#084 Pregnancy and return to sport post partum with Dr Sinead Dufour

#084 Pregnancy and return to sport post partum with Dr Sinead Dufour

In this episode, Carolyn Kent speaks with Dr Sinead Dufour about pregnancy and return to play in elite sport, with a focus on new research from the FIFA Female Health Project. Together, they explore how practitioners can move away from overly cautious, time-based restrictions and instead use evidence-informed decision aids to support athletes through pregnancy and postpartum. The discussion highlights the importance of individualised care, multidisciplinary support, and maintaining athlete wellbeing throughout the perinatal period. Key topics include risk management, training modifications, mental health, pelvic health, nutrition, the concept of the fourth trimester, and stepwise return-to-play frameworks after childbirth. This episode provides practical insights for those working with female athletes and offers a clear pathway for supporting players during one of the most complex stages of their careers. #WomensFootball #FemaleHealth #SportsMedicine #ReturnToPlay #PerinatalAthletes #FIFAResearch #AthleteCare #WomenInSport #PerformanceHealth

#083 Disordered eating with Dr Carly Perry

Disordered eating is more common in women’s football than many people realise, yet it is frequently misunderstood, normalised or missed entirely. In this episode, Carolyn Kent is joined by Dr Carly Perry to explore the complex relationship between food, performance and mental health in the women’s game. They unpack the difference between disordered eating and eating disorders, highlighting why this distinction is crucial for appropriate support and intervention. The conversation dives into the cultural and environmental factors that increase vulnerability, including injury, performance pressure, body composition monitoring and the growing influence of social media. Dr Perry shares insights from her research with professional players, revealing how behaviours such as restrictive eating, food control and obsessive tracking can become embedded in football environments. The discussion also explores how short-term performance improvements can reinforce unhealthy patterns, before longer-term physical and psychological consequences emerge. Importantly, this episode offers practical reflections for coaches, support staff and teammates on how to recognise early signs and create safer, more supportive environments. A must-listen for anyone involved in women’s football or athlete wellbeing. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. #WomensFootball #DisorderedEating #SportsPsychology #FemaleAthletes #AthleteWellbeing #FootballCulture #MentalHealthInSport #Coaching #Performance

#082 Sex differences after ACL reconstruction with Dr Anne Leung

In this episode of Women’s Football Hub, Carolyn Kent sits down with Dr. Anne Leung to discuss sex differences in outcomes following ACL reconstruction, and what they mean for athletes and clinicians working in women’s sport. Dr. Leung shares insights from her PhD research on quadriceps neuromuscular performance, highlighting key areas where female athletes tend to face greater challenges during and after rehabilitation. From persistent strength deficits and lower return-to-sport rates to psychological readiness and long-term physical activity levels, this episode provides a comprehensive look at what the evidence currently tells us — and where gaps still remain. The conversation also tackles common misconceptions, including the role of hormonal cycles in training, and explores how rehabilitation environments, training history, and potential bias may influence recovery outcomes. Key themes include: * Sex differences in strength, function, and return to sport * The importance of quadriceps strength in successful recovery * Psychological factors including fear, confidence, and readiness * Late-stage rehab challenges and long-term health implications * The need for individualised but informed rehabilitation approaches This episode is essential for practitioners, athletes, and anyone interested in improving outcomes in women’s sport rehabilitation. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. #ACLReconstruction #WomensSport #SportsRehab #FemaleAthletes #Physiotherapy #SportsMedicine #InjuryRecovery

#081 Team Resilience in Women’s Football – with Dr Adrienn Szabadics

In this episode of the Women's Football Hub psychology series, host Dr Ian Cookson welcomes Dr Adrienn Szabadics, Chartered Sport Psychologist and researcher in team resilience. Dr Szabadics shares insights from her research on resilience within elite women’s football environments. They discuss: • Why team resilience is a psychosocial process, not just a collection of resilient individuals • Organisational and on‑pitch stressors unique to women’s football • Emotional contagion how panic or confidence spreads through a squad • The importance of intentional team identity and high‑quality relationships • The role of shared leadership (motivational, tactical, social, and external leaders) • How coaches can actively prepare teams for adversity, setbacks, and pressure moments • Why resilience must be continuously developed not assumed This episode will benefit coaches, parents, practitioners, and players wanting a deeper understanding of how teams navigate pressure and maintain cohesion in challenging environments. Hashtags #womensfootball #teamresilience #sportpsychology #footballresearch #eliteperformance #leadershipinsport #playerdevelopment #emotionalcontagion #womeninsport #WomensFootballHub

#080 The benefits of football for older women with Carol Bates

In this episode of the Women’s Football Hub podcast, host Carolyn Kent welcomes Carol Bates, founder of Old Girls Play Too and Crawley Old Girls (COGS). Carol has become one of the leading voices championing recreational football for women aged 40+, 50+, 60+ and beyond. Carol shares her journey from growing up in a generation where girls weren’t allowed to play football, to becoming a key figure helping thousands of women discover the joy of the sport later in life. Together, Carolyn and Carol explore: * How recreational football improves confidence, connection and mental wellbeing * The role of football in supporting women through peri‑menopause and menopause * Why older women are still underrepresented in team sports * Bone density, fitness, strength and the surprising long‑term health benefits * How Old Girls Play Too is inspiring a national movement * Real-life transformation stories from women of all ages and abilities * How to get started even if you’ve never kicked a ball before If you’re curious about playing football later in life, supporting older athletes, or understanding the importance of inclusive sporting spaces, this episode offers practical insight and heartfelt encouragement. Connect with Carol: Instagram: @oldgirlsplaytoo | @crawleyoldgirls LinkedIn: Carol Bates #WomensFootball #RecreationalSport #OlderWomenInSport #FootballCommunity #OldGirlsPlayToo #COGS #Women40Plus #ActiveAging #WomenInFootball