Episode 14

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Published on:

17th Jun 2024

Finding Purpose Through Passion: Hans Cook on Mental Health and Football

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 field of chemistry to the football pitch, highlighting how his personal struggles with mental health shaped his career and advocacy.

Hans discusses:

  • Personal Journey: From earning a master's degree in chemistry and working in drug discovery to experiencing burnout and shifting his focus to mental health advocacy.
  • Football as a Support System: How football has provided a sense of community and support throughout his life, helping him navigate challenging times.
  • Mental Health in Football: The role grassroots football plays in supporting mental health, the impact of community and belonging, and the importance of creating safe and welcoming environments in sports.
  • Challenges and Barriers: Addressing the stigmas and pressures in football regarding mental health and how to build more open and supportive conversations.
  • Balancing Passions and Well-being: Hans' insights on managing multiple passions, avoiding burnout, and the importance of rest and recovery.

Key Takeaways:

  • The power of vulnerability and sharing personal stories in fostering community and support.
  • The significant role of grassroots football in promoting mental health and well-being.
  • Practical advice on balancing passions, maintaining mental health, and the importance of consistent self-care.

Connect with Hans:

LinkedIn

Hans' Cap'N'Chino

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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

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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.