Life After the Final Whistle: Professional Sport's mental health challenge - Rob Young MBE

The Brave Front

In this episode we tackle one of the often-overlooked challenges of professional sport and mental health. Join us as we sit down with Rob Young MBE, Chief Executive of Switch the Play Foundation, the UK's only charity dedicated to supporting the well-being of professional athletes as they transition to life after their sports careers. Rob tells us about the staggering statistic that over 50% of athletes face mental health challenges within two years of retirement. We delve into why professional athletes, who dedicate their lives to their sport, struggle profoundly when faced with hanging up their boots or stepping off the track. From identity crises to financial instability, the challenges are as diverse as the sports themselves. Rob also shares the vital work of Switch The Play, from mentoring to building peer support networks, and stresses the importance of early intervention. He highlights the unique pressures on athletes to maintain a façade of invulnerability and the cultural shifts needed within sports institutions to prioritise athletes' long-term well-being over short-term performance. Whether you're a sports fan, a concerned family member, or an athlete yourself, this episode offers a crucial look at the silent struggles behind the glory of professional sports and the essential support available to build a life after sport. Show outline: - The stark reality of mental health issues among retired athletes - The personal impact of sports career transitions - The role of Switch The Play in athlete support and prevention - Gender-specific challenges in post-sport life - The importance of planning for life after sports - How listeners can support and engage with athletes facing these transitions Useful links: - Switch the Play Foundation: Learn about the charity's mission and support services - X: Switch The Play: @switch_the_Play - Instagram: @switchtheplayfoundation - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/switchtheplay - Rob on X: @RobYoung78 Share the show: - Recommend The Brave Front to friends and colleagues - Leave a review and follow us on your preferred podcast platform - Engage with our polls and questions on Spotify Interact with the show: - Suggest future topics and guests or come on to the show yourself - Send us your thoughts and stories via voice message If Rob's message strikes a chord with you, or if you know someone navigating the challenging waters of sports retirement, this episode is a must-listen. Share it to support our mission of bringing men's mental health to the forefront. --- ? Episode Chapters (00:00) Introduction to the episode and Rob Young MBE (01:22) The mental health crisis in post-retirement athletes (06:34) Rob's journey to founding Switch the Play (12:15) The importance of identity beyond sports (18:50) The systemic issues in sports culture affecting mental health (24:27) The work of Switch the Play and supporting athletes (30:45) Gender differences in post-sport challenges (35:12) Advice for athletes and how listeners can help (42:05) Rob's vision for the future of athlete support (49:30) Closing thoughts and how to interact with the show --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebravefront/message --- 📋 Episode Chapters (00:38) Episode preview (04:03) Welcome and introduction (05:27) Rob's background (13:20) Are elite sports people wired differently to the rest of us (22:20) Helping athletes prepare for the transition to life after sport (27:49) Breaking routines (32:59) The role of governing bodies (38:40) Are men and women affected differently? (44:18) The role of Switch The Play Foundation (50:59) What can fans do to help? (53:32) Episode wrap up FULL TRANSCRIPT --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebravefront/message