Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ-nwR5edMODelU3OsaVTNA/join In this episode of the Beyond Football podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting David Wheeler, a professional footballer with a unique journey that extends beyond the pitch. David shared his experiences, insights, and challenges faced throughout his career, shedding light on the importance of mental health, resilience, and seeking help. The episode delves into David's early passion for football, his journey from a local village team to the academy system at Brighton, and the pivotal moment of being released at 16. David candidly discusses the intense pressure and anxiety he faced during his academy years, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach to player development, including mental health support. David's transition to non-league football and eventual rise to professional leagues exemplifies the resilience and determination required in the world of football. He emphasizes the significance of mentors, teammates, and family members who played crucial roles in shaping his mindset and outlook on life. A key theme explored in the episode is the importance of seeking professional help for mental health issues. David shares his personal journey of overcoming anxiety and the transformative impact of therapy and sports psychology on his well-being. The conversation touches on the stigma surrounding men's mental health and the need for more male psychologists and therapists to address this issue. Furthermore, David reflects on the challenges faced by footballers post-career, emphasizing the necessity of building a sense of self beyond the sport. He discusses the financial pressures, social influences, and the importance of planning for life after football. Overall, this episode of the Beyond Football podcast provides a deep dive into the complexities of a footballer's journey, the significance of mental health support, and the resilience required to navigate the highs and lows of the game. David Wheeler's story serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes and highlights the importance of holistic player development in the world of football. ⬇️ REMEMBER TO LIKE & SUBSCRIBE TO US ON SPOTIFY HERE ⬇️ https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/beyondfootball/subscribe REMEMBER TO LIKE & SUBSCRIBE! TIMESTAMPS: Introduction to David Wheeler: 00:00:00-00:00:23 Football as a Dream: 00:00:43-00:01:54 Football Journey Beginnings: 00:03:13-00:04:49 Lessons Learned from Academy: 00:04:38-00:05:52 Psychological Techniques for Resilience: 00:09:30-00:13:32 Impact of Rejection: 00:19:34-00:21:53 Importance of Mentors: 00:37:53-00:43:49 Seeking Professional Help: 00:48:42-00:55:51 Men's Mental Health and Psychology: 00:56:14-00:57:44 FOLLOW MY SOCIALS: Instagram // https://www.instagram.com/daniel.jinadu/?hl=en Twitter // https://twitter.com/danieljinadu1 TikTok // https://vm.tiktok.com/ZS3d6QXF/ #BeyondFootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices