Beyond the Pitch Podcast

*In this episode, we dive into important conversations around mental health, including topics that may be sensitive for some viewers. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that help is available. Reach out to a mental health professional, talk to a trusted person, or use the resources linked below. You’re not alone, and there’s no shame in seeking support.On Episode Thirteen of the Beyond the Pitch Podcast, we were joined by Mark McGuigan. Mark is Director and Lead Mental Health Consultant at Willow Grove Consultants who provide mental health support for elite athletes. Mark discussed his mental health consulting services, the mental health challenges women in sport typically face and the resources and support systems provided. At Beyond the Pitch, we aim to shine a light on the stories and areas that don’t get told in women’s football, to fight for what’s right.Hosts - Freya Imani, Gina Burton, Angharad EvansEditor - JLove MediaGuest - Mark McGuiganView Willow Grove Consultants' Website - https://www.willowgrove.consulting/

On Episode Twelve of the Beyond the Pitch Podcast, we were joined by Helen Ward. Helen Ward has been the Head of Women’s Football at Watford since August 2023. A former professional footballer, she played for Watford from 2017 to 2023 and represented Wales internationally from 2008 to 2023. Alongside her playing career, she has been a sports journalist since 2017 and served as Watford's General Manager from 2023 to 2024.Helen is deeply committed to advancing women's football, actively collaborating with key organisations in her role to drive meaningful growth and development in the sport.At Beyond the Pitch, we aim to shine a light on the stories and areas that don’t get told in women’s football, to fight for what’s right.Hosts - Daisy Goodhand, Emmy Somauroo, Freya Imani Editor - JLove MediaGuest - Helen WardFind Helen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenwardmedia/

On Episode Eleven of the Beyond the Pitch Podcast, we were joined by Samuel Fagerholm. Samuel is a 32-year-old football coach with a UEFA Pro License and professional experience in Sweden and Finland. Having worked in both national team and club environments, he is dedicated to maximising each player's potential by fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere. Passionate about leadership and the game, Samuel is committed to continuous learning and development in his coaching journey.At Beyond the Pitch, we aim to shine a light on the stories and areas that don’t get told in women’s football, to fight for what’s right.Hosts - Daisy Goodhand, Freya Imani, Eloise Smallbone Editor - JOE Productions Guest - Samuel Fagerholm Find Samuel on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-fagerholm-5b2643189/Follow JOE Productions on instagram at @j.o.e_productions

On Episode Ten of the Beyond the Pitch Podcast, we were joined by Chloe Watts. Chloe, a Bristol Rovers fan from childhood, joined the 'Her Game Too' team two years ago, wanting to help make a difference in society. For the last year, she has been the advocate for the Bristol Rovers Women’s Team, helping host dedicated fixtures and promoting equality. Chloe shared an amazing karaoke story featuring the Gas Girls' captain, discussed the influence of the Lionesses, her aspirations for Her Game Too, and much more!At Beyond the Pitch, we aim to shine a light on the stories and areas that don’t get told in women’s football, to fight for what’s right.Hosts - Finley Chung, Mia ElmoreEditor - JOE Productions Guest - Chloe WattsFind Chloe on Instagram & X - @ChloeWatts_10Her Game Too - https://x.com/HerGameTooFollow JOE Productions on instagram at @j.o.e_productions

On Episode Nine of the Beyond the Pitch Podcast, we were joined by Ex England International Footballer Chantel Woodhead. Chantel played at several clubs in her career, including Doncaster Belles, Everton Ladies and Leeds United Ladies. She is an FA Cup, League Cup and League winner, even making her international debut for England. After hanging up her boots she set up ‘On Your Feet’, a safe and confidential outlet designed for footballers to support them with the mental side of the game off the pitch. In our conversation, Chantel shared insights into her playing career, including a disagreement that saw her axed from the England squad. Chantel also discussed the importance of mental health and the work she is doing to address concerns of player’s mental wellbeing, based on her own experiences. At Beyond the Pitch, we aim to shine a light on the stories and areas that don’t get told in women’s football, to fight for what’s right.Hosts - Daisy Goodhand, Finley Chung and Neve Wilkins Editor - JOE Productions Guest - Chantel Woodhead Find Chantel on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantel-woodhead-b7543a100/Find ‘On Your Feet’ on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/onyourfeet.uk/Follow JOE Productions on instagram at @j.o.e_productions

