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Dave Kitson is a former Premier League footballer, known most notably for his time at Reading FC, where he was twice named Player of the Year and instrumental in their record-breaking 106-point Championship-winning season. An inspiring and credible voice on mental health, he draws from his remarkable football career and personal journey of battling depression that resonates deeply with all audiences. Dave has made over 400 professional appearances in the Premier League and Football League, his career including stints with Stoke City, Portsmouth, Sheffield United, and Oxford United, as well as time spent training with AC Milan and Real Madrid – experiences that give him a rare insight into the pressure-cooker environment of elite sport.
However, it’s Dave’s work off the pitch that truly sets him apart as a mental health speaker. Behind the widely read “The Secret Footballer” column in The Guardian and four anonymously published books, he shared the unfiltered reality of life inside the professional game, shedding light on the mental health struggles often hidden behind fame and success. He spoke to BBC Sport in 2019, opening up about the extent of his mental health and the damaging effect it had on his football career. These candid reflections give a voice to many athletes suffering in silence and sparked a wider conversation around mental wellbeing in sport. Dave continues this mission through the Dave Kitson Academy – Berkshire’s largest football academy, which has trained over 10,000 young players since its founding in 2023. As a coach at Reading Blue Coat School, he recently led the team to its first national title, emphasising not just physical excellence but true mental resilience.
Dave is a popular Talksport matchday expert and Sky Sports panellist who’s speaking engagements cover critical topics such as teamwork, motivation, performance pressure, and the culture of elite sports. With a unique blend of lived experience, professional insight, and compelling storytelling, he connects with audiences on a profound level. Whether he’s speaking to students, corporate teams, or athletes, his honesty and empathy make him a powerful advocate for breaking the stigma around mental health struggles in sports and fostering environments where people can thrive, on and off the field. Dave was recently appointed as the manager of Maidenhead United Women’s first team, demonstrating his commitment to the world of football and how an individual can adjust their position in a particular field to continue their passions whilst putting their mental health first.
“I was lucky enough to help bring Dave to Reading FC in 2003. What a player! Fantastic that Dave is setting up his academy in Reading, a club and town he loves. His experiences in football and life will be invaluable to each and every one of the boys and girls who are involved.”
“In terms of coaching, Dave is a natural. You only need to spend a few minutes in his company to see the game in a totally new way.”
The Mental Health Speakers Agency has been one of the UK’s leading bureaus for emotional wellbeing experts since 2020. We supply speakers for corporate and public events across the world, and cater to both in-person occasions and online webinars. Our roster includes athletes, psychologists, celebrities and more, to ensure that audiences of all demographics receive tailored, impactful mental health guidance.
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