Best Danny Matharu Podcasts (2025)

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The Secret Referee: When Adults Destroy What Children Build 6:58

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1d ago6:58

6:58

Every weekend, I watch the same scenario unfold. A young referee – 15, maybe 16 years old – walks onto the pitch. Recently trained, nervous as hell, giving up their weekends so your child can play football. They’re hesitant with decisions. They don’t blow the whistle with confidence. They go with the shout because they’re still learning what match …

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Why ‘Difficult Behaviour’ Might Actually Be Unmet Neurodivergent Needs 2:14

19d ago2:14

2:14

You’re seeing it more and more. Players who “won’t listen.” Kids who “act out.” Behaviour that disrupts sessions. Coaches are frustrated. Parents/carers/guardians are defensive. Everyone’s stuck. Here’s what’s actually happening. Mentioned in this episode: The Football Mental Health Alliance Neurodiversity, Mental Health & Safeguarding Academy The …

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What Parents Are Starting to Google (And What It Means For Your Football Club) 6:35

19d ago6:35

6:35

The game is changing. Parents/carers/guardians (PCGs) are educating themselves. And clubs aren’t keeping up. Here’s what’s coming. What PCGs Are Searching For Google Trends tells a clear story. Searches for “reasonable adjustments grassroots football” are climbing. “Equality Act youth sports” – rising. “Neurodiversity discrimination” – rising. “Can…

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The Document That Prevents Your Club From Breaching the Equality Act 3:10

19d ago3:10

3:10

Most clubs are one complaint away from a serious problem. Not because they’re doing anything malicious. But because they can’t prove they’ve done anything at all. Here’s the document that protects you. Mentioned in this episode: The Football Mental Health Alliance Neurodiversity, Mental Health & Safeguarding Academy The only ongoing support system …

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The Equality Act Obligation Most Grassroots Clubs Don’t Know They Have 5:10

19d ago5:10

5:10

The Equality Act 2010 has been law for fifteen years. Most grassroots clubs still don’t understand their obligations. Here’s what you need to know. What the Law Actually Says Under the Equality Act, clubs have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled players. Neurodivergence can be considered a disability. ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dy…

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Why Facebook Football Groups Can't Solve Your Neurodiversity and Mental Health Questions 2:08

19d ago2:08

2:08

You’ve got a question. A challenge. A situation you don’t know how to handle. So where do you go? Facebook groups. Thousands of them. Tens of thousands of members. And within three replies, Dave shows up. Where Grassroots Football is Going For Help When you need advice, the options are limited. There’s no ongoing support system. The one-off trainin…

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Introducing the Neurodiversity, Mental Health & Safeguarding Academy 14:48

28d ago14:48

14:48

Grassroots football clubs are struggling. Coaches work in isolation. Welfare officers lack ongoing support. Parents feel frustrated and helpless. And despite good intentions, one-off e-learning courses and workshops aren't creating the lasting change clubs desperately need. In this episode, we explore the critical gaps in how grassroots football cu…

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Unmasking Neurodiversity in Football with Dr. Fleur-Michelle Coiffait 1:17:43

2M ago1:17:43

1:17:43

Meet Dr Fleur-Michelle Coiffait: clinical psychologist, founder and advocate for neurodiversity. With nearly two decades of experience, Fleur has worked across the NHS, private, and charitable sectors, specialising in autism, ADHD, and learning differences. She’s also neurodivergent herself and a parent to a neurodivergent child, bringing both prof…

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The Grassroots Referee Mental Health Crisis: Why We Can’t Cope Our Way Out of a Broken System 7:39

2M ago7:39

7:39

Fellow referees, let’s be brutally honest about what’s happening to us. You know the routine. Another weekend, another match where you’ll be screamed at, questioned, insulted and quite possibly threatened. You’ll drive home alone, replaying every decision, wondering if you made the right calls, and asking yourself why you put up with this treatment…

1
Match Day Mental Health 14:24

2M ago14:24

14:24

From pressure to performance: Match day brings a unique energy to grassroots football. The anticipation, excitement, and yes - the pressure- can create a perfect storm of emotions for players, parents/carers/guardians (PCGs), coaches and spectators alike. Learning to navigate match day mentally isn't about eliminating these feelings; it's about cha…

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Referees' Wellbeing: Dealing with Criticism and Maintaining Confidence 21:20

2M ago21:20

21:20

If you're listening to this as a football official, you already know what others might not fully understand: officiating is one of the most mentally challenging roles in grassroots football. You make split-second decisions under intense scrutiny, manage conflict between emotional participants and maintain fairness while facing criticism from multip…

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How Pressure Affects Coaches’ Mental Health 15:56

2M ago15:56

15:56

In grassroots football, there’s a troubling paradox that can affect coaches’ mental health. The coaches who follow best practices – those focusing on player development, long-term growth and enjoyment over immediate results – often face more criticism and pressure from parents/carers/guardians (PCGs) than those who prioritise winning at all costs. …