On Episode Eight of the Beyond the Pitch Podcast, we were joined by George Sullivan and Natalie Busher. George and Natalie are passionate Arsenal Women fans, actively involved with the Red and White, and each host their own women’s football podcasts.In our conversation, they shared insights into how women’s football positively impacts mental health and fosters social connections. Both courageously spoke about their own mental health challenges and how the sport has transformed their lives.George also offered valuable perspectives on his experience as a blind football fan, shedding light on accessibility in the women’s game. At Beyond the Pitch, we aim to shine a light on the stories and areas that don’t get told in women’s football, to fight for what’s right.Hosts - Daisy Goodhand and Aimee-Lou CaldecourtEditor - Freya ImaniGuests - George Sullivan and Natalie BusherNatalie’s podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4ntZkNhVn9pfT6b0UTDqlbGeorge’s podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@the_all_sports_bar_cafe

On Episode Seven of the Beyond the Pitch Podcast, we were joined by Farah Chowdhury, Nirali Sisodia and Aman Dosanj.Farah is chair of the Arsenal Women Supporters Club and uses her platform to spotlight important stories and address relevant issues. Nirali hosts an incredible podcast of her own called the Kickback, designed to break the barriers for South Asians in sport and answer the deeper questions in women’s sports. Aman played as a goalkeeper professionally when she was younger, and became the first British South Asian footballer to represent England at any level.We discussed the importance of South Asian Heritage Month, the need for representation and diversity and allyship within the women’s game and wider society.At Beyond the Pitch, we aim to shine a light on the stories and areas that don’t get told in women’s football, to fight for what’s right.Hosts - Daisy Goodhand and Lily YoungEditor - J.O.E Productions Guests - Farah Chowdhury, Nirali Sisodia and Aman DosanjThe incredible team at JOE Productions are responsible for the editing of this podcast.You can find them on instagram at @j.o.e_productions to view more and contact further. Nirali’s podcast - @thekiickback on InstagramPhoto Credit - Meg Froehler

On Episode Six of the Beyond the Pitch Podcast, we are joined by Leicester City defender, Sophie Howard .Sophie is enterting her fifth season with Leicester and her sixth in England after moving over from Germany. She is also a member of Common Goal, a strategy that aims to use football as a tool to progress social change. Sophie talks about her mental health journey in her life and how it impacted her playing career, her views on the stratospheric rise of Women's Football and playing in different cultures.At Beyond the Pitch, we aim to shine a light on the stories and areas that don’t get told in Women’s Football, to fight for what’s right.Hosts - Lily Young and Finley ChungEditor - J.O.E ProductionsGuest - Sophie Howard

On Episode Five of the Beyond the Pitch Podcast, the Beyond the Pitch team were joined by Kaylan Marckese. Kaylan Marckese is a former Arsenal player and currently plays as a goalkeeper for Tampa Bay Sun FC in the USL Super League. Kaylan spoke to us about her ACL recovery process, playing in different leagues and the growth of women's football. At Beyond the Pitch, we aim to shine a light on the stories and areas that don’t get told in Women’s Football, to fight for what’s right.Hosts - Daisy Goodhand, Lily Young, Freya Imani and Olivia GrafEditor - Olivia GrafGuest - Kaylan Marckese

On Episode Four of the Beyond the Pitch Podcast, Daisy Goodhand and Lily Young were joined by Molly Bartrip. Molly Bartrip currently plays for Tottenham Hotspur Women. Molly spoke to us about the highs and lows of her football career, her personal mental health journey, and the crucial role of advocacy both on and off the field. At Beyond the Pitch, we aim to shine a light on the stories and areas that don’t get told in Women’s Football, to fight for what’s right.Hosts - Daisy Goodhand and Lily YoungEditor - Olivia GrafGuest - Molly Bartrip