Dan Burn, a Newcastle United footballer and community ambassador, discusses his role in the club's foundation and the mental health initiatives it supports. He shares insights on the pressures of being a local hero and reflects on his exclusion from the England team. The conversation also tackles the feasibility of women's football sharing stadiums with men's teams and what strategies can be employed to enhance fan attendance. Additionally, there's a lively recount of Mo Farah's adventurous chase after a thief during a workout.
The Newcastle Foundation's initiatives not only support mental health in the community but also promote gender equality through women's football programs.
The discussion around hosting Women's Super League matches in larger stadiums emphasizes the need for appropriate venue selection to ensure fan engagement and sustainable growth.
Deep dives
Community Engagement through Newcastle Foundation
The Newcastle Foundation plays a crucial role in the community by addressing mental health challenges and fostering women's football. Gabby Logan discusses her experience visiting the foundation, where she learned about their various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of local residents. The foundation's efforts in building a women's team indicate a significant investment in promoting gender equality in sports. This commitment not only benefits the players but also provides the community with role models and support systems that are vital for empowerment.
Women's Football and Stadium Considerations
The recent decision to hold Women's Super League (WSL) matches in main stadiums raises questions about the long-term strategy for women's football. Various discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring that stadium sizes match the current audience capacities to avoid the feeling of emptiness during games. It is noted that while larger stadiums can create an impressive atmosphere, they can also alienate fans if not filled appropriately. The need for a balanced approach in choosing venues that cater to both audience size and community engagement is essential for the sustainable growth of women's football.
Mental Health and Support Systems in Football
The podcast highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues within the sporting community, particularly among athletes. Players often feel pressured and may struggle with feelings of imposter syndrome and the fear of failure, complicating their challenges. It is crucial for sports organizations to provide accessible mental health support and create an environment where athletes feel comfortable seeking help. Sharing personal experiences can help destigmatize these issues, encouraging others to open up about their struggles and promoting a supportive culture that prioritizes well-being.
Gabby travels to Newcastle United to speak to players Dan Burn and Amber-Keegan Stobbs, and club icon Shola Ameobi about using the power of the Premier League to help the local community (02:40).
Burn chats about his work with the Foundation, the pressure of 'local hero' status and Eddie Howe's England snub.
Plus... this stadium ain't big enough for the both of us: we look at lots of sports to see if women's football will actually get more fans by sharing the men's stadiums. Is it even feasible long-term? And if not, what's the new plan? That's with ex-England footballer Anita Asante and Host of Counter Pressed podcast, Flo Lloyd-Hughes (13:50).
And Mo Farah chases down a thief - you can guess who won! (23:16)