Women’s Football Hub

#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/

#050 ACL injuries in female youth players - The surgeon's perspective with Miss Morgan Bailey

🎙️ “ACL Injuries in Female Youth Players” – with Miss Morgan Bailey🗣️ Hosted by Carolyn Kent and student co-host Lotte Black
🔹 Episode Summary:
In this episode of Women's Football Hub, we’re joined by Miss Morgan Bailey – a consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon and chair of the Women’s ACL Orthopaedic Steering Group. Together with co-host and strength coach Lotte Black, we dive deep into one of the most talked-about topics in women’s football: ACL injuries in female youth players.
From surgery to prevention, to practical coaching solutions – this episode is packed with evidence-based insights and powerful perspectives on protecting young athletes.
🔑 Key Topics Covered:
⚠️ Why ACL injuries in youth players are rising
20x increase in adolescent ACL injuries over the past 20 years
Specialisation, overtraining, and underprepared support systems
🧬 The female factor: Sex-based vs. gender-based injury risks
Hormonal changes, alignment, and menstrual cycle impacts
Gender inequality in kit design, pitches, coaching, and care access
💥 What coaches NEED to know about injury prevention
Neuromuscular warm-ups reduce injuries by up to 70%
Why plyometrics are the most overlooked warm-up component
🛠️ Surgical decision-making in young players
Growth plate concerns and graft choices
When surgery is necessary—and when it's not
Long-term implications for young athletes' knee health and careers
🧠 The psychology behind teenage rehab
Managing expectations for return to play
Supporting autonomy in adolescent decision-making
Importance of physio and peer support
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
💪 Power Up to Play – www.poweruptoplay.org
🎧 Listen Now:
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms.🔗 Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share the episode!

#049 Sport Psychology Series Intuition with Melissa Dhillon

🎙️ Episode Title: Intuition with Melissa Dhillon
Hosted by Dr Ian CooksonGuest: Melissa Dhillon, Chartered Sport and Exercise Scientist & MSc in Sport and Exercise PsychologyListen now at www.womensfootballhub.com or on your favourite podcast app
🔑 Episode Summary:
In this episode, Dr Ian Cookson sits down with Melissa Dhillon to explore the power of intuition in sport.
Melissa draws on her extensive experience, including her work with Birmingham Women’s and Girls Football Club, to unpack the psychological demands of players and how creating a safe, trusting environment can unlock performance. The episode delves into the differences in psychological needs between men and women in sport, the role of intuition in decision-making, and how flow state can elevate performance.
🧠 Key Topics:
The importance of building safe, trusting spaces for athletes to thrive
Gender differences in communication and emotional support in football
How Melissa uses experience across tennis, golf, and boxing to understand mental demands
What intuition really means in sport – and how to train it
The balance between technical coaching and allowing players to develop instinctive decision-making
Creating flow state and the psychological value of "the zone"
Why children are naturally intuitive – and how we often interrupt that
Encouraging autonomy and responsibility in players
💬 Key Quote:
“Intuition is the brain’s ability to process stored information based on experience – it’s not magic, it’s learned, and it’s powerful.”
🎯 Who’s it for?
Perfect for coaches, players, parents and support staff who want to better understand the psychological layers that shape confidence and decision-making in female footballers.
📲 Connect with Melissa:
Website: www.athletesinthezone.com
Instagram: @melissadhillonitz
LinkedIn: Melissa Dhillon
🔔 Support the Hub
Love what we do? Visit the Women’s Football Hub Merch Store to grab your kit and help us champion women’s football – one hoodie at a time.

#048 ACL Recovery & Resilience in Young Female Athletes” – with Elliot Greenberg & Dr. Ted Ganley

