From Setbacks to Comebacks: Will Smallbone’s Story

I’ve had the privilege of chatting with numerous athletes now, but what struck me most about this chat was his honesty. He opens up about the challenges of professional sport, the weight of expectations, and his journey to maintain mental well-being amidst it all.

From rupturing his ACL to managing alopecia and handling the relentless pressure of competing at an elite level, Will’s story is a testament to his resilience. His experiences provide a unique insight into the mental and physical toll of professional football, as well as the strategies he has developed in order to cope.

Dealing with injury and recovery

Will’s journey to professional football began with a dream debut, scoring in the FA Cup at just 19 years old. However, his career has been punctuated by challenges, including a ruptured ACL that left him sidelined for 8 months. "Mentally, that’s a big challenge," he shared. “Overnight, your world is flipped upside down."

For an athlete whose identity is so tied to physical activity, the injury was more than just a setback. The isolation of being away from the pitch, teammates, and the structure of daily training, hit hard. "You go from being able to do everything to suddenly not even being able to bear weight," Will reflected. It wasn’t just the physical pain but the emotional toll of having to sit on the sidelines and support.

What helped him persevere was the support of his family and girlfriend~ now fiancé. They became his rock during this period of uncertainty. "Their encouragement kept me going," he said. However, even with a strong support system, the mental barriers were significant. Will had to rebuild not just his knee but also his confidence. "You don’t just bounce back, it’s a process," he admitted. Progress often felt slow, but each milestone, like taking his first steps post-surgery or returning to light training, kept him going.

During his recovery, Will discovered the value of having distractions outside of football. Activities like playing golf, exploring new places, or simply enjoying a coffee with his fiancé helped him shift focus away from the frustrations of being unable to play. "Distractions are so important," he emphasised, explaining how moments being away from reality allowed him to reset mentally and maintain a sense of balance. Even for those of us outside professional sports, his story highlights the importance of finding ways to step back and recharge during challenging times.

Navigating Alopecia with Confidence

While recovering from his ACL injury, Will faced another unexpected challenge: Alopecia. This condition, which causes hair loss, presented both physical and emotional hurdles for someone constantly in the public eye. The impact of enduring the effects of Alopecia was heightened by the difficult time of managing his recovery from a serious injury. "It was tough, but my family and girlfriend gave me the confidence to embrace it," he said.

Initially, the visible change was overwhelming. "When you’re used to seeing yourself a certain way, suddenly losing your hair is a shock," Will explained. The isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic further heightened his anxiety about how others might perceive him when he returned to the pitch. However, instead of letting the condition hold him back, Will chose to confront it with openness and determination.

Will’s collaboration with Alopecia UK has been particularly meaningful. He has worked to raise awareness and provide support to others facing similar challenges, such as organizing opportunities for young mascots with alopecia to join players on match days. "It’s about showing people that it’s okay to be different," he said. This proactive approach has allowed him to transform a personal struggle into a platform for inspiration.

He also shared how humour played a role in easing the transition. "I remember saying, ‘New season, new haircut,’ as a way to break the ice," he recalled with a smile. For Will, facing alopecia head-on became an exercise in resilience, self-acceptance, and turning vulnerability into strength. His journey serves as a reminder that embracing change can lead to empowerment and a renewed sense of purpose.

Managing the Noise of Social Media

In today’s digital age, athletes are constantly under scrutiny from the public. For Will, navigating the pressures of social media has been a learning experience. "At first, I loved reading what people said about me," he admitted. "When things are going well, it’s great. But over time, I realised that not every opinion is helpful."

Will took a proactive approach by stepping away from platforms like Twitter. "I found I play better when I’m not distracted by outside noise," he explained. This decision wasn’t about ignoring feedback but about protecting his mental space. "Social media can be overwhelming. Everyone has an opinion, and it’s so easy to get caught up in it."

One strategy that helped was turning off notifications and limiting interactions to only those people he follows. "It’s not about shutting people out, it’s about focusing on what matters," he said. By creating boundaries, Will has been able to maintain a healthier relationship with social media, using it as a tool for connection rather than a source of stress.

Pressure of the Big Stage

For many, the thought of performing in front of tens of thousands of people is nerve-wracking, but for Will, it’s part of the job. "There’s nothing better than playing in front of a big crowd," he shared. The roar of the fans, the intensity of the atmosphere, it all adds to the thrill. However, it also comes with immense pressure.

Will admitted that the pressure often peaks before the game. "Once you cross the white line and the whistle blows, it becomes another game of football," he explained. "The nerves fade as you get your first touch or make your first pass. It’s about staying in the moment."

He attributes much of his ability to handle these situations to visualisation techniques. Before stepping onto the pitch, he often visualises key moments, like scoring a goal or making a crucial play. "By the time it happens in the game, it feels like I’ve already been there in my mind," he said. This mental preparation helps him stay composed, even in high-stakes situations.

Approach to mental health

A significant part of Will’s approach to mental health involves mindfulness and journaling. Writing down his thoughts allows him to process emotions and put challenges into perspective. "Getting my thoughts out of my head and onto paper makes a huge difference," he explained, noting how this practice helps him separate unhelpful thoughts from reality. Mindfulness has also become a key part of his preparation, helping him stay grounded and visualise success before stepping onto the pitch. These techniques not only enhance his performance but also serve as a valuable toolkit for managing the pressures of professional sport.

Embracing Change and Setting Goals

Throughout his career, Will has shown a remarkable ability to adapt to change, whether it’s recovering from injury, embracing a new role at a different club, or working with Alopecia UK. His loan to Stoke City, for instance, pushed him out of his comfort zone, offering both personal and professional growth. Looking ahead, Will’s aspirations are clear. "Playing in a World Cup with Ireland and reaching 100 Premier League appearances are big milestones for me," he said.

Lessons for Us All

Will’s journey offers valuable lessons that extend beyond football. His resilience in the face of adversity and his commitment to mental well-being are reminders that success isn’t just about talent; it’s about mindset, support, and adaptability. Whether it’s leaning on a support network, finding healthy outlets, or protecting one’s mental space, his strategies are relevant to anyone navigating life’s challenges. Will’s story features the power of embracing change, staying grounded, and finding strength in vulnerability. These qualities that can inspire us all to push forward, no matter the obstacles.