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      in Athletics

      Olympic hero Dame Kelly Holmes, 52, gives shock health update saying she’s in ‘constant pain’

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      OLYMPIC champ Dame Kelly Holmes says symptoms of the perimenopause “are killing me”.The 52-year-old said she suffers constant pain, aches and night sweats.
      Dame Kelly Holmes has opened up on her struggles with perimenopause symptomsCredit: Getty
      Dame Kelly, who won two running golds at the 2004 Athens Games, added: “As much as I’m in denial, it has had an effect on my body.”
      She said her symptoms include “body aches, constant pain throughout the body, feeling lethargic”.
      Dame Kelly said it is tough “as someone who is in tune with their body”, adding: “I think I’m in denial of age completely.”
      Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause as women’s hormone levels change, but before periods have stopped.
      READ MORE HEALTH NEWS
      It usually starts between 45 and 55, the NHS says.
      Dame Kelly exercises to cope but says sometimes she is “too knackered”.
      Mental health is less often discussed when it comes to perimenopause and menopause.
      But Dame Kelly, who has been open about her own past mental health struggles, said: “The one thing with the hormonal changes – and men get it as well at certain ages – hormonal changes in the body can really affect your mental health.
      Most read in Athletics
      “And I think women have to understand how so connected and interconnected your mental and physical health are, because if one is not in tune, the other one will be affected, whatever way around that is.
      “When you feel your body’s a mess, that’s going to affect your head.
      “But if you go into the gym or you go and do some exercises, at least you are doing it knowing that you’re benefiting yourself by doing it – even if those changes are still happening.” More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-keeper coach Fred Barber hails tough guy Aaron Ramsdale as he bids to win the Premier League

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      AARON RAMSDALE and his Arsenal team-mates must show mental toughness in the final eight matches to win the Premier League title.But boss Mikel Arteta will have no worries over goalkeeper Ramsdale, who has shown northern grit throughout a tough journey to reach the top.
      Aaron Ramsdale produced a series of stunning late saves for Arsenal in last Sunday’s 2-2 draw at LiverpoolCredit: Getty
      As a kid, the hungry Gunners No 1 trained in all conditions, including a swamp at Fred Barber’s soccer school in Stoke.
      That tough schooling moulded Ramsdale’s character which will be vital in the pressure cooker of the title race as Arsenal bid to hold off champions Manchester City.
      England keeper Ramsdale, 24, stepped up in the 2-2 draw at Liverpool last Sunday with a series of stunning late saves to secure a valuable point.
      Barber told SunSport: “I first saw Aaron when he was ten at my Friday hourly sessions.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      “He was a skinny kid, a little runt. He had a cheeky face and I liked that because I was a character too.
      “I treated the kids like professional keepers and you either worked hard or thought, ‘This is too hard and drift off’.
      “Some keepers would be sick because the drills pushed them to the limits.
      “As a coach I was trying to find out how far they could go and what they were made of.
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      “It didn’t frighten Aaron. His attitude was brilliant. The more I pushed him the more he wanted it.
      “Kids can be emotional but he worked hard. He had that northern grit.
      “I grew up in the north east and Aaron is from Stoke, both industrial and working class backgrounds. You have to be a grafter to get to where you want to go.
      “People think he’s got all the Adidas gear on and he’s playing for Arsenal.
      “But they don’t realise how he has learnt his trade playing for Chesterfield, Wimbledon, Sheffield United, Bournemouth.
      “Only one in a 1,000 make it but the ones who graft tend to make it more than the gifted ones.
      “When you cross the white line and have the pressure of playing in front of crowds you have to be able to handle it.
      “Aaron is mentally strong. He plays in the Premier League, he’s gifted but he’s a normal lad who has had to work hard to get there.”
      Barber himself made almost 400 football league appearances for clubs like Darlington, Walsall and Peterborough over a 17-year playing career.
      The 59-year-old, now Crewe’s goalkeeper coach, freelanced for several top-flight clubs before he was appointed Sam Allardyce’s keeper coach at Bolton in 2004.
      Ramsdale’s inspiration as a goalkeeper was Bolton stopper Jussi JaaskelainenCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Barber, who wore a mask during his career, coached and developed the likes of Jussi Jaaskelainen, Ali Al-Habsi, Adam Bogdan and Tomasz Kuszczak.
      But Ramsdale showed his desire to join those Prem keepers even from an early age.
      Barber recalled: “I remember the training pitch was underwater. It was tanking it down, thunder and lightning and I sat in my car thinking, ‘There’s nobody coming to the session. That’s great, I can go home and I won’t get drenched’.
      “Then the little b****r turned up!
      “Only two or three die-hards would be there and Aaron was one of them.
      “We were training in a swamp. We tried to find a dry piece of grass to train, it was like the Kes movie where they were covered in mud.
      “You look for characters. You can get fair weather footballers but Aaron was there every time rain or shine, ice and snow. He’d be shivering but it’s all part of your armour.
      “80 per cent of football is in your head, so you have to be mentally tough because every mistake is highlighted on television.
      “It has killed some goalkeepers like Peter Enckleman or Massimo Taibi. We didn’t see much of them after high-profile mistakes.
      “You have to take the flak as well as the good. Mistakes will hurt Aaron inside but it’s how you deal with it.”
      Barber took Ramsdale to Bolton’s academy during his teenage years along with his own son Jonathan, also a promising keeper.
      Twice a week, the pair would leave school at three, get a lift from Barber’s wife to Knutsford where the then Trotters keeper coach would pick them up and take them to a two-hour training session at Bolton and then drop them home at 9.30pm.
      But Ramsdale – against Barber’s wishes – was released by Bolton’s academy at the age of 15 because he was too small and getting lobbed too often.
      Barber added: “He’s had his knocks, released by Bolton but he was like ‘I’ll show people’.
      “It has made him hungrier and he’s proved people wrong.”
      Barber sees similar traits in Ramsdale, who faces West Ham today, as Jaaskelainen, who had a successful 15-year Prem career with Bolton and the Hammers.
      He added: “Aaron is just like Jussi. Blonde hair, same stance with their hands and feet.
      “The save Aaron pulled off against Mo Salah against Liverpool last week was similar to ones Jussi has made.
      “I’d still say Jussi is the best keeper I’ve coached. Aaron still has a way to go.
      “His kicking is better than Jussi and his shot stopping is up there but Jussi played into his forties.
      “Goalkeepers make mistakes and don’t mature until they are 28 but Aaron has another four years before he comes into his prime.”
      Kind-hearted Ramsdale donated 40 Premier League match balls to Barber’s soccer school worth up to £4,000 with costs spiralling post- Covid and also name-checked one of his first coaches after his Anfield heroics to show he has not forgotten his roots.
      Barber said: “I’ve had Premier League and international keepers representing England, Finland and Oman.
      “But I’ve never had a Premier League winner and that would be a great achievement.
      “It’s comic book stuff, something out of the Victor or the Beano.
      “For someone to achieve their dream of playing in the Premier League, play for England and win the league would be a fairytale.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It’s like winning the lottery. He’s a boy out of Stoke who has done good.
      “It was great that he gave me a name check ? now the kids will believe that I did coach him!” More

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      in Motorsport

      Ben Hunt: Cracks starting to appear between Lewis Hamilton and George Russell – they’ve just been lost in the F1 drama

