Athlete Health and Welfare

Welcome!

Welcome to the SportCheer England Medical Committee's Athlete Health and Welfare Resources page. 

Our goal is to support our members with resources for physical and emotional well-being. Explore the sections below for valuable information and support.

Meet the Committee

Our medical team is here to ensure the health and well-being of all our members.

• Dr. Nicole Hinds Sport and Exercise Medicine Doctor, General Practitioner, Team Doctor for Team England Premier 

• Dr. Amy Savile - Consultant Clinical Psychologist

• Bethany Shum -  Performing Arts Specialist Physiotherapist  (HCPC, MSCP) 

Physical Health Resources

Your physical health is crucial for cheer safety, performance and injury prevention. Explore the common conditions and resources on how to manage them.

Common Conditions

• Sprains and Strains

  • Common injuries affecting muscles and ligaments in your body.

  • Signs and Symptoms: Pain, swelling, limited mobility, relative weakness 

• Tendinopathy 

  • Swelling and/or pain originating from tendons, often due to overuse.

  • Signs and Symptoms: Pain, tenderness, mild swelling. 

Helpful Resources

• NHS Sports Injuries Management: Sprains & Strains 

• Pain and injuries after exercise: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/muscle-bone-and-joints/pain-and-injuries-after-exercise/ 

Emotional Health Resources

Maintaining emotional well-being is essential for both performance and overall happiness.

Helpful Resources

• Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/ 

• Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/

• Mental Health Foundation: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/ 

• Young people’s mental health: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/

• Eating disorders: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

• Autism: https://www.autism.org.uk/

• Deliberate self-harm: https://www.nshn.co.uk/downloads.html

Concussions Resources

• Description: Temporary disruption to brain function caused by a blow to the head.

• Signs and Symptoms: Headache, confusion, dizziness, nausea, feeling like you're in a fog, forgetfulness

• Prevention Tips: use of head protection, correct technique, early recognition and immediate assessment post-injury.

Helpful Resources

• NHS Concussion Information: Head Injury 

• UK Concussion Guidelines for Grassroots Sport: If in Doubt Sit Them Out

• Concussion Courses: UK Coaching Concussion Awareness for Coaches 

Contact Us

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our committee if you are a member.

• Email: info@sportscheerengland.org  

Eating Disorder resources

Cheerleading demands power, precision, and trust, but like many performance sports, it can also expose athletes to body image pressures that increase the risk of disordered eating.

To learn more about eating disorders and how to reach out for help - https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/about-eating-disorders/

How to Support Your Community: 

Learn how to spot eating disorder signs, and support loved ones and those around you to get the help that they need -  https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/support-someone-else/tips-for-supporting-somebody-with-an-eating-disorder/

Recognise the impact of Social Media in Eating Disorders and promote positive online engagement: 

Be mindful of what you post on social media and how this may affect others viewing your content - https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/about-eating-disorders/eating-disorders-and-social-media/

Whether your community is one person or many, even a single meaningful connection can bring hope, strength, and the reminder that you are not alone.

BEAT Eating Disorders Charity helplines are open from 3pm- 8pm, Monday to Friday. Calls are free from landline and mobile.

Beat England Helpline: 0808 801 0677

Support is also available by email, webchat through Beat social media accounts and by letter. You can also access downloadable resources on the 

Beat website:

www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk