#074 Identity and belonging with Dr Ian Cookson

2026-01-30

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Identity & Belonging with Dr Ian Cookson In this episode of the Women’s Football Hub Podcast, host Carolyn Kent sits down with Dr Ian Cookson, sport psychologist and host of our psychology series, for a deep and honest conversation about identity, belonging, and the evolving culture of football. We explore:• How players develop (and sometimes lose) their sense of identity• The emotional impact of injury, long-term rehab and identity foreclosure• The critical role belonging plays in team...

Identity & Belonging with Dr Ian Cookson

In this episode of the Women’s Football Hub Podcast, host Carolyn Kent sits down with Dr Ian Cookson, sport psychologist and host of our psychology series, for a deep and honest conversation about identity, belonging, and the evolving culture of football.

We explore:
• How players develop (and sometimes lose) their sense of identity
• The emotional impact of injury, long-term rehab and identity foreclosure
• The critical role belonging plays in team dynamics
• Identity challenges when players are released from academies
• The transition into retirement and life beyond sport
• Unique insights from parasport and amputee football
• Whether women’s football is, or should be, following the trajectory of the men’s game
• What coaches and support staff can do to foster healthy identity and belonging

This episode is packed with practical advice for practitioners, coaches, parents, and anyone supporting athletes through the highs and lows of the game.

Hashtags:
#WomensFootballHub #PlayerIdentity #BelongingInFootball #SportPsych #InjuryPsychology #AthleteTransition #PlayerCare #WomenInFootball #FootballCommunity

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