Community Heroes
We are passionate about sport. We want to create a world where sport is as good for your brain as it is for your body.
To help us to achieve our aims and to support ex-players who are affected by neurodegenerative disease as a result of their sporting careers, we are proud to be working with a fantastic squad of supporters.
Young and old, personally affected by brain injury in sport or simply keen to be part of the solution, we couldn’t do what we do without the support that we receive.
We are proud to have all the supporters in our squad.
Tom – Head for Change Community Hero
When I first heard about Head for Change I immediately thought this is something I want to be involved with. I love rugby, but having suffered a life changing brain injury as the result of a rugby tackle aged 16, I believe there is a need for change in the sport.
Tackling the NDD crisis in football – what are the possible solutions?
As a final year law student, I had come to encounter much legal theory throughout my degree studies. Yet, I came to challenge Aristotle’s view that “the law is reason, free from passion”…
Fin Macfie
When I first heard Alix Popham speak about Head for Change, it really struck a chord with me. It became clear just how important brain health is, especially in sports.
Duncan Hendry
Gareth Rees
Sport has always been central to my life. I played a vast number of sports at school and college but actually gained representative honours in five at county level or above, with rugby and swimming being my main focus. After training as a teacher, I spent 37 fulfilling years working in London, Cheltenham, and Witney, specialising in PE and outdoor education.
Gareth Ffowcs Williams
Sport, especially rugby, cricket, and cycling, has been a constant in my life. The part rugby has played in my life is not to be underestimated. It didn’t just keep me fit physically, but mentally helped me learn so many lessons about winning and losing, overcoming setbacks, and how it felt to be rewarded, or not, for your efforts.
Dai Mathias
I am an ex rugby player who is now a keen cyclist and sports fan. I met Alix on a charity cycle ride from North to South Wales back in 2016. Like everyone else, I was shocked to hear of his diagnosis and also to hear of how many others were affected.
Rich Emmett
Rugby has always been present in my life. Growing up as a proud Welshman, it formed part of my local and national identity. I’ve experienced and witnessed many bumps to the head, but the awareness of the potential long-term effects of these just wasn’t there at the time.
Education
Check out our new education programme
Our BrainSafe course is designed to teach children and their parents, teachers and coaches how to stay active while protecting their brain health.
FOR YOUNGER SPORT PLAYERS
FOR ATHLETES & SPORT EXPERTS
FOR TEACHERS & ADULTS
FOR Younger sport players
BrainSafe: Introduction
This introductory online course is not sport specific and is inclusive to all.
Libby – BrainSafe Champion
Football has played a huge role in my life, both on and off the pitch. As a...