Siobhan Hodgetts-Still believes it’s vital for players and fans alike to speak openly and honestly about mental health.
As World Mental Health Day was marked on Friday, October 10, Hodgetts-Still says she’s delighted to lead her West Brom Women’s side, having become the full-time coach in February.
“I’m really proud to manage and work with a good group of players and staff, and mental health is important,” said the head coach.
“What we have to remember is that our players, as much as we want to be professional and full-time, also have to take into consideration that they work full-time or are in full-time education at university.
“We’re trying to balance that with three nights a week and a game-day training. I think it’s important for us as a group of staff and team to manage players and have that communication.
“Players are comfortable approaching us and speaking to us about any challenges or any stresses that they have in terms of work-life balance with football. It’s a lot of commitment for them. We like to support the players where we can with that.
“I’d like to think that players are quite comfortable and confident in coming to us to speak to us if they need.”
Mental health can be a difficult topic to open up about, with 1 in 4 people experiencing mental health issues each year, according to Mind.
For Hodgetts-Still, it’s a subject close to her heart, and she believes awareness is key to showing that it’s okay to have off days.
“I think it’s about raising awareness,” said the head coach. “It’s okay not to be okay, and it’s okay to have sad days or days when you don’t feel like getting out of bed.
“It’s important that people know that there are people around to support them and people to listen.
“We just have to help each other and be kind to each other, and make people aware that they can come and talk. Sometimes you might need a day’s rest or a day on the sofa to reset and refocus.”
Football plays a key role in many people’s lives and is a vital part of communities, helping people support one another and ensuring everyone feels okay.
Some of the best memories are made through the game, and that shared experience is a big part of its sense of togetherness.
“When I was always playing, and I know the girls are the same, you’re coming into a group where it’s that togetherness, and you feel like you’re quite a bit of a football family,” said Hodgetts-Still.
“My best memories have come from playing football and knowing that I’ve had some friendships that have lasted a lifetime.
“That togetherness and that family vibe is important for any person, whether it’s football or your average person.”
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