A NEW Wrexham-based podcast is being launched diving into the world of women's football and the importance of mental health in sport.

Two dads from Flintshire have joined forces to explore the world of women's football and mental health to educate themselves and support their aspiring footballer daughters.

The podcast 'This Girl Can Play' is available on YouTube.

Host Leon Pickford, 35, from Flint came up with the idea alongside friend and co-host Andy Hughes. Both have 11-year-old girls who play for Northop Hall Girls and Flintshire, as well as Leon's daughter playing for Wrexham and Andy's for Connah's Quay Nomads.

Andy, 39, from Connah's Quay, said: "They both have huge dreams to play in the Premier League one day. 

"We as dads soon realised we have no idea how to navigate the amazing world of women's football. The barriers they face, the stigma and the obstacles that will be put in front of them as girls.

"So who better to speak to and be educated by than these inspirational women who have overcome it and still get to play the game they love."

The first episode of 'This Girl Can Play' focuses on AFC Women's player Lili Jones who has an incredible story to share.

Andy continues: "After seeing Lili on a 'Welcome to Wrexham' episode, we knew she would be a perfect first guest.

"Mental health is a huge focus, not just in sport, but in everyday life and is still not spoken about enough.

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"To have someone sitting across from us to discuss in great detail the struggles her late Father had before sadly taking his own life was truly a moment I will never forget, and we are so grateful to Lili for being so open."

The hope is that the podcast will be listened to by grandparents, parents, relatives and friends as well as the young aspiring players themselves who may be facing barriers in sport currently.

The episodes will openly discuss the stigma in football and will positively address how they can be overcome by being educated about women in the industry.  

Episodes will be available every other Friday with the first one being released on November 3. Next week the guys will be joined by Burnley FC star Aimee Kelly.