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The Kindness Goal 10:06

3M ago10:06

10:06

Football is full of goals – scoring them, preventing them, celebrating them. Here's a different type of goal that can boost mental wellbeing for everyone in your football community: The Kindness Goal. Research shows that acts of kindness don't just help the receiver – they actually boost the mental health and happiness of the person giving. In foot…

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All Footballers Experience: Anxiety - Newcastle United 31:40

3M ago31:40

31:40

"All Footballers Experience: Anxiety" transforms how we teach children about mental health through storytelling and trust. Following young Newcastle fan Jude's magical journey, readers meet their heroes in a new light - not as untouchable superstars, but as understanding mentors who share their own experiences with anxiety. Through Anthony Gordon's…

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The Power of Gratitude: How It Helps Your Mind 5:27

5M ago5:27

5:27

Let's get one thing straight: we're not about to tell you to "just be grateful" when you're struggling, or suggest that positive thinking can solve all your problems. That's not what gratitude practice is about, and frankly, that kind of advice can be pretty unhelpful when you're dealing with real challenges.…

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Five Ways to Boost Your Mood on Tough Days 5:27

5M ago5:27

5:27

We've all been there. You wake up and everything just feels... off. Maybe you've got a work deadline looming, your family is getting on your nerves, household responsibilities are piling up, or you're just having one of those days where your brain seems determined to focus on everything that's going wrong. Some days, even getting out of bed feels l…

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Understanding Mental Health in Grassroots Football 5:27

5M ago5:27

5:27

What Actually Is Mental Health? When you hear “mental health,” what comes to mind? If you’re picturing someone having a complete breakdown on the touchline or a player who can’t cope with pressure, you’re not alone – but you’re also missing the bigger picture. Mental health isn’t just about mental illness, and it definitely isn’t just about feeling…

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Silent Battles: The Reality of Autism Beyond Stereotypes 2:44

8M ago2:44

2:44

I might not seem autistic, but that doesn’t mean it affects me any less. On the outside, I might look like everybody else, but inside my own head, it's a completely different story.By Danny Matharu

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Ask, don't tell: A different approach to coaching young players with ADHD 3:52

8M ago3:52

3:52

Understanding ADHD in Grassroots Football Coaching all young players in grassroots football requires patience, adaptability and an understanding of how different children learn and respond to instructions.By Danny Matharu

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Understanding Neurodiversity: A Guide for Neurotypical Players Supporting Their Neurodiverse Teammates 9:17

8M ago9:17

9:17

Do your players sometimes struggle to understand their neurodiverse teammate's needs? Creating an environment where neurotypical players comprehend and support neurodiversity within the team is essential for building genuine inclusion, empathy and compassion throughout the squad.By Danny Matharu

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What ADHD Actually Means 1:37

8M ago1:37

1:37

If you ask a doctor or read a medical book, it will define ADHD as a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by traits of impulsivity, forgetfulness, and disorganisation.By Danny Matharu

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Is Neurodiversity a Mental Health Condition? 5:27

8M ago5:27

5:27

Neurodiversity refers to natural variations in brain development and function, not a mental health condition.By Danny Matharu

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Living with ADHD feels like life is on hard mode 1:40

8M ago1:40

1:40

Living with ADHD feels like life is on hard mode. It's as if my brain is ruled by a never-ending pursuit of dopamine - always chasing that next hit of excitement, stimulation, or novelty.By Danny Matharu

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Physical Reset Routine for Footballers 6:03

8M ago6:03

6:03

Mistakes are inevitable in football. Whether it's a misplaced pass, a missed tackle or a squandered scoring opportunity, how players respond to these moments can define their performance.By Danny Matharu

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Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria in Grassroots Football 3:32

8M ago3:32

3:32

As a grassroots football coach, I've seen how Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) can significantly impact players with ADHD.By Danny Matharu

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Joy Supression in Autism 3:19

8M ago3:19

3:19

This story was found on Reddit and highlights how the suppression of authentic emotional expression in neurodivergent youth doesn't simply fade away - it evolves into profound communication barriers in adulthood. When children, particularly those with autism, are consistently taught that their natural expressions of joy or excitement are "too much,…

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Jennie Smith of Safeguarding Today - "Be More Like Gary Lineker at the 1990 World Cup." 1:11:55

8M ago1:11:55

1:11:55

In this episode, Danny sits down with Jennie Smith, Director of Safeguarding Today to explore the crucial role of safeguarding in football, from grassroots to the professional game. Jennie shares insights from her extensive experience, including her background as a criminal barrister and prosecutor, and her work leading safeguarding education for t…

1
Understanding Neurodiversity in Grassroots Football 20:51

8M ago20:51

20:51

This episode draws on the expertise of our comprehensive training course designed for coaches, players, referees, parents/carers, and volunteers - Understanding Neurodiversity in Grassroots Football. In this episode, we delve into what neurodiversity means – the different ways the brain can work and interpret information, highlighting that people t…

