Best Alliance Of American Football Podcasts (2024)

1
Steven Caulker - Mental Health in Football & My Take on the Euros So Far... 1:02:40

2M ago1:02:40

1:02:40

In this candid and insightful session, in association with Reward Finance Group, Steven, who played for England and Premier League clubs Liverpool, Southampton and Spurs delves into his personal journey with mental health, offering an unparalleled perspective on the challenges footballers face on and off the pitch. With a career that has seen the h…

1
Finding Purpose Through Passion: Hans Cook on Mental Health and Football 1:10:42

2M ago1:10:42

1:10:42

Guest: Hans Cook, Business Support Administrator at Berks and Bucks FA. Responsible for supporting the CEO and staff with administrative tasks across areas including Finance, Process Management, HR, Office Management and Communications. Mental Health Ambassador for Berks & Bucks FA. In this episode, Hans shares his transformative journey from the f…

1
Alice Hendy MBE 1:00:50

2M ago1:00:50

1:00:50

In this episode of the Football Mental Health Alliance Podcast, we have the honour of speaking with Alice Hendy MBE, the inspiring founder and CEO of Ripple Suicide Prevention Charity. Alice's journey is one of resilience, determination, and a steadfast commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Alice's story began in November 2020 w…

1
R;pple Suicide Prevention: A Lifeline in the Digital Age 2:08

2M ago2:08

2:08

R;pple Suicide Prevention is an innovative digital tool designed to intercept harmful online content related to self-harm and suicide. Founded by Alice Hendy MBE, R;pple aims to provide immediate support and resources to individuals in crisis, thereby preventing potential tragedies. Click here to learn more about R;pple.…

1
Kicking Off for Fun: Why Enjoyment Should Be at the Heart of Youth Football 2:46

2M ago2:46

2:46

Over four million children in England play football, which for many is the start of a lifelong love affair with the sport. Many years down the line these children will become the volunteers that keep the game running, whilst many will continue playing well into their later years. A very small portion of them will even make it professional.…

1
ADHD Tips from real people on the internet 3:51

2M ago3:51

3:51

The following tips and advice on managing ADHD have been sourced from personal experiences shared by individuals on the internet. This information should not be considered medical advice. As with all content provided by The Vault, it is essential to seek specialist or expert advice before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. Always …

1
My name is Steven, and I am a compulsive gambler 1:56

2M ago1:56

1:56

The first time I said these words I was 19, doing my first stint in rehab. I never really knew what they meant, and I certainly didn't know just how bad things were going to get. What does it mean? "People with compulsive gambling have a hard time resisting or controlling the impulse to gamble. The brain is reacting to this impulse in the same mann…

1
Steve Whittle - Tough to Talk 58:41

4M ago58:41

58:41

In this episode of the FMHA Podcast titled "Tough to Talk," host Danny delves into the pressing issue of male suicide with Steve Whittle from the charity Tough to Talk. The conversation addresses why discussing mental health, particularly suicide, remains a challenge, especially among men. Steve shares his personal experiences with suicide attempts…

1
Jake Mills - Founder of The Hub of Hope 56:01

4M ago56:01

56:01

In this episode of the Football Mental Health Alliance podcast, host Danny warmly welcomes Jake Mills, an award-winning comedian and the founder of the Hub of Hope, a pioneering charity dedicated to mental health support. As they delve into Jake's transformative journey from battling personal mental health challenges to spearheading a national char…

1
Quitting is for Winners 2:59

4M ago2:59

2:59

The act of quitting is often stigmatised as a sign of failure, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Knowing when to quit - a job, a relationship, or a personal goal, is a testament to one's self-awareness, emotional intelligence and strategic foresight.By Danny Matharu

1
Techniques for Developing Lasting Confidence in Football 2:40

4M ago2:40

2:40

Confidence is one of the most desired mental qualities for footballers and athletes. But, you might have noticed that feelings of confidence don't always stick around, especially in difficult moments. This blog will tell you or your child how to turn up-and-down confidence into long-lasting self-belief on the pitch.…

1
“Why are you so quiet today?” A little snippet from inside an autistic mind. 1:46

4M ago1:46

1:46

Have you ever walked into a packed bar or a football stadium? Y’know, where you’re enveloped by that dull buzz of inaudible noise like you’re stepping into a wall of treacle? Well, imagine that your brain tried to process every single word from every single conversation simultaneously. Tricky, right? I always remember watching the scene in Bruce Al…