🎙️ “Rebuilding Stronger: ACL Recovery & Resilience in Young Female Athletes” – with Elliot Greenberg & Dr. Ted Ganley🗣️ Hosted by Carolyn Kent, co-hosted by Lindsey Cornish
🔹 Episode Summary:
In this episode of Women's Football Hub, host Carolyn Kent and co-host Lindsey Cornish are joined by two world-class experts from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: Elliot Greenberg, a clinical specialist in ACL rehab, and Dr. Ted Ganley, an orthopedic surgeon and director of the Sports Medicine and Performance Center.
Together, they unpack the full ACL journey—from surgery and rehab to re-injury prevention and mental health—offering unique insights into supporting young female footballers through one of the most challenging injuries in sport.
🔑 Key Topics Covered:
🧠 The Emotional Impact of ACL Rehab
“It’s not the pain—it’s the identity loss”
How staying socially connected boosts recovery
⚙️ Why Rehab Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Pediatric rehab milestones vs adult protocols
Strength, neuromuscular control & realistic timelines
Language matters: “You’re not ‘cleared’—you’re progressing”
🦵 Re-injury Risks & Return-to-Play
Why 9 months is just a minimum
Why symmetry ≠ readiness
Elliot’s favorite quote: “Being strong is good. Accessing strength quickly is better.”
⚽ Coaches, Parents & Prevention
Injury prevention starts BEFORE elite level
Strength training bias: Are we underloading female athletes?
Reinforce injury prevention after return to play
🩺 Surgical & Long-Term Considerations
How growth plates affect graft choice
What “stronger than ever” really means post-ACL
The uncomfortable reality of early-onset arthritis
🧭 Quotes to Remember:
“Recovery is not linear—every athlete is on their own journey.” – Elliot Greenberg
“ACL surgery is just the helicopter ride to base camp—rehab is the real mountain climb.” – Dr. Ted Ganley
“The goal of ACL surgery isn’t elite status—it’s preserving knee health for life.”
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
📚 U.S. injury data & sport-specific risk breakdowns
🧠 Sports psychology integration in rehab
💡 Machine learning in predicting ACL reinjury risk (Greenberg & Ganley, 2024)
🎧 Listen Now:
Find the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms.🔗 Subscribe and share with anyone supporting female youth athletes!

#47 New Research an evaluation of nutritional practices and energy requirements of elite female soccer players - Dr Sam McHaffie

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Sam McHaffie, performance nutritionist at Manchester City Women and recent PhD graduate from Liverpool John Moores University. We unpack the findings from his four-part PhD exploring nutrition and energy availability in elite female footballers—from carbohydrate fear and body image concerns to under-fuelling and RED-S risk in adolescent players. Sam shares practical insights for coaches, players, and parents on fuelling performance, supporting menstrual health, and creating positive nutrition environments in the women's game.
🎙 Topics include:
Carbohydrate myths and body image issues in women’s football
Skinfold testing and why context matters
How open players really are about their menstrual cycle
The role of parents, coaches, and practitioners in shaping healthy food culture
Doubly labelled water and redefining energy needs in female athletes
If you support a player, work in the game, or just want to understand women’s football better—this one’s for you.
🔗 More at www.womensfootballhub.com

#046 Sport Psychology Series - Inside the Referee Mindset: Psychology, Pressure & Performance with PGMOL’s Kayleigh Dougan & Sue Jones

🎙️ Podcast Title:"Inside the Referee Mindset: Psychology, Pressure & Performance with PGMOL’s Kayleigh Dougan & Sue Jones"
👥 Guests:
Kayleigh Dougan – Performance Psychologist, PGMOL
Dr. Sue Jones – Performance Psychologist, PGMOL
🎧 Episode Summary:In this episode, Dr. Ian Cookson sits down with Kayleigh Dougan and Dr. Sue Jones to explore the untold side of officiating. As performance psychologists for match officials in the men’s and women’s games, they take us behind the scenes into the world of referee psychology, training, communication, and the unique pressures match officials face in a rapidly evolving sport landscape.
⚽ What You’ll Learn:
The hidden demands of elite-level officiating – both on and off the pitch
How performance psychology is embedded into referee development
What it’s like to manage emotions, split-second decisions, and external pressure under the spotlight
Why officials are teams too—and how they build cohesion under rotating lineups
What it takes to mentally reset after a controversial decision (or social media backlash)
The structure of support (including sports science, coaches, and psychology) for match officials
🧠 Key Talking Points:
How referees “park decisions” and move on quickly to maintain performance
Using fatigue-based training to simulate in-game pressure
“Pebble in the pond”: how communication within the referee team can influence decisions
Growth mindset in officiating: why adaptability and reflection are key
The unique stressors in the Women’s Super League as crowds, stakes, and scrutiny grow
How officiating is a high-performance career path in its own right
👂 Quotes to Remember: 🗣️ “It’s not just the 90 minutes—it’s a full-time commitment around another full-time job.” – Kayleigh Dougan🗣️ “Growth mindset is about openness to change. We embed it in every match review.” – Sue Jones
📣 Advice For...🔹 Players, Coaches, and Parents: Respect the role of officials. They are human, highly trained, and essential to the game.🔹 Match Officials: Trust the process, use your support network, and never be afraid to speak up.🔹 Coaches: Do your Level 1 referee course to better understand the laws and support match officials.
📌 Call to Action:Learn more about PGMOL and how you can get into officiating through the FA website.And don’t forget—every piece of Women’s Football Hub merch you buy helps us grow the game:🛍️ www.womensfootballhub.com
📌 Disclaimer:This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.

#045 Sports medicine series - Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-s) with Velvet Klass

🎙️ Podcast Title:"Spotlight on REDs: Female Football, Menstrual Health & Multidisciplinary Support with Velvet Klass"
👤 Guest:Velvet Klass – PhD Candidate at Flinders University, researching REDs and multidisciplinary support in elite women’s football.
🎧 Episode Summary:In this episode, host Carolyn Kent chats with researcher and former athlete Velvet Klass about Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs)—a condition that’s affecting far more female footballers than you might think. From menstrual health and energy intake to the critical role of coaches and support teams, Velvet shares her personal journey and research findings that shine a light on a rarely discussed issue in elite women's sport.
💡 What You'll Learn:
What REDs actually is and how it differs from the Female Athlete Triad
Common symptoms and early warning signs players, coaches, and parents should watch out for
How REDs can occur with or without an eating disorder
Why consistent multidisciplinary support matters (and why nutritionists alone aren’t enough)
The limitations of menstrual cycle tracking without follow-up
The importance of athlete-centered care and the human-first approach
Velvet’s call for governing bodies and universities to take action
🚨 Key Takeaways:
REDs can affect both men and women and often goes unnoticed in team sports like football.
Psychological symptoms—like mood swings and fatigue—often appear before physical ones.
Many athletes don’t have access to consistent nutritional or medical support.
Awareness and education about menstrual health is still shockingly low in both universities and football clubs.
Coaches and physios are often best placed to spot REDs early—but need training to do so.
Policy change is essential to ensure lasting support, especially as club staff turnover is high.
No player should be made to feel losing their period is normal—it’s not.
📣 Shoutout:Support our nonprofit work and grab your WFH merch at🛍️ www.womensfootballhub.com
📌 Disclaimer:This episode is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns.

#044 Sports Psychology Series - Transitions and critical moments with Louis Ross

🎙️ Women's Football Hub Podcast – Sports Psychology Series: Transitions & Critical Moments 
🎧 Hosted by: Dr. Ian Cookson🎤 Guest: Louis Ross (Sports Psychologist | Loughborough DICE Program | Formerly with Bristol City Women)
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Women's Football Hub Podcast, Dr. Ian Cookson sits down with Louis Ross, a sports psychologist with experience working in academy football and elite women's football. They dive deep into the psychological impact of transitions in sport, from moving between teams to career-ending injuries, and how athletes can prepare for and navigate critical moments in their journey.
🔹 Topics Discussed:
Louis Ross’s background in football and psychology
The role of Go Again, a charity supporting mental health in football
Working with Bristol City Women and the Loughborough DICE Program
What transitions in football really mean: youth-to-senior shifts, career-ending injuries, being dropped, coaching changes
The concept of critical moments – unexpected wins/losses and their impact on mindset
Athletic identity and its effect on performance and mental health
The role of sports psychology in helping athletes adapt to change
Practical strategies for coaches, parents, and players to support transition periods
🔹 Key Takeaways:
✔️ Transitions in football aren't just about retiring or being released – they include injuries, coaching changes, and moving teams✔️ Critical moments shape an athlete’s mindset – learning to navigate pressure, setbacks, and identity shifts is crucial✔️ Athletes should develop multiple identities (beyond just footballer) to maintain well-being✔️ Clubs and coaches play a huge role in easing transitions, but external support (e.g., mental health charities) is key✔️ Planning ahead can make transitions smoother – athletes should build roadmaps to manage career changes
📢 Join the Conversation!
💬 What challenges have you faced during a transition in sport? Share your thoughts on social media. 
🎥 Subscribe to Women's Football Hub for More Episodes!🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE to stay updated on the latest in women’s football, sports psychology, and athlete performance!
#WomensFootballHub #SportsPsychology #TransitionsInSport #FootballMentalHealth #CriticalMoments #AthleticIdentity #LouisRoss #GoAgain #ACLInjury #FootballMindset