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The First Two Chapters of the MUFC Version of 'All Footballers Experience: Anxiety' 21:31

10M ago21:31

21:31

Jude's story is in All Footballers Experience: Anxiety, a groundbreaking children's book that follows the journey of the protagonist, a young Man United fan whose love for football is being challenged by an unwelcome companion - the Worry Monster. This antagonist, a manifestation of anxiety that children can visualise and understand, has been makin…

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'All Footballers Experience: Anxiety' - Manchester United 16:35

10M ago16:35

16:35

A children's book where Manchester United stars teach young fans about anxiety through magical storytelling and practical techniques. All Footballers Experience brings mental health education to life through vibrant, child-friendly illustrations. It's a groundbreaking children's book that follows the journey of the protagonist, Jude/Isabella, a you…

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Jonathan Cotterill-Bolsover - Safe Spaces: Mental Health and Player Care in Football 1:09:11

11M ago1:09:11

1:09:11

In this episode of The Football Mental Health Alliance Podcast, Jon shares his remarkable 15-year journey in football, covering roles from coaching and player care to leadership positions. Jon discusses his passion for holistic player care, blending psychology, coaching, and strength training to support players on and off the pitch. He reflects on …

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Brad Burton - The UK's Number 1 Motivational Speaker 58:39

11M ago58:39

58:39

Brad Burton is the UK’s number one motivational speaker, renowned for his no-nonsense, straight-talking approach that inspires audiences to take action and transform their lives. As the founder of the UK’s largest business network, 4Networking, Brad has built a career on empowering individuals to achieve success through resilience, grit, and authen…

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90 Minutes to Tackle the Male Suicide Crisis 1:32:17

11M ago1:32:17

1:32:17

The tragic, recent news of young grassroots footballers Jack Badger (24) and Riley Townsend (12) who both died by suicide have brought the crisis we face in society closer to the coal face of grassroots football. These two tragedies are not isolated. The silence around male mental health is deafening, and it’s costing lives. We believe that the foo…

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All Footballers Experience: Anxiety 17:01

12M ago17:01

17:01

All Footballers Experience brings mental health education to life through vibrant, child-friendly illustrations. It's a groundbreaking children's book that follows the journey of the protagonist, Jude, a young Arsenal fan whose love for football is being challenged by an unwelcome companion - the Worry Monster. This antagonist, a manifestation of a…

1
Job Titles... 3:11

1y ago3:11

3:11

Job titles - something I've never been bothered about and something I've never really understood. At what point do you become a CEO etc?By Danny Matharu

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LinkedIn and all the guff that's on there... 3:16

1y ago3:16

3:16

LinkedIn is full of guff. People write a load of crap and have hundreds of comments on there agreeing and congratulating them on a 'great post!' I have come to the conclusion that it must be me that different from the rest, as to me the majority of it is a load of tosh.By Danny Matharu

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Showing up is hard... 1:28

1y ago1:28

1:28

Showing up is hard and I understand why most people do not do it.By Danny Matharu

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Football Fandom: More Than Just a Game - A Lifeline for Young Men's Mental Health 7:23

1y ago7:23

7:23

In today’s fast-paced world, young men face unique pressures that can negatively impact their mental health. So, with the new football season upon us, it is the perfect moment to explore how the beautiful game can boost not only young men’s physical fitness, but also their mental health and well-being. Having spent many a Saturday night in the pub …

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Julian Kynaston - The 48 Symptoms of Menopause 6:54

1y ago6:54

6:54

Julian Kynaston is the Chair of GenM, the menopause partner for brands. GenM, founded by Heather Jackson and Sam Siminster, empowers its Collective to better serve the unmet needs of the 1 billion global menopausal audience, too often overlooked and underserved. A self-proclaimed feminist, Julian aims to debunk myths and open up crucial conversatio…

1
How untreated depression affected my performance… 1:24

1y ago1:24

1:24

Vault Ambassador Steven Caulker outlines how untreated depression affected his performance.By Danny Matharu

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NHS 111 offers new mental health service 1:29

1y ago1:29

1:29

The NHS in England has expanded its 111 service to include dedicated mental health support, providing a crucial lifeline for those in crisis. This service connects callers to local mental health professionals, available 24/7, who can offer immediate assessments, deploy crisis teams and guide individuals to appropriate local resources. This move pla…

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Simon York - Referees' Mental Health Challenges in Grassroots Football 1:21:58

1y ago1:21:58

1:21:58

Simon York is a dedicated father of four neurodivergent children and a committed carer to his wife, who has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Despite his own challenges, including being disabled with prolapsed discs and a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) following a neurological stroke in June 2023, Simon remains deeply passionate about di…

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

1+ y 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…

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

1+ y 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.…

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ADHD Tips from real people on the internet 3:51

1+ y 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 …

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

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

1+ y 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…

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

1+ y 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
Steve Whittle - Tough to Talk 58:41

1+ y 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

1+ y 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…