Episode 3

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Published on:

8th Jan 2025

Jonathan Cotterill-Bolsover - Safe Spaces: Mental Health and Player Care in Football

In this episode of The Football Mental Health Alliance Podcast, Jon shares his remarkable 15-year journey in football, covering roles from coaching and player care to leadership positions. Jon discusses his passion for holistic player care, blending psychology, coaching, and strength training to support players on and off the pitch.

He reflects on his work with women's and girls' football, grassroots development, and international teams, including the Afghanistan Women's National Development Team and the Chagos Islands team. Jon highlights the importance of emotional intelligence, resilience, and creating positive environments for player growth.

Jon also shares his deeply personal story about the loss of his daughter, Anastasia, in 2023, and how her memory inspires him to help others live fulfilling lives through football. This heartfelt episode offers practical tips for grassroots coaches on integrating player care, improving mental health awareness, and fostering meaningful connections.

Tune in for an inspiring and emotional conversation about football, mental health and making a lasting impact both on and off the pitch.

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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.