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      ARE the cracks starting to form in the relationship between Lewis Hamilton and George Russell?I am starting to sense that there is a little bit of needle developing between the two Mercedes drivers, which has largely gone unnoticed during the FIA’s operational cock-ups in Saudi Arabia and Australia.
      Cracks are starting to form between Lewis Hamilton and George RussellCredit: Splash
      In those last two races, we have been left tucking into what has gone wrong (again) in Race Control, which has seen some of Russell’s behaviour bumped out of the spotlight.
      To re-cap. Russell snapped back at Hamilton’s claim that he’d benefited from taking a different car set-up in Bahrain, saying “I don’t think there’s any luck in it at all, I think it’s down to the preparation you put in before the event…I believed it was going to be better than the set-up that Lewis opted for.”
      And then during the race in Melbourne, Russell came on the team’s radio when leading and being followed closely by Hamilton and said: “You’re asking me to manage and I’m being attacked by my team-mate!”
      And then, after he had retired with an engine problem, it was interesting to note Russell say he felt he could have won the race, despite Max Verstappen’s pace, because “it would have been difficult to pass, especially with Lewis between the two of us”.
      READ MORE IN MOTORSPORT
      Russell is doing nothing wrong here, but it is worth noting the language he is using.
      It is evident that he is increasing in confidence to now challenge Mercedes’ decisions and speak his mind.
      It is a contrast to when he first arrived at the team last season after driving on-loan at Williams.
      There is the distinct feeling that in the shadow of Merc’s struggles, Russell, 25, was able to establish himself within the team while Hamilton played the role of the sacrificial lamb as he tested out theories on how to cure the porpoising.
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      The upshot this year is that with a season under his belt, and let’s also remember Merc’s only victory in 2022, Russell senses now is his time to stand apart from Hamilton.
      Team-mate rivalries in F1 are nothing new of course and Hamilton has a line of them – Fernando Alonso and Nico Rosberg being the most contentious.
      However, unlike the other two where he was the up-coming youngster at McLaren, or at least on a par with Rosberg, there is no denying that Russell is the future for Mercedes.
      Unlike Hamilton, he also has a long-term deal with the Silver Arrows. He has also out-qualified his teammate in all three races this season.
      His confidence is growing, and the longer that continues, the more problems it could cause for Hamilton.
      RACE TALKS
      Talks are set to be held over the end of the Australian GPCredit: Splash
      THE FIA and F1 are set to discuss Sunday’s ridiculous end to the Australian GP.
      The race stewards want the sport to reassess the rulebook in relation to standing starts after the chaos in Melbourne.
      There were debates over all three red flags and the subsequent start procedures and the stewards.
      The stewards are concerned about the carnage caused by the slow-moving cars making their way to the grid behind the safety car.
      As cars slowed, there was a notable traffic jam, with some drivers forced to take action to avoid clattering into the rear of other cars.
      CHANGE TRACKS
      Zak Brown challenged Toto Wolff to a boxing matchCredit: Getty
      ZAK BROWN was buzzing after McLaren scored some much-needed points – so much so that in the heat of the moment he challenged Christian Horner to a car race at Silverstone – and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff to a boxing match in Las Vegas!
      He said: “When we go Vegas, what’s Vegas known for? [A] Little boxing match? I’m ready!”
      SAFETY FIRST
      A fan was hurt during the Australian GPCredit: Alamy
      A timely reminder that motorsport is dangerous – even to spectators.
      One fan suffered an injury when a piece of bodywork flew off Kevin Magnussen’s Haas and sliced his arm.
      Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott said: “Coincidentally we had one of our engineering staff there who saw it. It would appear that debris from the wheel hub has shot 20 metres in the air and landed down and lacerated a gentleman’s arm.
      “Our people were aware of the incident. It looks as if it was a freak one-off.”
      FEELING ROSS-EY
      Marco Bezzecchi won his first MotoGP in ArgentinaCredit: Reuters
      MARCO BEZZECCHI thanked mentor Valentino Rossi after taking his maiden MotoGP win in Argentina.
      The Italian won in tricky conditions for his, and the Mooney VR46 Racing team’s first victory and he now tops the championship standings.
      He said: “I am happy, more for the team because without them, Vale and the Academy, it would be probably impossible to arrive here.
      “My family made sacrifices and we spent a lot of time around the world in the beginning, so they put in a lot of effort to realise my dream.
      “The same for Vale, he is my idol and still is, since when I was young, I started because of him. So to meet him, become his friend and his rider, to win a MotoGP race, it’s incredible.”
      QUICK SNIP
      British GP is keen to help charity The Lions Barber CollectiveCredit: Getty
      THE British GT series promises to be the smartest in motorsport after men’s mental health charity, The Lions Barber Collective promised free haircuts during race weekends.
      Read More on The Sun
      The Lions Barber Collective are teaming up with FastR and seeking to raise awareness of male mental health at every British GT round.
      The group of barbers are trained to recognise, ask and listen for signs of depression with their clients, and will cut hair during race weekends. More

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      in Soccer

      Kids’ football is more than just physical activity – it helps youngsters learn good behaviour, says Raheem Sterling

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      PLAYING weekend football with a local team has been a rite of passage for kids for generations.But a Sun investigation today reveals that the cost of living crisis is forcing scores of kids to drop out of sports clubs as families struggle to make ends meet.
      The cost of living crisis has driven more children away from clubs – here Brent Cross under-11s celebrate championship victory with head coach Jamie Kavanagh, far leftCredit: Olivia West
      Almost 50 per cent of Football club leaders surveyed told The Sun that a lack of money was affecting participation in sportCredit: Olivia West
      In the wake of the crisis, today The Sun is launching Footie For All — backed by some of England’s top players — to highlight the importance of grassroots sports clubs.
      A shocking new poll from Sported, a charity which supports community sports clubs, has found 94 per cent of grassroots clubs are concerned about the impact of soaring prices on their membership.
      And football clubs across the country have told The Sun how the economic crisis is forcing kids out of training and weekend matches, even though the clubs are doing all they can to give their players a chance.
      One such club is Brent Cross Football Academy in North London, which offers matches and training to almost 200 children, aged from four to 14.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      The players come from a huge mix of social backgrounds and to keep things as accessible as poss-ible, the club still charges £400 to £500 a year for subscriptions, while other clubs have raised theirs to more than £600.
      The academy is determined to try to avoid any young player missing out on sport, and the management team make it clear to parents they will help out any family with financial struggles when they can.
      And the Brent Cross chiefs’ worries are shared across the country, with 92 per cent of clubs saying they are extremely concerned about the negative impact on the young people they serve, according to the Ring/Sported Community Pulse Survey.
      And almost 50 per cent of club leaders surveyed told how lack of money was affecting participation in sport.
      Most read in Football
      Some 31 per cent of those surveyed believe the long-term con-sequences of the economic pinch will see fewer young people taking part in sports and physical activity.
      The benefits of grassroots sports for kids is well documented.
      From the obvious health benefits, community sports teams also offer huge social benefits by channelling kids’ energy into physical activity.
      The UK is home to more than 40,000 clubs, and almost all those we spoke to declared that they would never want to stop a child playing with them — but often find themselves under pressure due to the cost of registration, pitches or transport.
      Nicola Walker, chief executive of Sported, said: “The cost of living is putting grassroots sports groups under extreme pressure. It’s making it harder to raise the cash to operate.
      “And it’s making it tougher on our kids to afford the price of participation, or even just the cost of travelling to take part.
      “That means they could miss out on a boost to their physical and mental wellbeing.
      Struggling families
      “But time spent kicking a ball or in a dance class is also time in a safe space where young people meet positive influences and get a priceless chance to learn and grow.
      “So it’s important that the Government recognises all the amazing ways in which sport contributes to building stronger, safer communities and offers the support it needs.”
      At Brent Cross the country’s economic woes started to become apparent at the beginning of the year, when head coach Jamie Kavanagh noticed he was losing children because families were struggling with paying the subs.
      He sent a message to all parents asking if those who could afford it could spare a little more to help fund sponsorships for ten children who could no longer afford to play.
      Jamie, 27, said: “We’re finding that a lot of the children are struggling to make every session purely because of the cost of the subs, new football boots, kit and travel to fixtures and training.
      “We hoped to be able to help ten children but we’ve managed to get the money to sponsor 12, thanks to the generosity of the parents.
      Every one who donated extra told us how amazing the initiative was.
      “The parents of the kids who get to play for free are hugely grateful and it allows them to focus on other things without the worry of their children missing out on activities they enjoy and keep them active.
      “Football is so important for helping kids with communication skills, having an outlet, and it gives them a family feeling. I’d never want anyone to lose that due to money issues.”
      With so many football clubs telling how the cost of living crisis risks harming the health of our youngsters, it was clear something needed to be done.
      Here we highlight some of the grassroots clubs which are making a big difference in their communities and finding ways to try to beat the negative effects of the cost of living crisis.
      And four England aces, who know only too well the benefits of grassroots football, back our call for Footie For All.

      TELL us about your inspiration grass roots club. Email us at footieforall@ the-sun.co.uk

      John Stones
      Barnsley, Everton, Man City & England
      “PLAYING grassroots football as a kid with my friends for my local team was the first step into football for me, and I never looked back.
      Playing grassroots football was incredibly important for England and Man City defender John StonesCredit: Alamy
      He says: ‘Football can give children something to look forward to, even when things may be difficult’Credit: Rex Features
      “It played such an important part of my childhood and I’ll always be so grateful for the opportunity it provided for me and so many other children.
      “Grassroots football often provides a happy and safe environment for children to play, meet friends and learn new skills.
      “If it wasn’t for that start I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to learn important life skills on and off the pitch while having fun with my mates.
      “It can give children something to look forward to, even when things may be difficult, and make such a positive impact for both parents and kids.”
      Raheem Sterling
      Alpha & Omega FC, QPR, Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea & England
      “WE can’t just look at the physical benefits of grassroots football because it also has the ability to bring people together.
      Raheem Sterling thinks football is more than just the physical benefitsCredit: Getty
      Raheem says: ‘My mentor Clive Ellington was the one that actually got me into football to focus my energy and correct my behaviour’
      “My mentor Clive Ellington was the one that actually got me into football to focus my energy and correct my behaviour.
      “He was a great role model. I found something I wanted to put my maximum energy in to and it paid off.
      “I fell in love with football through that Sunday league team – and made friends for life.”
      Eric Dier
      International Prep School, Lisbon, Sporting CP, Spurs & England
      “FOOTBALL is a lifeline for many.
      Tottenham and England defender, Eric Dier, feels football is a lifeline for someCredit: Getty
      Eric loved football as he says it ‘encourages teamwork, discipline, friendship, improved health and wellbeing’Credit: ericdier15/instagram
      “It encourages teamwork, discipline, friendship, improved health and wellbeing, and a sense of community.
      “I know kids will benefit from the game and all that comes with it.”
      Jarrod Bowen
      Leominster Miners, Hereford Utd (Herts), West Ham, England
      “WHEN I was little I had a dream of playing football for my entire life.
      West Ham winger, Jarrod Bowen, dreamt of playing pro football ever since he was a childCredit: Getty
      Jarrod says: ‘Football is for everyone and it’s massively important it stays that way’
      “It was the most important thing in my week and I know it’ll be the same for boys and girls across the UK.
      “We can’t let kids see that dream die simply because mum or dad can’t afford to pay for the subs, kit and travel. Football is for everyone and it’s massively important it stays that way.
      “It’s more than just kicking a ball about, it’s building lifelong friendships, getting to do something you love and a chance to learn   about healthy competition.
      “It gives a routine and a chance to zone out from anything that might be going on in their lives. If that’s taken away it’ll leave children in a bad place because they’ve lost something they love.
      “One of the best things for me is seeing young kids play football at my old club. I saw an under-eights team in a penalty shootout. It brought me so much joy to see how happy and determined they were. That’s what football is really about – bringing joy to everyone.”

      Helston AFC, Cornwall
      HELSTON AFC plays a vital role in supporting nearly 400 kids in 17 teams, including many families from nearby Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, one of Europe’s biggest helicopter bases.
      But youth co-ordinator and under-13s coach Chris Strike says the cost of living crisis has badly impacted this region of Cornwall, making it harder for families to pay the £80 annual membership.
      Helston AFC plays a vital role in supporting nearly 400 kids in 17 teamsCredit: Apex
      Chris, 42, an architect from Helston, said: “We’ve had a number of parents say this year they can’t afford the membership fees.
      “I’m proud to say we don’t and we won’t ever stop a child registering because they can’t pay their fee.
      “Either the club will fund it or a couple of us have funded kids. Others ask us to pay monthly and that’s fine, we have always found a solution.
      “I’m lucky I own my own business and sponsor my team and there are a couple of coaches in that position, but a lot of the teams will try to raise money from local businesses.”
      Chris added: “Each of the 17 teams has two coaches trying to help the players, both in and out of football. Some kids want to talk about difficulties at home and you are there to support them in that respect as well. There’s a lot more to being a football coach than just coaching football.”
      The club has close ties with Plymouth Argyle and Southampton’s academies, and this year 19 youth players from Helston have represented Cornwall.
      Among their recent successes is striker Luke Jephcott, who plays for Swindon, and who was with Helston before joining Argyle’s academy.
      The Pythian Club, Nottingham
      COMMUNITY sports club and outreach centre The Pythian Club in Nottingham offers free sports sessions, including football and boxing, to youngsters aged up to 19.
      Yet even without subs, its bosses fear that costs such as travel and kit are becoming unaffordable for the families of its youngsters.
      The Pythian Club in Nottingham offers free sports sessions, including football and boxing, to youngsters aged up to 19Credit: Pythian Club
      The club performs an important social role, often taking on children who have been involved in gangs and crime, or who have been referred to it by probation services.
      Currently it looks after 400 children and teenagers who come to the centre to play a range of sports.
      Founder Benjamin Rosser told The Sun: “It absolutely breaks my heart that so many kids are missing out. Sport is such an important way for us to reach out to kids and stop them from going down the wrong path. Part of our work is actively seeking out young people that would otherwise fall through the gaps and give them a chance at a better life.
      “We have around 120 to 150 young people we work with that are really financially struggling and need extra support.
      “We try to find ways to work around that to make sure they don’t have to make difficult choices such as having to pay their bus fare to school and not be able to access a sports activity that week.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Sometimes it’s getting food in their belly or playing football. Those are the difficult choices that they’re making.
      “Running a session on a Friday for about 180 kids sets us back about £280, which is expensive, but we never pass those costs on. We’re a family and we’ll always provide what we can.”
      Tell us about your inspiration grass roots club. Email us at footieforall@the-sun.co.uk More

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      in Motorsport

      Ex-F1 boss Michael Masi says he fell into mental turmoil after Lewis Hamilton’s controversial title loss in Abu Dhabi GP

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      EX-FORMULA ONE race director Michael Masi has revealed he fell into mental turmoil after the controversial ending to the 2021 season. Michael Masi, 44, was overseeing the season finale in Abu Dhabi when Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen’s title battle reached its climax.
      Michael Masi has revealed he received professional help after the 2021 season finaleCredit: Getty
      It comes as Hamilton said he has ‘nothing to say’ to MasiCredit: Getty
      Following a late crash by Nicholas Latifi which prompted a safety car, Masi then allowed lapped cars to unlap themselves to set up a one lap shootout between Verstappen and Hamilton.
      On fresh tyres Verstappen went on to overtake the Brit and snatch away Hamilton’s would-be record eighth world title, despite the Brit leading for most of the race.
      The fallout from the decision was huge, with Masi axed as race director in the following February before later leaving the FIA to move back to Australia in the summer.
      Lifting the lid on the backlash he received, Masi has revealed he battled through mental turmoil, bringing in professional help to help with his rehabilitation.
      READ MORE IN F1
      In an interview with the Daily Mail, he said: “When I stopped at the FIA, I told my parents, ‘Those days are done for me’.
      “I had told them after the Abu Dhabi fallout not to bother reading or watching anything. It’s not healthy.
      “The place can be a very toxic place. In many ways social media can be a great tool, but not so great in others.
      “I have spent time looking after myself. It’s done me good. It’s what I needed. I spent a lot of time getting into physical shape but didn’t spend enough on the mental side for a long while.
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      “There were people I was speaking to privately, my then partner – she was an amazing support – and friends and family.
      “As for professional help, I got that, but probably later than I should have done – the latter part of last year, but things had largely calmed down by then.”
      An FIA investigation into the race concluded “human error” led to Hamilton losing to Verstappen.
      Masi has returned to the F1 paddock for the first time since the incident ahead of this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix, however, Hamilton has declared he will not speak to Masi about the 2021 incident.
      Asked by reporters whether he would seek out an explanation from Masi, Hamilton replied: “I don’t [plan to]. I am just focused on my future.
      “I am focused on trying to get back to winning. There is nothing to say.”

      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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      in Soccer

      Tottenham splash out on ‘well-being guru’ so under-fire stars can relax with yoga, art classes and poetry readings

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      MILLIONAIRE stars at Prem giants Spurs were branded selfish and savaged for not being able to perform under pressure – and now they are being pampered with a “well-being guru” to keep stars happy.Fiery boss Antonio Conte faces the boot for turning on his own team after a string of dismal results culminating in last weekend’s capitulation at rock bottom Southampton which ended in a 3-3 draw.
      Tottenham stars spotted in trainingCredit: Rex
      They are in line to be supported by a ‘well-being guru’Credit: PA
      But rather than toughen up the “Spursy” line-up, the club is splashing out on a new employee to meet their off-field needs – including yoga, art classes and poetry readings.
      The executive will work alongside Tottenham’s psychologists who monitor stars’ state of mind, and player care officers who tackle mundane tasks like sourcing motors and opening bank accounts for players including Harry Kane.
      They will be expected to set up health and well-being activities for the squad, and create a network of mental health “first aiders” to assist struggling staff and players.
      An ad reveals: “The Club is seeking a Health & Wellbeing Lead to develop the Health and Wellbeing Services across the club.
      READ MORE ON TOTTENHAM
      “As the Health & Wellbeing Lead, your primary focus will be on our employees.
      “You will work with key stakeholders on supporting our development of elite players (including boys / girls and Women’s).
      “The Health & Wellbeing Lead will drive workforce awareness and development about mental health and embed it into all aspects of the business.”
      The exec will “produce quarterly and annual reports on health & wellbeing noting key areas of progress and development, including documented rates of staff and player wellbeing and present to key stakeholder groups”.
      Most read in Football
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      Spurs stars will be treated to yoga classesCredit: Getty
      And also be taught in art classesCredit: AFP
      And “facilitate appropriate risk assessments and risk management”.
      The candidate will “work closely with already existing health & well-being contributors within the business (this includes, e.g. Club Psychologists, Player Care Manager, Player Liaison, Medical, the Head of Safeguarding, HR, and Safeguarding Officers)”.
      And “develop a programme of day-to-day wellbeing activities for staff on all sites”.
      Last night furious Spurs fans hit out at the club.
      Shiraz Harwood said: “No wonder the players can’t cope on the pitch – they are pampered and treated like princesses. It’s pretty pathetic.”
      John Hobson said: “Conte was right after all. The club is a joke.” More

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      in Soccer

      I’m a former Man City midfielder but I gave it up to be a car salesman… now I’m a qualified counsellor to help others

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      FORMER Man City midfielder Jeff Whitley made a drastic career change following his own experiences with addiction.The ex-professional footballer, 44, gave up his sporting career to become a car salesman – and he is now a fully qualified counsellor and psychotherapist.
      Former Manchester City Footballer Jeff Whitley worked as a car salesman at the Stockport Car SupermarketCredit: Manchester Evening News
      After ending his playing career in 2010, Whitley worked at a car dealership in Stockport, the Manchester Evening News reported.
      Whitley was a salesman at Stockport Car Supermarket.
      He told The Sun: “It was something I fell into after playing.”
      After that, he decided to change his path again.
      read more in Football
      He said: “I went into counselling sound because it’s something I was interested in – helping others and helping players.”
      Now, he has more than 15 years of experience in addiction and relapse prevention and recovery.
      He is registered under the Counselling Directory where his profile explains his background and aims.
      As an ex-professional footballer, trying to compete at the highest level on a weekly basis and trying to please others came with its own challenges and problems which I later had to address.Former Man City Midfielder Jeff Whitley
      Whitley added: “I have a strong passion for addictions therapy such as alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, gaming and gambling addictions, as I myself am a recovering addict and have been a member of AA, CA, GA etc for many years.”
      Most read in Football
      He is well-equipped with the tools and personal experience to help, as he explains: “I’m able to offer first hand help, guidance and continued support to recovery with a goal to achieve sobriety and abstinence from all addictions as well as relapse prevention.”
      He also works in Professional Football providing counselling, support, therapy and mentoring.
      He covers a range of issues including anxiety, depression, anger and confidence, particularly among professional footballers.
      Discussing his troubled past, Whitley told SunSport in 2020: “I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and thought, ‘I don’t know who that guy is.’ I’d completely lost myself.”
      He added: “There’s this ripple effect of people who are getting hurt through your actions and they can’t do anything apart from look after themselves. That’s my biggest regret.”
      That’s not all, though. Whitley’s career has been full of fabulous twists and turns.
      He even worked as a football coach at a development centre linked with League Two club Morecambe.
      The centre started in 2015 at Loreto High School, across the road from Whitley’s old school Oakwood (now Chorlton High).
      In December 2018, the ex-Northern Ireland international was hired by the PFA’s Wellbeing team.
      They offer free support to footballers past and present on issues ranging from addiction to anxiety, depression and “just feeling a bit low”.
      In 2019, he backed The Sun’s End of The Line campaign to help raise awareness of the devastating dangers of cocaine and its impact on mental health.
      Whitley explained: “When you’re young and you’ve got a few quid in your pocket, it can be quite exciting and highly addictive.
      “But you go from being super confident and chatty to wanting to be on your own in complete isolation.”
      Jeff Whitley is part of the PFA’s Wellbeing department which provides support to more than 50,000 members.
      They offer a 24/7 helpline, a national network of counsellors, and a residential rehab at Sporting Chance Clinic.
      Fellowships, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Cocaine Anonymous (CA), are available as well with 12-step sponsored programme.
      The PFA Wellbeing team provide individual action plans for members on issues ranging from anxiety, depression, alcohol, drug use and gambling.
      They also go into all 92 clubs to assess players and educate Under-18s, U23s, first-team, women’s teams and staff on the dangers of alcohol and drug use.
      Any current and former PFA members can contact the Wellbeing team with emotional issues on its email address: wellbeing@thepfa.co.uk
      Whitley learnt from his own experiences with drug use.
      He shared: “I was in a dark place. I had no excuse not to take it. I didn’t have to go into training, so wouldn’t be drug tested, and I wanted to feel better.
      “When I took it, I could stay up longer, drink longer. But if you take enough the buzz eventually goes; the buzz ends up being paranoia.”
      He added: “The insane paranoia is mind-blowing. Call it curtain-twitching: any siren, any noise, you think they’re after you. It’s a proper frightening place to be.”
      Whitley has real, lived experience with addiction and drug use.
      In 2017, his brother Jack took his own life by taking a concoction of drugs including cocaine.
      “I know how difficult it is for family members to reach out and help,” Whitley explains.
      But Whitley turned his life around.
      While in rehab, he learnt the root of his issue lay with unspoken childhood trauma after having been orphaned at age 12.
      Read More on The Sun
      “These things have a huge impact on you,” he said. “You’re looking for father figures and, unfortunately, some of them are really bad role models, flashing the cash and selling drugs.”
      Where to go for help
      FRANK
      Helpline open 24/7: 0300 123 6600
      ADDACTION
      For help finding a service or to Instant chat
      Change, Grow, Live
      Help for anyone with drug and alcohol issues.
      Dedicated help for people under 25.
      SANE
      Mental health support line: 0300 304 7000
      Help4Addiction
      Help, support and advice for those dealing with addiction and their families
      Action on Addiction
      Rehab and community addiction treatment
      0300 330 0659
      Adfam
      Helpline open 9am-9pm, 7 days a week
      0300 888 3853
      Help for families affected by drugs and alcohol

      23 Oct 1999: Joy for Manchester City scorer Jeff Whitley in the Nationwide Division One match against Blackburn Rovers at Maine Road in Manchester, EnglandCredit: Getty
      5 Aug 2000: Jeff Whitley of Manchester City in action during a pre-season friendly against Stockport CountyCredit: Getty
      Jeff Whitley prior to the Group Six World Cup Qualifier between Wales and Northern Ireland at the Millennium Stadium on September 8, 2004 in Cardiff, WalesCredit: Getty More

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      in Motorsport

      FIA president forced to release statement after slamming Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel over human rights stance

      by

      UNDER-FIRE FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has issued a statement on Twitter – just days after hitting out at drivers for speaking about human rights and mental health.Former rally driver Ben Sulayem was only appointed in December, and is overseeing his first Formula One season.
      FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has issued a statement on TwitterCredit: Rex
      Lewis Hamilton is one of the drivers that have spoken about social issuesCredit: AFP
      But he has already driven a wedge between the sport’s governing body and F1’s owner’s, Liberty Media.
      And his comments will also alarm drivers such as Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton.
      The pair have spoken about social issues, such as human and LGBTQ+ rights.
      Meanwhile, Lando Norris, has addressed mental health issues and raised awareness.
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      Ben Sulayem was quoted as saying: “Niki Lauda and Alain Prost only cared about driving.
      “Now, Vettel drives a rainbow bicycle, Lewis is passionate about human rights and Norris addresses mental health.
      “Everybody has the right to think.
      “To me, it is about deciding whether we should impose our beliefs in [sic] something over the sport all the time.”
      The interview had sparked much anger across social media but he has now tried to clarify his comments.
      And he insisted he DOES support drivers trying to help “progress in society”.
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      He wrote on Twitter: “As a driver, I have always believed in sport as a catalyst of progress in society.
      “That is why promoting sustainability, diversity and inclusion is a key priority of my mandate.
      “In the same way, I value the commitment of all drivers and champions for a better future.”
      Hamilton and Ben Sulayem already have a shaky relationship over an on-going jewellery ban.
      The Brit even threatened to PULL OUT of the Miami Grand Prix after claiming he had a secret piercing he couldn’t remove.
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      Ben Sulayem has had a hardline stance this season following the sacking of Michael Masi last year.
      The former race director was axed following Hamilton’s controversial world title loss to Max Verstappen.
      He bypassd the rulebook to allow the Red Bull driver to overtake his Mercedes rival on the final lap at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
      There was an investigation in February around the controversy, and the Australian was given the boot. More