#043 The role of Sports Pharmacy in women's football with Emily Shears & Dr Jessica Beal-Stahl

🎙️ The Role of Sports Pharmacy in Women's Football
Guests: Emily Shears & Dr. Jessica Beal-StahlHost: Carolyn Kent
Episode Overview:Pharmacy might not be the first thing you think of in sport, but medications, supplements, and chronic disease management all play a crucial role in performance. In this episode, sports pharmacists Emily Shears and Dr. Jessica Beal-Stahl break down the importance of sports pharmacy in women’s football and beyond.
From inhalers and ADHD medication to menstrual health and banned substances, they highlight key medical considerations for female athletes.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
⚕️ What is sports pharmacy? How medications, supplements, and chronic conditions impact athletic performance.
💊 Medication challenges in football – The risks of improper medication use, from asthma inhalers to pain management.
🚺 The unique needs of female athletes – Why menstrual health, hormonal changes, and under-fueling require specialist support.
🧠 ADHD & mental health medications – The effects on training, focus, and performance, and how pharmacists help athletes find the right balance.
🚀 The future of sports pharmacy – Why more teams should integrate sports pharmacists into their medical teams.
Resources & Links
🔗 Connect with our guests:
Emily Shears – Founder, Female Athlete Network ([LinkedIn])
Dr. Jessica Beal-Stahl – Clinical Sports Pharmacist ([LinkedIn])
🎧 Listen now on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
#WFHPodcast #WomensFootball #SportsPharmacy #AthleteHealth

#042 Pregnancy & Motherhood Series - Hannah Poulton C Sections

Recovery & Return to Sport with Hannah Poulton
🎙️ Host: Carolyn Kent🎙️ Guest: Hannah Poulton, Director of HLP Therapy, Women's Health Specialist, and PhD Researcher on C-Section Scarring
Episode Overview
In this episode of Women's Football Hub, host Carolyn Kent is joined by physiotherapist and women's health specialist Hannah Poulton to explore the realities of C-section recovery and the journey back to sport. Hannah, who has over 20 years of experience in physiotherapy, breaks down the impact of C-sections on the body, debunks common myths, and provides expert guidance on rehabilitation and return to play.
Key Topics Covered
✅ What is a C-section? – Understanding the layers affected by surgery and its classification as major abdominal surgery✅ Myths & Misconceptions – "Is C-section the easy way out?" and why language matters in maternal health✅ The First Six Weeks – Immediate post-surgery expectations, scar healing, and essential care tips✅ Rehabilitation Stages – How to approach the golden period (6-12 weeks) and when to start building back strength✅ Return to Sport – Physiological considerations, gradual progression, and the role of coaches & clubs in supporting athletes postpartum✅ Signs of Concern – Red flags in recovery, complications to watch for, and when to seek medical advice✅ The Mental & Emotional Impact – The importance of self-compassion, avoiding social media comparisons, and embracing individual recovery timelines
Key Takeaways
⚽ C-sections are NOT the easy way out – They are major abdominal surgeries requiring structured rehabilitation⚽ Scar care is crucial – Healing takes up to two years, and movement restrictions can impact return to sport⚽ Every recovery is different – Avoid comparisons and tailor rehab to your individual needs⚽ Coaches & Clubs Matter – Support, gradual reintegration, and awareness of postpartum needs can prevent injuries⚽ Mums CAN return to football – But a progressive, evidence-based approach is key
Resources & Further Learning
📌 Follow Hannah Poulton🔗 Instagram: @hlptherapy🔗 YouTube: @ScarRecoveryHLPTherapy
🔗 Website: HLP Therapy – Includes blogs on return to running, pelvic floor rehab, and scar massage
Join the Conversation!
💬 Have you had a C-section and returned to football? Share your experience with us on Instagram or X using #WomensFootballHub.
🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to subscribe, rate & review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!