Episode 121: Head in the Game‘s Dean Arrowsmith

On this episode I am joined by Dean Arrowsmith, Chairperson of Irish mental health charity, Head in the Game. Dean is also Director of Coaching for AYSO 300 Extra and United in Chicago. We chat about Dean's journey in coaching, from Ireland to Chicago and the differences in youth coaching from when Dean grew up. Dean also gives advice for parents looking to get their kids into soccer and for parents of kids who maybe getting scouted by professional clubs.  Dean shares with me the inspiration behind Head in The Game, having a football ground named in it's honour and attending the PFAI awards to deliver their message. We also find out about the partner charities, SHINE and JIGSAW. Dean also talk about running the Chicago Marathon in memory of his daughter, Charli Mae and the help he received from the remarkable people at The SHARE Charity. Finally we have a look at the changes at Dundalk and how the club seems on a better footing. You can follow Head in the Game on twitter and instagram @headinthegameie  If you need help and are in Ireland, these are some great resources: https://jigsaw.ie/need-urgent-help/ In Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html In the US:  https://www.mentalhealth.gov/get-help