Rehanne Skinner, the current manager of West Ham Women, knows well the struggles that come with managing a team in one of the most competitive leagues in women's football. According to her, mental health support is often "reactionary" and not taken seriously enough by clubs and governing bodies. She believes that this is partly due to a lack of resources and funding for initiatives aimed at supporting coaches' wellbeing.
Skinner has worked with the League Managers' Association (LMA) on studies to identify issues faced by WSL managers and potential solutions. One key area of focus is the need for more comprehensive mental health support, including access to external mentors who can provide regular guidance and education on mental health tools. She argues that this type of support should be seen as essential for improving performance, not just a secondary consideration.
Skinner's concerns are echoed by those in the women's football community, who recognize the importance of prioritizing coaches' wellbeing. The lack of resources and funding for initiatives aimed at supporting coaches is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. As the game continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that governing bodies and clubs prioritize the mental health and wellbeing of their managers.
Skinner's experiences and concerns highlight the need for greater investment in mental health support for women's football coaches. By prioritizing this aspect of player care, clubs and governing bodies can help create a healthier and more sustainable environment for teams to compete at the highest level.
Skinner has worked with the League Managers' Association (LMA) on studies to identify issues faced by WSL managers and potential solutions. One key area of focus is the need for more comprehensive mental health support, including access to external mentors who can provide regular guidance and education on mental health tools. She argues that this type of support should be seen as essential for improving performance, not just a secondary consideration.
Skinner's concerns are echoed by those in the women's football community, who recognize the importance of prioritizing coaches' wellbeing. The lack of resources and funding for initiatives aimed at supporting coaches is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. As the game continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that governing bodies and clubs prioritize the mental health and wellbeing of their managers.
Skinner's experiences and concerns highlight the need for greater investment in mental health support for women's football coaches. By prioritizing this aspect of player care, clubs and governing bodies can help create a healthier and more sustainable environment for teams to compete at the highest level.