Women’s Football Hub

#060 Athletic development - What do young females need? With Erica Mulholland

Athletic Development – What Do Young Females Need?With Erica Mulholland (Instagram: @fitsoccerqueen.), USA Masters sprinter, strength & speed coach, and host of The Strong Female Athlete.  
In this episode, Carolyn Kent sits down with Erica to explore how to build stronger, faster, more resilient young female footballers—without adding unnecessary load to an already packed week. Expect clear principles you can apply tomorrow: progressive overload done well, in-season “minimum effective dose,” and the exact speed elements to prioritise in warm-ups. We also debunk common social media myths (ladders, anyone?) and talk honestly about confidence, recovery, and the pressure to “do more.” 
Highlights
Coaching belief: why many girls can lift more than they think—and how to progress safely. 
In-season planning: low-rep, high-intent sessions that keep athletes fresh for matches. 
Speed inside the warm-up (10–12 minutes): short, high-quality exposures that protect hamstrings. 
Myths vs reality: circuit “busy work,” ladders, and sand workouts explained. 
Recovery matters: sleep, nutrition, hydration—and why “more” isn’t better. 
Support the Hub: Our merch store helps fund free education for players, parents, coaches and clinicians. 
Disclaimer: This episode is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for personal guidance. 
#Hashtags#WomensFootball #FemaleAthlete #StrengthAndConditioning #YouthSport #SpeedWork #FootballFitness #ACLPrevention #GirlsInFootball

#059 Sports science series - Physical Preparation with Andrew Wiseman

In this episode of Women’s Football Hub, Carolyn Kent sits down with sports scientist Andrew Wiseman to discuss the physical preparation of female players. With years of experience in elite football – including the WSL, academies, and international environments – Andrew offers valuable insights into training load, injury risk, recovery, and the unique considerations for female athletes.
Topics include:
How physical preparation has evolved in football
Balancing training load with recovery
Understanding individual athlete needs
The role of sports science and collaboration with coaching staff
Youth development and long-term athlete health
Whether you’re a coach, physio, sports scientist, or player, this episode will give you practical tools and food for thought to help improve performance and reduce injury risk in women’s football.
Follow us at @womens.football.hub on Instagram & TikTok, and @_WFootballhub on X.

#058 Choosing the right football boot with Dr Danyon Loud

Are your boots helping your game or putting you at risk? In this week’s episode of the Women's Football Hub Podcast, Carolyn Kent is joined by Dr Danyon Loud, a football boot researcher and sports engineer from the University of Adelaide, to discuss what really matters when choosing football boots.
We tackle:
Why many football boots are still designed for male feet
How stud design affects injury risk, especially for female players
Whether “speed boots” actually make you faster (spoiler: they don’t)
How comfort and fit out of the box can reduce injury risk
Best boots for 3G and 4G surfaces
Whether you're a player, coach, or physio, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you make more informed decisions about boot selection.
📲 Available on all major podcast platforms.🔗 Visit www.womensfootballhub.com for blogs, episodes, and resources.
#FootballBoots #WomensFootball #DanyonLoud #InjuryPrevention #BootDesign #Performance #SportsEngineering #FemaleAthlete #WomenInSport 

#057 Sports science series - Why it's not all about technology with Jo Clubb

In this episode, sports science consultant Jo Clubb (Global Performance Insights) joins Carolyn Kent to discuss the real purpose of sports science — and why it's not just about collecting data. From elite football to the NFL and NHL, Jo shares stories and insights on performance, communication, athlete wellness, and the careful integration of tech.
This episode is packed with reflections and practical advice for students, coaches, physiotherapists, and high-performance practitioners. You'll learn:
Why starting with questions — not gadgets — is key
How to get real value from wellness data
What good communication looks like in elite environments
The evolving role of AI in sports science
🎧 Tune in now to rethink what effective sports science truly looks like.
Find Jo’s blog and content at: https://globalperformanceinsights.comSupport our podcast & mission: https://womensfootballhub.deco-apparel.com/
#SportsScience #WomensFootball #TechInSport #PerformanceSupport #JoClubb #AIinSport #HighPerformance #FootballScience #PhysioInSport #GlobalPerformanceInsights

#056 GLP-1 Drugs (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) and Female Athletes with Emily Shears and Dr Jessica Beal Stahl

In this episode of the Women's Football Hub Podcast, host Carolyn Kent is joined by Dr Jessica Beal Stahl and sports pharmacist Emily Shears for a critical conversation about GLP-1 receptor agonists – better known as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.
We unpack:
How these drugs work in the body
Why they were developed for diabetes and are now used more broadly (including PCOS, weight loss)
Risks and side effects (appetite suppression, GI distress, nutrient depletion, ‘Ozempic teeth’, hormonal impacts)
Black market concerns and safety issues
Implications for female athletes (RED-S, sarcopenia, performance monitoring)
Ethical and regulatory questions around sport
This episode is essential for athletes, coaches, clinicians and anyone supporting female players.
🛒 Support the Hub by visiting www.womensfootballhub.com
⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for personal guidance.
#WomensFootballHub #FemaleAthleteHealth #GLP1 #Ozempic #Wegovy #Mounjaro #SportsPharmacy

#055 Sleep posture - Controlling the controllables with Louise Rogerson and Team GB Cyclist Katy Marchant

