Episode 9

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Published on:

11th Dec 2023

Alex Walmsley - Resilience and Connection: A Journey Through Grief and Football

Alex Walmsley is not just another name in grassroots football; he is a symbol of resilience, community, and the transformative power of football.

In this profound episode of The Football Mental Health Alliance Podcast, we delve into the heartfelt story of Alex Walmsley, Chairman of Sands United, West Yorkshire. Alex shares his deeply personal journey of coping with the loss of three babies in separate pregnancies and how this led to the creation of a football team as a unique outlet for grief and support for men facing similar situations.

Starting the team in 2020 amidst the challenges of the pandemic, Alex discusses how the initiative grew, offering a space for players to grieve through football. He touches on the significance of acknowledging and processing emotions, especially challenging the traditional male stereotype of stoicism.

We also explore the wider impact of his work, including the recent recognition from Sky Bet, and how such accolades have helped in spreading awareness and providing support to more individuals dealing with baby loss.

This episode is not just a tale of personal resilience but also a testament to the power of football in creating supportive communities and challenging the norms around men's mental health.

Alex's story is a compelling reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of addressing mental health issues head-on, especially within the grassroots football community.

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About the Podcast

The Football Mental Health Alliance
Mental Health Tools for Grassroots Football
The Football Mental Health Alliance podcast is dedicated to delving into the topic of mental health in the football world. Each episode features well-known experts and ex-professional athletes who share their knowledge and personal experiences with mental health. Our guests will provide advice and insights on how to support yourself or those in your care who may be experiencing mental health conditions. 

This podcast is for you if you are a fan of professional football clubs, a member of a football community, or involved in grassroots football at any level. We believe that mental health is an important topic that deserves to be addressed and understood in all aspects of the football world.

We will cover a wide range of mental health topics in each episode. Our guests will share their experiences and provide practical advice on how to deal with these challenges while also supporting those around you.

So come along with us as we investigate the relationship between mental health and football. Listen to our podcast to gain valuable insights, helpful tips, and important information that can assist you or someone you care about in managing their mental health and thriving both on and off the pitch.

About your host

Profile picture for Danny Matharu

Danny Matharu

Actor. Model. Stable Genius. Public Figure. Social Influencer.


Not really... I'm simply someone who is interested in personal development and learning how people have become successful.


The road to success is often a lonely, narrow one, littered with mistakes, learnings, scars and disappointments.


This project is purely a selfish one. It gives me a reason to get myself in front of people who have walked the Narrow Road and learn from them. With this, I reckon that I find this type of person interesting, then other people will also.