The Hidden Side of Professional Football Nobody Talks About

What really happens in a footballer’s life away from the pitch? Life Through Ball is back, and for the first episode of the new season I’m joined by Jack ‘Tebbs’ Tebbutt, Head of Player Wellbeing at Charlton Athletic. Tebbs has spent years working closely with players inside professional football, including his time at Burnley and now Charlton. But as he explains in this conversation, most of the conversations he has with players have nothing to do with football. LinkedIn +1 We get into the side of the game supporters rarely see: the challenges players can experience away from the pitch, dealing with setbacks, pressure and difficult periods, the importance of having a strong routine and a “default” to come back to, and why understanding someone is often more valuable than judging them. Tebbs also explains his approach to player wellbeing and why he believes that every person needs a champion — someone willing to understand the person behind the player. A conversation about football, but even more about people.

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00:00 Introduction & What Does Player Wellbeing Really Mean? 02:17

Dealing With Stress, Routine & "Being Middle" 06:36

The Pit of Doom & Building Resilience 10:46

Becoming Head of Player Wellbeing at Charlton Athletic 13:48

Growing Up, Football & Finding Purpose 19:41

A Career in Education Before Football 30:23

Misconceptions, Bias & Understanding Young People 35:36

Building Trust With Young People 40:37