Simon York - Referees' Mental Health Challenges in Grassroots Football
Simon York is a dedicated father of four neurodivergent children and a committed carer to his wife, who has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Despite his own challenges, including being disabled with prolapsed discs and a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) following a neurological stroke in June 2023, Simon remains deeply passionate about disability football.
His journey in disability football began over 15 years ago when he started taking his children to sessions. Recognising the profound impact that accessible sports can have, Simon quickly got involved as a coach and has since made it his mission to raise awareness, improve access and create opportunities for anyone who wants to play football. He takes great pride in witnessing how the confidence and skills developed on the pitch contribute to personal growth in players' everyday lives - enhancing their mental and physical health, building relationships and opening up employment opportunities.
In this episode, we dive deep into the mental health challenges that footballers and referees especially face, especially during transitional stages in their journeys. Simon and Danny explore the significant difficulties players experience when moving from youth to adult football, emphasising the lack of a proper transition period, which often results in young players dropping out of the sport. They discuss the physical and mental differences between youth and adult football, noting that the abrupt shift can be overwhelming for many players.
The conversation also covers the many mental health impacts of negative experiences on the pitch, particularly for referees. Simon shares a personal story about the verbal abuse he endured while officiating, which left lasting mental scars. This abuse, often overlooked, is highlighted as a serious issue that needs more attention from football authorities.
The hosts propose several solutions, including the introduction of transitional age groups (e.g., under-19s, under-23s) to better prepare young players for adult football. They also advocate for improved mental health support systems for referees, suggesting that after-match check-ins or mentoring programs could help retain referees and protect their well-being.
The episode emphasises the need for more education and awareness around mental health in football, both for players and officials. The discussion is a call to action for football organisations to take the mental health of everyone involved in the game more seriously.
Key Topics Discussed:
- The gap between youth and adult football and its impact on player retention.
- The mental and physical challenges young players face when transitioning to adult football.
- Personal experiences of mental health struggles as a referee, including dealing with abuse.
- The need for structured support and mentorship for referees.
- Proposals for transitional age groups and better mental health frameworks in football.
Simon's Experience:
Currently:
⚽️ No-Limits Director of Inclusive Football at CONIFA
⚽️ Director and Chairman of Southwest Inclusive CIC
⚽️ Assistant Manager of Saltash United Women's Team
⚽️ Referee
⚽️ Disability Officer at Saltash United
Previous Experience:
- Director of Inclusive Football at Kernow FA
- Disability Lead at Plymouth Argyle
- Disability Ambassador for Devon FA
In recent years, Simon has expanded his knowledge of disability football both within the UK and across Europe. His travels to watch La Liga Genuine matches inspired him to bring teams to compete against clubs like Rayo Vallecano, Getafe and Tenerife. These experiences have not only forged lasting friendships but have also provided invaluable insights into different cultures and perspectives on disability and disabled football. Simon and his teams will again be travelling to Belfast in June this year.
Under Simon’s leadership at Southwest Inclusive CIC, players are given opportunities to take on roles such as directors, social media managers and video editors. This initiative creates an environment where individuals can learn, support each other and help others find their own spaces to thrive. For Simon, providing a comfortable space where people can excel is of paramount importance and he is dedicated to achieving these goals both on and off the pitch.
