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!

In this episode of The Women’s Football Hub, host Sarah Thorne sits down with the brilliant Michelle Lyons, physiotherapist, educator, and global women’s health advocate. Together, they dive into one of the most important—and often overlooked—aspects of female athlete wellbeing: pelvic health and hormonal changes across the lifespan.

From menstrual health and RED-s to perimenopause and injury prevention, Michelle shares evidence-based insights that every player, coach, and club needs to hear. Whether you're managing young athletes at puberty or supporting rec-league players in their 40s, this episode is packed with practical advice, compassionate understanding, and game-changing strategies to help keep women and girls in football for life.

• Why pelvic health matters for footballers of all ages

• Understanding the impact of hormonal changes from puberty to perimenopause

• The crucial role of strength training in reducing injury risk and improving performance

• How to identify early signs of RED-s and low energy availability

• Stress, sleep, and gut health: The invisible influences on injury and performance

• Empowering coaches to create safe environments for honest health conversations

• Screening tools, resources, and tips for implementation in grassroots clubs

Michelle Lyons is an internationally recognised physiotherapist with over 30 years of experience, specialising in pelvic health, women’s health, and integrative rehabilitation. She is part of FIFA’s Female Health Working Group and a passionate advocate for keeping women in sport by removing taboo and stigma around the female body. She also delivers postgraduate courses for healthcare professionals and frequently shares her wisdom via social media and podcasts.

📱 Find Michelle on Instagram: @MichelleLyons_Muliebrity

💬 Loved this episode? Don’t forget to rate, review, and share the podcast to help us spread the word about evidence-based support for women in football.

🛍️ And check out our brand new merch store at womensfootballhub.com — every purchase supports our non-profit mission to grow the game for girls and women, from the grassroots up!

🎙 Guest: Dr. Serena MacLeod (Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist) 🎙 Host: Dr. Ian Cookson

In this episode, Dr. Ian Cookson sits down with Dr. Serena MacLeod to discuss the psychological challenges athletes face when recovering from serious injuries. Drawing from her experience with Reading Women’s Football Club and other elite sports, Serena shares insights on identity loss, mental resilience, and the stages of grief that injured players go through.

⚽ Identity & Mental Health: The psychological impact of being sidelined and how injuries challenge an athlete’s sense of self. ⚽ Stages of Grief in Recovery: How players experience denial, frustration, isolation, and, ultimately, acceptance. ⚽ Reintegration into Football: The mental barriers players face when returning to play, including fear of re-injury. ⚽ Role of Coaches & Support Systems: How clubs, teammates, and family can help athletes navigate recovery. ⚽ Mental Strategies for Recovery: Techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Compassion-Focused Therapy to support injured players.

✅ Support is Everything: Players need strong social support from teammates, coaches, and family to avoid isolation. ✅ Every Injury Experience is Unique: Mental responses to injury vary, so recovery plans should be individualized. ✅ Fear of Re-Injury is Real: Many players struggle mentally even after physical recovery – psychological support is crucial. ✅ Mental Health Risks: Injuries can lead to depression, anxiety, and even disordered eating if not properly managed.

🌍 Website: CognitivePerformanceSport.com 📲 Instagram: @cognitiveperformancesport

🎧 Listen Now! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms.

In this episode, Carolyn Kent welcomes a special co-host, Emily Howarth, an MSc Physiotherapy student, for her first podcast appearance! Together, they interview Erin Griffiths, a PhD researcher working with Manchester United on ACL injury risk factors in women's football. Erin shares her academic journey, her transition into research, and what it's like conducting an industry-based PhD in a professional football environment.

Whether you're interested in sports science, women's football, injury prevention, or pursuing a PhD, this episode has valuable insights on navigating academia and sports research.

🔹 Erin’s Background & Research Journey – How she moved from an MSc in Medical Sciences to a PhD focused on ACL injuries in women's football. 🔹 Why Women's Football? – The gaps in research and why she chose to focus on female athletes. 🔹 Challenges in PhD Research – Ethics, adapting research methods, and working in an elite sports environment. 🔹 ACL Injury Risk Factors – Monitoring muscle strength, movement quality, and hormonal changes in female footballers. 🔹 Industry-Based PhD vs. Academic PhD – Working within a professional football club while conducting research. 🔹 Funding & Application Process – Advice for students considering a PhD, including securing funding and writing strong proposals. 🔹 Balancing Research & Personal Life – How Erin manages the demands of PhD research, club work, and her own well-being.

✅ Building Relationships is Key – Researching in a professional club requires strong communication skills. ✅ Expect Research to Evolve – Initial plans often change, so adaptability is crucial. ✅ PhDs are Challenging but Rewarding – You need to be passionate about your topic to sustain long-term motivation. ✅ Women’s Football Needs More Research – Now is the time to contribute to evidence-based practices in the sport. ✅ Networking is Essential – Use LinkedIn and reach out to professionals in your field.

🔗 LinkedIn: Erin Griffiths (Search her name!)

🔗 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Podbean 📢 Follow Women’s Football Hub for more insightful episodes on research, injury prevention, and performance in women’s football.

📲 Connect with us on Social Media! 🌍 Twitter: @_WFootballhub 📸 Instagram: @Womens.Football.Hub 🎥 TikTok: @Womens.Football.Hub

🎙️ Interested in PhD research or ACL injury prevention? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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

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.

✅ 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

⚽ 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.

📚 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 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

🎙 Guest: Dr. Amanda Jagielo 🎤 Host: Carolyn Kent

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.

⚽ 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.

📌 LinkedIn: Dr. Amanda Jagielo 📌 Twitter: @TheVeganAT 📌 Live Presentation: Isokinetic Conference, Madrid, 2-5th May 2025

🎧 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

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.

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.

• 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

🔗 Watch the Toolkit on YouTube: [Insert YouTube link] 🎧 Listen on Spotify/Apple Podcasts: [Insert podcast feed link] 🌐 Follow Mark McGuigan: @WGCmentalhealth | www.willowgrove.consulting

Follow us on social media for more tools, episodes, and updates: 📸 Instagram & TikTok: @womens.football.hub 🐦 X (Twitter): @_WFootballhub 📘 Facebook | 🧵 Threads | 🔗 LinkedIn | 🌐 womensfootballhub.com