Overview
Former footballer Charlie Austin shares his journey from late entry into professional football to his ADHD diagnosis, discussing the challenges and opportunities both brought. The conversation covers career turning points, family influence, mental health, neurodiversity in sport, and life after retirement.
Path to Professional Football
- Entered professional football late after initially working in construction for his family's business.
- Early career setbacks included transfer bans and being released for being "too small."
- Embraced a mindset of "nothing to lose, everything to gain" throughout his career.
- Attributes career breakthrough to moving geographically and seizing unexpected opportunities.
Adaptation and Mentality
- Lack of academy experience made him more gritty and unpredictable on the field.
- Early exposure to men's football made him more prepared for professional play.
- Maintained a fearless approach largely due to his nontraditional path.
Career Highs and Lows
- Experienced memorable moments such as scoring in high-stakes matches.
- Highs in his career felt extreme, but lows, especially related to injury and lack of structure, were challenging.
- Retirement and ADHD diagnosis in 2023 brought new perspectives on these emotional fluctuations.
ADHD Diagnosis and Impact
- Sought diagnosis after recognizing similar symptoms in his children and encouragement from family.
- Initially feared the diagnosis would change his personality.
- Now views ADHD as a "superpower" that shaped his career and family life.
- Found medication helpful for focus without altering his core self.
- Discusses the difficulty of accessing ADHD diagnosis and treatment, especially for those without private healthcare.
Structure, Routine, and Life After Football
- Football provided essential daily structure that managed ADHD symptoms.
- Post-retirement, lack of routine posed significant adjustment challenges.
- Now heavily involved in coaching youth football and values time spent with family.
- Recognizes the importance of structure for both himself and children with ADHD.
Neurodiversity in Football and Advice
- Notes possible underdiagnosis of neurodiversity among professional athletes.
- Emphasizes need for clubs and doctors to better support mental health and neurodiverse conditions.
- Advises athletes and parents not to fear diagnosis or medication and to seek support without shame.
- Recommends speaking to club doctors or seeking private assessment if NHS wait times are too long.
Reflections on Coaching and Family
- Coaching youth teams has become a highlight and a therapeutic outlet.
- Uses personal experience to relate to kids with potential ADHD, but maintains boundaries regarding behavior.
- Praises his wife for her support and role in managing family and personal challenges.
Life and Perspective Post-Career
- Feels content coaching, doing media work, and focusing on family rather than pursuing high-pressure management roles.
- Enjoys watching football as a fan and has a renewed appreciation for managerial pressures.
- Maintains a philosophy of honesty, caring, and embracing his journey, including the difficulties.
Recommendations / Advice
- Adults and parents should not fear ADHD diagnosis and should consult GPs or specialists when concerns arise.
- Do not be deterred by stigma or fears about personality change.
- Medication can be beneficial and should not be a source of alarm.
Decisions
- Retired from full-time professional football to focus on family and coaching.
- Publicly announced ADHD diagnosis to challenge stigma and support others.
Action Items
- TBD – Charlie Austin: Continue advocacy and coaching youth, supporting neurodiverse children and families.