1
333 Method for Anxiety 2:49

4M ago2:49

2:49

Anxiety is a natural and common emotional response that everyone experiences at some point. It involves feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear, often triggered by specific situations perceived as threatening or stressful. However, when anxiety becomes frequent or overwhelming, it may indicate an anxiety disorder, which requires professional attent…

1
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding 3:39

4M ago3:39

3:39

The phrase "The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding" serves as a powerful reminder and motivator, suggesting that personal growth, success, and meaningful achievements often lie just beyond the tasks and challenges we tend to resist or put off.By Danny Matharu

1
Sports Betting E4 | The vote finally passes. Now what? 31:54

5M ago31:54

31:54

Oh, what a difference a year makes! One year after the surprise failure in the House, sports gambling passes both chambers of the NC Legislature. What happens next? It takes another nine months before anyone can legally bet on sports. Brian Murphy from WRAL News and Tim Donnelly from 99.9 The Fan look at where the tax money goes, who stands to gain…

1
Sports Betting E3 | The Senate votes YES, but the House says NO 35:54

5M ago35:54

35:54

The votes on legal sports betting in NC did not happen like most things in the legislature. There aren’t usually surprises by the time a bill reaches a vote in the Senate or the House. Brian Murphy from WRAL News and Tim Donnelly from 99.9 The Fan take us back to June 2022 when nothing was certain about legal sports gambling in North Carolina. For …

1
Sports Betting E2 | A high stakes alliance in support of legal sports gambling 33:50

5M ago33:50

33:50

In May 2018, a US Supreme Court ruling opened the floodgates for all states to move forward with legal sports betting. But being “allowed” to move forward and convincing the NC legislature to move forward are two very different things. In episode two, Brian Murphy from WRAL News and Tim Donnelly from 99.9 The Fan talk to the major players working f…

1
Sports Betting E1 | The contentious history of gambling in North Carolina 31:02

5M ago31:02

31:02

From the scandal of the Dixie Classic in the early 60’s to the “senate shenanigans” of the lottery vote in 2006, North Carolina’s history with gambling has been contentious. The state has had an anti-gambling law on the books since 1764. So, how on earth did we get to a point where mobile sports betting is legal? In episode one, Brian Murphy from W…

1
S3 COMING SOON | The long road to legal sports betting in North Carolina 0:51

6M ago0:51

0:51

Starting March 11, sports betting will be legal in North Carolina, but getting to this point was not an easy path. From the scandal of the Dixie Classic in the early 60's to the controversial vote for the NC Lottery, the state has a contentious history with gambling. Brian Murphy from WRAL News and Tim Donnelly from 99.9 The Fan explore the history…

1
What is Mental Health and what can you do to maintain or improve it? 6:09

7M ago6:09

6:09

If your physical health is about your body, then mental health is about your mind – about your internal thoughts, feelings and behaviours. As with physical health, your mental health can change regularly and you can experience good mental health – "she’s in a good place" or poor mental health – "he seems a bit down". At the far end of the mental he…

1
How to Help Young Footballers Embrace Pressure 4:06

7M ago4:06

4:06

Do you want nothing more than to see your child play as well on the pitch as you see them play in training or the garden? Does there seem to be a gap between what you know they’re capable of and the performance they produce when it matters? How heartbreaking is it for them and you when the power of pressure puts limits on your child’s performance a…

1
7 Key Reflections from 2023 2:16

7M ago2:16

2:16

I can’t help but reflect on a year that has personally been one of the most challenging I’ve ever faced, yet professionally one of the most rewarding.By Danny Matharu

1
Understanding HALT: A Tool for Managing ADHD 5:25

7M ago5:25

5:25

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. It is characterised by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Managing these symptoms can be challenging, but one helpful tool is the H.A.L.T. method. This method encourages individuals to check in with themselves…

1
How to Help Young Footballers Embrace Pressure 5:37

7M ago5:37

5:37

Ross Preston talks us through 6 steps to help young footballers embrace pressure. Do you want nothing more than to see your child play as well on the pitch as you see them play in training or the garden? Does there seem to be a gap between what you know they’re capable of and the performance they produce when it matters? How heartbreaking is it for…

1
Two Footie Mums Talk ADHD: Exploring the real-world experiences of ADHD in football & everyday life. 1:17:51

8M ago1:17:51

1:17:51

Footie Mums Natalie and Laura sit down and discuss ADHD in grassroots football and life. In this enlightening and heartfelt episode, Nat and Laura, both mothers of young boys with ADHD, engage in an open and candid discussion about their day-to-day experiences and challenges. As they navigate through their journey, they shed light on various aspect…

