Women’s Football Hub – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Guests: Emily Shears & Dr. Jessica Beal-Stahl Host: 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 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.

🔗 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

🎙️ Host: Carolyn Kent 🎙️ Guest: Hannah Poulton, Director of HLP Therapy, Women's Health Specialist, and PhD Researcher on C-Section Scarring

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.

✅ 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

⚽ 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

📌 Follow Hannah Poulton 🔗 Instagram: @hlptherapy 🔗 YouTube: @ScarRecoveryHLPTherapy

🔗 Website: HLP Therapy – Includes blogs on return to running, pelvic floor rehab, and scar massage

💬 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!

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

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

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!

🎙 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

📢 Episode Summary In 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

🎙 Episode Title: Emerging PhD Research on Hamstring Injury & Function 👩‍⚕️ Guest: Emma Sconce, Researcher & Former Footballer 🎧 Host: Carolyn Kent

In this episode, Carolyn Kent sits down with Emma Sconce, a former footballer turned researcher, who has just completed her PhD at Sheffield Hallam University focusing on hamstring injuries and function in footballers. Emma shares insights from her journey as a player, her transition into teaching and research, and her mission to reduce injury risks in athletes.

✅ Emma’s Journey in Football: From playing in the UK to experiencing the highly physical style of the U.S. game. ✅ Hamstring Injuries in Football: Why they are so common and the impact on performance. ✅ The Rise in Hamstring Injuries: How increased workload and game frequency may be contributing to injury rates. ✅ Predicting & Preventing Injuries: Emma’s PhD research into the Nordic hamstring exercise and breakpoint angles. ✅ Introducing HAL-HAM: A new device and system designed to measure hamstring function and reduce injuries. ✅ Practical Injury Prevention Tips: What players and coaches need to do to protect against hamstring injuries.

⚽ Female players are at increasing risk of hamstring injuries – with research showing up to 12% of all football injuries involve the hamstrings. 💡 Recovery is challenging due to scar tissue and muscle weakness, increasing reinjury risk. 🦵 The Nordic hamstring exercise can reduce injury risk by up to 51% – but compliance remains an issue. 📊 Emma’s research aims to bridge the gap between science and real-world injury prevention through the HAL-HAM system.

📖 Read Emma’s latest research on hamstring injury prevention. 🔗 Follow Emma on LinkedIn & X for research updates.

🎧 Listen Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 📢 Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts using #WFHPodcast #WomensFootball #InjuryPrevention

In this episode of Women’s Football Hub Podcast, host Carolyn Kent sits down with Angela Jackson, a consultant physiotherapist and strength & conditioning expert, to dive into one of the most crucial topics in youth football—injuries in young female players.

From growth-related injuries to training loads and injury prevention, Angela shares must-know insights for coaches, parents, and players. Whether you're working with a youth team or just passionate about the game, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge!

⚽ How growth & maturation affect young female players 🚑 Common injuries in girls vs. boys & why they happen 🏃‍♀️ The dangers of early specialization & high training loads 👀 Key injury warning signs for parents & coaches 🩺 Why traditional injury advice (like “just rest”) may not work 📊 How to modify training & keep young athletes playing safely

💬 “Growth is part of the game, and it creates a dynamic challenge in youth sports. We can’t stop it, but we can manage it.” 💬 “Too much too soon is the biggest risk factor for injuries in young athletes.” 💬 “Losing a period is NEVER normal for a young female athlete. It’s a sign something is wrong.”

🔗 Visit Angela’s website: https://kidsback2sport.com/

📖 Download free injury guides: https://kidsback2sport.com/resources/

📢 Follow Women’s Football Hub for more insights: IG @womens.football.hub

🎙️ Host: Carolyn Kent 🎙️ Guest: Dr. Kerry Peek – FIFA Medical Researcher in Brain Health, Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, Former Council Chair at Sports Medicine Australia

In this episode of the Women’s Football Hub Podcast, host Carolyn Kent speaks with Dr. Kerry Peek, a leading expert in brain health, heading, and concussion in football. Dr. Peek is currently working as a FIFA medical researcher, focusing on injury prevention and brain health in football.

The conversation explores: ✅ The latest research on heading and concussion in football ✅ Differences between male and female players in heading incidents and injuries ✅ The short-term and long-term risks of heading and head injuries ✅ Why inexperienced players are at higher risk of injury ✅ The importance of coaching heading as a skill to reduce injury risk ✅ What coaches, parents, and physios need to know about concussion ✅ Why helmets & scrum caps don’t prevent concussion

🔹 Heading is a skill that must be taught properly – Poor technique and lack of coaching increase injury risk. 🔹 Timing, vision, and awareness are crucial – Players who close their eyes before impact are at a higher risk of injury. 🔹 Women and girls are more likely to be injured by the ball than men – Dr. Peek's research explores why this happens. 🔹 Concussions are preventable – Up to 70-80% of head injuries could be avoided through proper technique and decision-making. 🔹 Physiotherapists & coaches need better concussion education – If in doubt, sit them out! 🔹 Helmets and scrum caps do NOT prevent concussion – The brain still moves inside the skull during impact.

📚 FIFA Brain Health & Heading Research – Stay updated on FIFA’s latest studies. 📲 Follow Dr. Kerry Peek on LinkedIn to learn more about her research and projects. 📊 Upcoming FIFA Research Database – A global resource for heading and concussion studies.

📌 Follow Women’s Football Hub Podcast for expert insights into female football performance and injury prevention. 📌 Tag a coach, player, or physio who needs to hear this!

🎧 Listen now – Available on all major podcast platforms!

#WomensFootballHub #FootballScience #ConcussionAwareness #BrainHealth #WomenInSport #HeadingSafety #SportsPhysio #InjuryPrevention