Sleep Posture: Controlling the Controllables with Louise Rogerson and Team GB Olympian Katy Marchant
In this episode of the Women's Football Hub Podcast, host Carolyn Kent is joined by neurological physiotherapist Louise Rogerson (Chief Clinical Officer at Levitex) and Team GB Olympic track cyclist Katy Marchant to explore a topic that's often overlooked in athlete recovery: sleep posture.
You'll hear:✅ What "sleep posture" really means✅ How it impacts pain, recovery, and performance✅ Recommended positions to try (the "Dreamer" and the "Soldier")✅ Katy's journey from chronic SIJ pain to improved sleep and training✅ Evidence behind sleep posture recommendations✅ Tips for travelling athletes✅ Advice for youth athletes and anyone wanting better sleep
This episode is full of practical, evidence-informed advice for athletes, physiotherapists, and anyone wanting to get the most out of their sleep.
🛒 Support our not-for-profit mission to grow the women's game by visiting our merch store:👉 https://www.womensfootballhub.com
💬 Follow us on social media and join the conversation.
#SleepPosture #WomensFootball #SportsPhysio #AthleteHealth #Recovery #Podcast

#054 New PhD Investigating the menstrual cycle in football with Julia Donnelly

Menstrual health isn’t a “nice to have” in football – it’s essential.
In this episode of Women’s Football Hub, we’re joined by sports scientist Julia Donnelly – head of performance at Athlete Focused and soon-to-be Dr Donnelly – who’s just completed a PhD investigating the menstrual cycle in football.
Julia shares her research on:✅ How players experience symptoms that impact performance✅ Why there’s still so much stigma and silence around periods in sport✅ The huge communication gaps between players and coaches✅ What real support looks like, from visibility to education✅ Simple, practical changes clubs can make to break the taboo
If you’re a coach, practitioner, or anyone working with female players – this is essential listening to help you support your athletes better.
🎧 Tune in now and join the movement to make menstrual health a normal part of football.
#WomensFootballHub #WomenInSport #FootballPodcast #MenstrualHealth #FemaleAthleteHealth #GrowTheGame

#053 Sport Psychology Series - Acceptance and Commitment Theory with Mark Eastup

This week on the Women’s Football Hub Podcast, Dr Ian Cookson is joined by sport and exercise psychologist in training Mark Eastup for a brilliant deep dive into Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — a modern, values-driven approach that’s making waves in performance sport.
Mark shares his journey from clinical mental health settings to working in women’s football, and breaks down:
What ACT is and why it's different from CBT and REBT
How he uses ACT to support coaches and players in football
Real examples of helping coaches align values with on-pitch behaviour
🎙️ If you're a coach, parent, or player looking to understand how sport psychology supports whole-person development, this is the episode for you.
Visit womensfootballhub.com to explore more.

#052 Coaching Series - The 3 R's with Andy Driscoll UEFA A licensed coach

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🎧 UEFA A Coach Andy Driscoll on Coaching, Confidence & the 3 Rs FrameworkIn this episode of the Women’s Football Hub Podcast, host Carolyn Kent speaks with UEFA A Licensed coach Andy Driscoll about his coaching journey, the realities of the badge pathway, and how his 3 Rs framework – Reflection, Realism, Repeat – can help coaches at every level.
💬 Topics covered:
Andy’s path from playing to UEFA A coaching
What it really takes to earn the badge
Why teaching skills are essential for great coaching
How grassroots coaches can apply elite principles
Barriers women face in coaching – and how to break them down
The importance of mentorship and planning
Whether you're coaching U12s or dreaming of the pro game, this episode is packed with insight and support to help you grow.
🛍️ Support the HubWe’re a not-for-profit championing women’s and girls’ football. Browse our merch and support the game from the ground up:👉 www.womensfootballhub.com
📱 Follow us for moreIG & TikTok: @womens.football.hubX (Twitter): @_WFootballHubWebsite: www.womensfootballhub.com
🎙️ Subscribe. Review. Share.Let’s grow the game, one episode at a time.

#051Safeguarding - with Sally O'Donnell

🎙 Podcast Title: Safeguarding in Football with Sally O'Donnell
📍 Episode Summary:In this essential episode of the Women's Football Hub podcast, host Carolyn Kent speaks with safeguarding consultant Sally O'Donnell about the importance of safeguarding across all levels of football—from grassroots to the professional game. With a powerful blend of personal experience and professional expertise, Sally breaks down what safeguarding really means, why it's often misunderstood, and how clubs can create safe, thriving environments for players and staff.
💬 Guest: Sally O'Donnell – Safeguarding Consultant & Founder of SO Training and Consulting
📌 Topics Covered:
Why the word safeguarding makes people nervous—and why it shouldn’t
Sally’s journey from criminal justice to football safeguarding
What safeguarding looks like in a football academy and on match day
Red flags to watch out for in coaching behaviour
Key policies every football club should have in place
Creating effective safeguarding cultures: safety, trust & collaboration
How parents and caregivers can support safe environments
🔥 Standout Quotes:
“I’m there to be friendly, but I’m not there to be friends.”“Would you accept that behavior from your child’s teacher? Then why accept it from a coach?”“Safeguarding is not just about abuse—it’s about creating safe spaces where everyone thrives.”
📚 Resources Mentioned:
FA Safeguarding Courses
Sally’s consulting service: So Training and Consulting
📢 Call to Action:If you're involved in football at any level, this episode is a must-listen. Whether you're a coach, parent, or club volunteer—safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
 
🔗 Connect with Sally: https://safeguarding-so.co.uk/play-it-safe/