game has come and where it’s headed next.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
✅ How gender stereotyping shaped the history of women’s football✅ The ban on women’s football and how it affected generations of players✅ The role of the medical profession in restricting women’s participation in sport✅ The impact of Title IX in the U.S. and how it helped grow women’s soccer✅ How the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup changed the game forever✅ Why the 2022 Euros was a game-changer for women’s football✅ The future of investment in the women’s game and its business potential
Key Takeaways
⚽ Women’s football was deliberately held back for decades, yet still thrived despite restrictions.⚽ Visibility matters – Young girls need role models to inspire them in sport.⚽ Investment drives success – Without proper funding, the women’s game cannot grow.⚽ The fight for equality isn’t over – Cultural and systemic barriers still impact the sport today.
Resources & Mentions
📚 Clare’s Book: She Can Kick It – Available on Amazon📖 More on Women’s Football History: Learn about Carol Thomas, Mia Hamm, and the 1999ers📲 Follow Clare McEwen for updates on her latest projects
Follow & Connect
📌 Follow Women’s Football Hub Podcast for more expert discussions on the women’s game.📌 Tag a football fan who needs to hear this!
🎧 Listen now – Available on all major podcast platforms!
#WomensFootballHub #WomenInSport #FootballHistory #SheCanKickIt #Lionesses #EqualGame #FootballForAll #Hergametoo

#037 The problem with women's football boots - beyond pink it and shrink it with Dr Amanda Jagielo

The Problem with Women’s Football Boots: Beyond ‘Pink It and Shrink It’
🎙 Guest: Dr. Amanda Jagielo🎤 Host: Carolyn Kent
Episode Summary
In 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

Mental health toolkit release with Mark McGuigan

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 McGuigan
Mark 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

Guided progressive muscle relaxation

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

Dealing with emotions

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

Dealing with negative thoughts

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

Dealing with poor performance

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

#036 Athletic development series - Myth busting the gym environment for female athletes with Sarah Payne

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!

#035 Sports medicine/physio series - Concussion rehabilitation with Dr Julia Treleaven

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

#034 Psychology series - Dr Tracy Donachie Perfectionism & Overthinking in female footballers

🎙️ 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