On this episode of The Players Podcast we tune into 3 current Irish League Footballers who discuss how gambling has affected their lives and how they continue to battle against their addiction.

All three men have are courageously leading the way for other players to come forward to seek support.

The podcast follows on from our recent Gambling Survey which you can fill out here if you are an Irish League Player in the Men or Women's game.

If you are a player and find that what began as some fun has now got a lot more serious then you can contact the PFA Northern Ireland confidentially on 07736967878 or via info@pfani.com

You can also visit the advice section of our website

Thank you to Aaron Hogg, Aaron Traynor and Michael Ruddy for taking part in this podcast and also big thanks to Matthew Snoddy for his participation in our ongoing group discussions.

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🎙 New Podcast Episode – Breaking the Silence

In this episode, We are joined by Jordan Stewart (Crusaders FC) and Ross Arnold (Linfield FC) as we have an open and honest conversation about the heartbreaking losses of Michael Newberry, Paul Butler, and Keith Kennedy.

Their passing has left a deep void in the football community, and it’s a stark reminder of the battles so many face in silence. There is support out there. You are never alone.

We discuss the importance of mental health, the impact of these losses, and most importantly, why reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

If you’re struggling, please know there are people who care and want to help. Visit the wellbeing section at PFA NI Talk to a teammate, a friend, a loved one – just don’t battle alone.

Thank you to Jordan Stewart and Ross Oliver for bravely and selflessly speaking out in order to support their fellow players and keeping this societal issue in peoples thoughts.

📞 Need support? Reach out to Sports Chaplaincy Ireland or visit C.A.L.M

Let’s keep this conversation going. Together, we can make a difference. 💙⚽ #YouAreNotAlone #MentalHealthMatters #FootballFamily

The Players Podcast is recorded by The Digital Circles Network. If you would like to record a podcast and require studio space or editing please visit

https://digitalcircles.co.uk/

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If you have ever thought of studying in America then this is a must listen.

After a conversation with a friend of his brothers, Paddy Burns decided an opportunity to live and study stateside offered an exciting and new experience that he had to grasp.

Combining it with sport appealed even more, so Paddy though his talent and experience having made over 20 first team appearances in the Irish League with Glenavon reached out to the Notre Dame coach and was soon given a "Walk On" to the College Team.

Spending 3 and a half years studying and playing college soccer and experiencing the private jets to away games and benefitting from the plentiful supply of sports merch Paddy lived a life that any young sportsperson would surely love to experience.

Paddy describes what its like playing in the US and how things can seem so different to the academy football the Crumlin native grew up playing in NI.

Having completed his studies in Political Science and Sociology, Paddy got a phone call from Jim Magilton asking if he could come back to Cliftonville, his boyhood team. Thrown in at the deep end replacing the central defensive stalwart Luke Turner who'd recently departed for St Pats Athletic, Paddy took his place on the left side of a back three and never looked back.

He finished the season by completing the full 120 minutes of a tense Irish Cup Final victory against Linfield.

The future for Paddy looks great on and off the field and his experience in the land of opportunity was one that he now passionately become an ambassador for to other young people wishing to expand their horizons in a study and sports setting.

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