What does it take to build a football/soccer environment where neurodivergent players truly belong? In this episode, host Meryem Hassan is joined by Carly Williams - Head Coach of Brentford FC Women's First Team - to explore neurodivergence, elite coaching, player care, and the culture of belonging in the women's game of football/soccer.
Carly shares her journey from grassroots to elite football, the pioneering player care role she built from scratch at Arsenal Women's Academy, and how coaches can accommodate neurodivergent traits and support neurodivergent individuals. Together they discuss psychological safety, coaching to "the why", working with clashing neuro-styles in a team, Lucy Bronze and the bravery of disclosure in the spotlight, the barriers Carly faced as a female coach from a minority ethnic background, and how sport can be a powerful space for belonging, confidence and mental health.
Her advice to young neurodivergent women who dream of a career in the game? Find the environment that works for you, find your allies, and don't give up the love of the game.
Guest: Carly Williams
Head Coach of Brentford FC Women's First Team. Former Arsenal Women's Academy coach and player care pioneer, England Schools U15s manager, FA coach, mentor and tutor, and two-time Football Black List Coaching & Management Award winner. Ex Tottenham Hotspur & Enfield Town player.
This episode is for neurodivergent individuals in sport, coaches and clubs building inclusive environments, and anyone interested in women's football and neurodiversity.
Find Carly here: Instagram (@_cwcoaching)
Brentford FC Women: Instagram (@brentfordfcwomen) | X (@BrentfordFCW) | TikTok (@brentfordfcwomen) | https://www.brentfordfc.com/en
📌 Brought to you by Dyscourse - empowering neurodivergent individuals and organisations. https://dyscourse.org
📕 Free Guide
Download our free guide, Myths & Misconceptions: Understanding Neurodivergence - covering autism, ADHD and dyslexia at https://dyscourse.org
Watch, Listen & Connect
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentLensPodcast
Website: https://dyscourse.org/podcast
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4wVeWmS
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Vzy9a6fLbo3YnmNUuiM43
Download our free PDF guide on Myths & Misconceptions: https://dyscourse.org/ (above footer)
Follow:
Instagram: @the.neurodivergent.lens
LinkedIn:Dyscourse
Facebook: TheNeurodivergentLens
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional support. Please seek qualified guidance where needed.
