Women's Football Hub

Editor Carolyn Kent – Women’s Football Hub

Football is more than just a sport. It is a culture, a career, and for many, a lifelong passion. But beneath the roar of the crowd and the thrill of competition lies a silent threat that has only recently begun to receive the attention it deserves: acquired brain injury.

In this episode of Women’s Football Hub, host Carolyn Kent sat down with Dr Paul Pearson, a sociologist and researcher whose Injury Time Report explores the lived experiences of footballers affected by brain injuries.

From the Pitch to the Clinic: What Is an Acquired Brain Injury?

Dr Pearson defines acquired brain injury as any injury to the brain sustained after birth. In the context of football, this includes everything from concussions to long-term neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. The Injury Time Report uses this broad definition to capture the full spectrum of brain-related trauma players may experience throughout their careers.

The report is based on semi-structured interviews with nine senior-level players, seven men and two women, whose careers span from the early 1980s to the present day. Among them is a player diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s, a stark reminder that these injuries are not just historical. They are happening now.

Player Voices: Stories That Demand Attention

One of the most powerful stories in the report is that of Craig (pseudonym), whose diagnosis of Alzheimer’s was directly linked to his football career. His testimony, filled with emotion and vulnerability, paints a vivid picture of the personal toll brain injury can take, not just on the player, but on their family and future.

Other players shared stories of being knocked unconscious as teenagers, sustaining multiple head injuries before even reaching senior level. One female player recalled vomiting and dizziness after a clash of heads during an international match, only to be told it was food poisoning.

Another participant described a fractured temple following a head knock, a reminder of how serious these injuries can be. These stories are not rare. They are representative of a broader issue in football that has long been under-addressed.

Awareness and Misconceptions: Where Football Falls Short

Dr Pearson’s research found that awareness of brain injury varied significantly depending on when players were active. Those who played in the 1980s and 1990s often had little understanding of the risks, while more recent players showed greater awareness but still faced pressure to hide symptoms.

One player recalled being told by a coach not to report a head injury to avoid triggering concussion protocols. It was only thanks to the intervention of medical staff that proper care was given.

Misconceptions persist, many still believe brain injuries are caused solely by the old, heavy leather balls. But today’s balls, while lighter, travel faster, and players continue to head them repeatedly. There is also a belief that brain injuries only affect older people, a myth increasingly challenged by younger players coming forward with diagnoses.

Dr Pearson argues that even the terminology matters. Calling it a bang to the head or just a concussion minimises the seriousness. Using the term brain injury could shift perceptions and encourage better care.

Support Systems: What Is Missing?

The report highlights a glaring lack of support for players with brain injuries. Medical care, financial assistance, and emotional support are often inadequate or entirely absent. One player was told to pay for surgery upfront, with the club only reimbursing him if it worked. Others relied on fundraisers to cover costs after career-ending injuries.

Craig, the player with Alzheimer’s, was offered a match-day experience by a former club. No medical or financial support. This lack of infrastructure raises serious questions about how football treats its injured players, especially those with invisible or long-term conditions.

Three participants had career-ending injuries unrelated to brain trauma, and even in those cases, support was minimal. One player was forced to retire early and spoke of the emotional toll of leaving the game before he felt ready. Another described how lower-league players often rely on community fundraisers to cover medical costs, especially when part-time contracts mean lost income from other jobs.

The Ripple Effect: Families and Futures

Brain injuries do not just affect players. They impact families, careers, and long-term wellbeing. Dr Pearson notes that families often become the primary caregivers, navigating complex health challenges with little guidance or support.

One player stayed in the game for financial reasons, despite medical advice to retire. His partner and mother urged him to stop, but the need to pay a mortgage kept him on the pitch. Others feared that coming forward with symptoms could jeopardise future employment in football media or hospitality.

This highlights the need for a broader safety net, not just for players, but for their families and post-football careers.

Education and Change: Where Do We Go From Here?

Dr Pearson believes education and awareness are key, but they must be tailored. Academic reports and journal articles are not accessible to most players. Campaigns should use platforms players actually engage with, such as WhatsApp, TikTok, YouTube, and feature voices they trust, like former teammates or respected coaches.

He also advocates for recognizing brain injury as an industrial injury, a move that could unlock access to compensation and support. Scotland has led the way with concussion guidelines, but more needs to be done globally.

Importantly, education must be inclusive. A young female player may not relate to a campaign featuring a 70-year-old male ex-professional. Representation matters, and awareness efforts must reflect the diversity of the football community.

Advice for Young Players and Families

For young players, the advice is simple but powerful. If something feels wrong, speak up. Dr Pearson urges families to engage with coaches, ask about protocols, and seek medical attention if a child shows signs of a head injury.

He also recommends resources like Sport Scotland’s free concussion awareness module, which offers basic guidance for parents, coaches, and players.

Ultimately, the responsibility should not fall solely on individuals. Football’s governing bodies must ensure that structures are in place to protect players at every level, from grassroots to elite.

Final Thoughts: A Call to Action

Football is a place of joy, community, and opportunity, but it must also be a place of safety. The Injury Time Report is a wake-up call, urging clubs, governing bodies, and fans to take brain injury seriously.

As Dr Pearson says, if you ever think you have had a blow to the head and something feels off, go to the hospital. Seek medical attention.

Read the full Injury Time Report: http://www.injury-time.com
Contact Dr Pearson: p.pearson.research@gmail.com
Support the Women’s Football Hub: http://www.womensfootballhub.com

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This blog was created with the assistance of ChatGPT and edited by the podcast host