Episode 6

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Published on:

5th Feb 2025

'All Footballers Experience: Anxiety' - Manchester United

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 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 making Jude's/Belle's favourite activities feel increasingly difficult. Even the simple joy of playing football in the park with friends has become daunting as the Worry Monster whispers doubts and fears into Jude's/Belle's mind.

However, upon meeting Man United stars like Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo, the story takes a hopeful turn. These real-life heroes step in to help Jude/Belle recognise the Worry Monster for what it truly is - a voice that can be challenged and quieted. Through their own experiences and insights, they teach practical techniques like box breathing, the Body Boss and the Traffic Light Method enabling Jude/Belle to learn about nerves and anxiety.

Together, they empower Jude/Belle to reclaim their joy and return to playing football with newfound resilience and self-belief.

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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.