1
Alex Walmsley - Resilience and Connection: A Journey Through Grief and Football 54:24

8M ago54:24

54:24

Alex Walmsley is not just another name in grassroots football; he is a symbol of resilience, community, and the transformative power of football. In this profound episode of The Football Mental Health Alliance Podcast, we delve into the heartfelt story of Alex Walmsley, Chairman of Sands United, West Yorkshire. Alex shares his deeply personal journ…

1
Zoe Harvey - You've got to stand out to make a difference 1:01:32

9M ago1:01:32

1:01:32

In this fascinating and heartfelt episode, Danny engages in a deep conversation with Zoe Harvey, an influential figure in grassroots football for disabled and inclusive teams. Zoe is a Disability Ambassador and sits on Cambridgeshire FA's EDI committee. She is Head of Inclusion at Histon Hornets FC and coaches Cherry Hinton Lions U13 Red mainstream…

1
Hannah Marriage - The importance of growth mindset and positive self-talk 56:13

9M ago56:13

56:13

Hannah Marriage - Sleaford Academicals Walking Football Club/Lincolnshire Ability Counts League/Lincolnshire Walking Football League In this podcast episode, Danny and Hannah discuss the importance of a growth mindset and positive self-talk, particularly in the context of football and everyday life. The conversation encapsulates the idea that a gro…

1
Panic Attacks & The 5 Senses 4:16

9M ago4:16

4:16

Panic attacks can occur unexpectedly, causing intense fear and discomfort even when no real danger is present. Recognising the early signs and understanding how to manage these symptoms can make a significant difference. One such way is to use a grounding technique that utilises the five senses - sight, touch, hearing, smell, and taste. This approa…

1
You Are Not Alone - Norwich City 1:04

9M ago1:04

1:04

The Norwich City #YouAreNotAlone video was the pinnacle of the club’s longer-term strategy to proactively promote positive mental health. As a club, this all started for them in June 2022, when they uncovered a statistic that sadly showed the average age of their season ticket holders correlated to the age bracket most likely to die by suicide. The…

1
Techniques for Coaching Children and Young People with ADHD. 3:22

9M ago3:22

3:22

In the vibrant and dynamic world of grassroots football, coaching children and young people (CYP) with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. ADHD can affect focus, impulsivity, and patience—attributes that are particularly tested in the sporting environment. However, with thoughtful s…

1
Four Tips for Stress Management 2:50

9M ago2:50

2:50

Grassroots football coaching can be stressful if not more than our 'day jobs' Why - because we can sometimes strive for perfectionism in ourselves which sets the same expectation for everyone else - 'this is what good looks like' and nothing else will do. Failure or losing a game is not an option....stress, stress, stress! Living with high levels o…

1
Tasha Walsh - ADHD and Grassroots Football 1:06:09

11M ago1:06:09

1:06:09

The Vault Ambassador Tasha Walsh returns to the podcast to discuss ADHD and Grassroots Football. Studies now suggest that 1 in 5 people are neurodiverse and it is becoming more apparent that ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions are more and more prevalent in the game, at all levels. FMHA Founder, Danny Matharu sits down with Tasha to discuss this…

1
Ross Preston - Challenger Mindset: Psychology, Resilience and Confidence in Grassroots Football 59:35

11M ago59:35

59:35

Ross Preston of Challenger Mindset, joins FMHA founder, Danny Matharu on this episode. Challenger Mindset is a sport psychology and mindset training consultancy founded by Ross Preston (SEPiT). Ross is passionate about empowering amateur to elite athletes and performers to manage their minds, perform to their potential and become the version of the…

1
Debbie McGough - A Parent's View: My Battles with ADHD in Grassroots Football 1:18:32

11M ago1:18:32

1:18:32

FMHA Founder, Danny Matharu meets Debbie McGough - a mum of two boys who is fighting for ADHD equality in grassroots football. It is estimated that 1 in 5 people have some form of ADHD/neurodiversity. Debbie reveals what neurodiversity is and explains what ADHD and ASD are as well as how medication works. She exposes the many difficulties neurodive…

1
Lee Wood's The Development Locker - Digital Options in Mental Health Support 1:01:11

11M ago1:01:11

1:01:11

FMHA founder, Danny Matharu guests on Lee Wood's "Development Locker" Podcast. Lee is the Player Care Manager at Wigan Athletic F.C. His role is developing their current Academy Players and supporting their Alumni. He's also Creative Director at The Development Locker - promoting the continual development journey of Academy players in the UK. In th…

1
Johnnie Lowery - "Match Fit" 1:04:51

11M ago1:04:51

1:04:51

The Football Mental Health Alliance founder, Danny Matharu talks to Johnnie Lowery, an author and keen football fan, following England and Sutton United home and away. Danny and Johnnie speak about his new book, 'Match Fit' and the stigma of mental health in football, covering some common mental health conditions that occur in football, what challe…

1
Martin Roberts: A Walk In My Shoes 48:38

1y ago48:38

48:38

This episode is a recording of a webinar from The Football Mental Health Alliance, delivered by Martin Roberts. Martin Roberts is one of the UK's leading experts in the lived mental health experience. A teenage survivor of the Hillsborough disaster, Martin shares his vulnerability by speaking openly about that fateful day and how unbeknown to him, …

1
Be Curious, Not Judgemental: Embracing Empathy for Mental Health as Inspired by Ted Lasso 3:53

1y ago3:53

3:53

You may or may not be aware of the hit series, Ted Lasso – it’s won tons of awards and is a heartwarming comedy-drama television series that follows the journey of an American football coach, Ted Lasso, who is unexpectedly recruited to coach an English Premier League ‘soccer’ team, AFC Richmond, despite having no prior experience with the sport.…

1
Protected Characteristics Under UK Law 3:55

1y ago3:55

3:55

The nine protected characteristics under UK law are outlined in the Equality Act 2010.By Danny Matharu

1
Possible Signs of ADHD 2:29

1y ago2:29

2:29

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurological condition that impacts behavioural tendencies. Appropriate understanding, support and sometimes, medication can serve as effective management strategies.By Danny Matharu

1
“How can I make it pro?” 1:51

1y ago1:51

1:51

Guest post from Steven Caulker. Professional footballer, Steven Caulker has 13+ years experience of playing top-flight football in England, Scotland & Turkey. Amongst others has played for QPR, Southampton Liverpool and Spurs as well as at international level for Sierra Leone. Steven now also heads up ‘Behind the White Lines’, a unique aftercare ac…

1
Things not to say to someone with ADHD 3:23

1y ago3:23

3:23

Having ADHD is demanding. It takes tremendous energy to function in the workplace/school/college/university and in ‘normal’ day-to-day life. It’s essential to be mindful of your words when talking to someone about it. Specific phrases can be particularly unhelpful, or even hurtful, to someone with ADHD and it’s essential to be aware of them.…

1
Tasha Walsh Talks Neurodiversity 48:53

1+ y ago48:53

48:53

In this insightful podcast episode, the discussion revolves around the importance of understanding the unique strengths and requirements of neurodiverse individuals and refraining from hasty judgments when encountering behaviour deviating from societal expectations. This impactful episode is packed with valuable takeaways that will open your eyes t…

1
Tips to help you overcome the fear of failure 1:11

1+ y ago1:11

1:11

Overcoming a fear of failure can be a challenging process, but there are steps you can take to help you manage and reduce your fear:By Danny Matharu

1
Tips on how to manage your thoughts 2:34

1+ y ago2:34

2:34

Managing thoughts and challenging unhelpful thoughts is essential for grassroots footballers to improve their mental game, stay motivated, and maintain a positive attitude. Here are some strategies to help manage thoughts and challenge unhelpful ones:By Danny Matharu

1
How coaches can support their players to manage worry 1:02

1+ y ago1:02

1:02

ENCOURAGE Encourage them to talk openly and honestly about their concerns, fears, and worries. IDENTIFY Help them to identify the source of their worry and develop strategies to address it. GUIDANCE Offer them guidance and support to develop and practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation. S…

1
Box Breathing 1:30

1+ y ago1:30

1:30

Box breathing, also known as four-square breathing or square breathing, is a simple yet effective breathing technique often used to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve focus.By Danny Matharu

1
How to check in on your mental health 2:00

1+ y ago2:00

2:00

It's very important to check in regularly with your own mental health. It can help you identify any concerns early on. If you're not checking in on your mental health regularly, you might not notice something until it's severe. By checking in regularly, you can learn to sense better how you are feeling and what could be causing you to feel that way…

1
How to teach players to challenge their negative thoughts 2:48

1+ y ago2:48

2:48

As a grassroots football coach, your role extends beyond teaching technical skills and tactics; it also involves supporting your players' mental well-being. One significant aspect of mental well-being is addressing and overcoming negative thoughts, which can hinder a player's performance on and off the pitch. In this article, we will explore five s…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Alliance Of American Football Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide