This week we speak to a trailblazer in women's football, former England midfielder Karen Carmey, MBE. We ask Karen all about her experience of living and breathing life as a top level female athlete for over 16 years.
We talk about the sport science support she received along the way, how her menstrual cycle affected her through her playing days, how she believes football has changed over the years, where the sport is heading and what she’s been up to since retiring from the game.
We also talk about the impact covid-19 could have on the women's game, the inspiring women who helped her on her journey including Dawn Scott, Emma Hayes and Eva Woods, to name just a few, and why the conversation around the female athlete has to open up.
In question time, we also address your questions left over from 'Contraception Part I' and 'Part II' episodes, including a question about the implant and which forms of hormonal contraception might be worth considering.
Resources/ links to talking points of the week:
Is being a woman bad for your health? Alyson McGregor article: https://www.you.co.uk/is-being-a-woman-bad-for-your-health/
Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/alyson_mcgregor_why_medicine_often_has_dangerous_side_effects_for_women?language=en
Why girls stop playing football: Blog article:
https://marvamsk.wordpress.com/2020/05/16/why-girls-stop-playing-football/
England Women join project to 'truly understand the female athlete': https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/may/11/england-women-football-project-understand-female-athlete
Phil Neville says menstrual cycle is not taboo for England and FA any longer: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/05/23/phil-neville-need-bespoke-models-female-athletes-female-footballers/
Tracy Neville postpartum interview on 5 Live Sport Special: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08cr2tp
Amber Stobbs: “I felt like I’d gone past that point of no return": Mental Health Awareness Week article: https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/2020/may/palace-womens-amber-stobbs-mental-health-awareness-week-story/
*Disclaimer: Materials and content in the Female Athlete Podcast are intended as general information only and should not be substituted for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.