Nathan Arnold

"There were probably 20 games out of the 51 that I played last season when I was dealing with anxiety in my own way and just trying to battle through"

Sometimes you have to decide. Nathan was a professional footballer with some notable highlights to his career already, but something didn’t feel right. He made the decision to put his health and well-being above his job - and has never looked back.

It is this determination to succeed but not all costs that he brings to Independent Thinking, helping school communities think about health, well-being, dealing with stress, emotional management and resilience in a way that is practical, real and valuable for all concerned.

From a working-class background, Nathan got his first big break though the kindness of strangers, as is so often the case. A football fanatic from a young age, it was the street that was his training ground. A local children’s football coach who had seen how often – and how well he played – as he drove past each evening stopped his car one day and invited Nathan to come to train with his team.

(In our work with young people it is important to remember that, sometimes, you only need an adult to give a child one break and then everything changes.)

Call us on +44(0)1267 211432 or email learn@independentthinking.co.uk for a chat about Nathan's prices, current availability and how to save money when you book.

Nathan’s subsequent career saw him help take Grimsby Town back up to the Football League with a stoppage-time goal as well as scoring the goal for non-league Lincoln City that knocked Ipswich FC out of the FA Cup, setting up a famous cup run that only ended when they met Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

But something was not quite right. Following the death of his mother at a too-young age, Nathan started battling with his mental health and anxiety. He felt he needed to change course. Drawing on his coaching skills and his commitment to sport and fitness as well as his lived experience, he has now built up a national reputation for helping people from all walks of life be their best - but with their emotional health at the forefront.

This second career has included transformational work with prisoners to help them turn their lives around and work with schools as well as supporting professionals in a variety of settings. And, of course, still in love with football, he is also the first team manager for Newark Town FC.

Nathan has given me the tools to believe in myself and be positive

This programme has changed me as a person all round, I can see a future after prison now

I am more confident in myself in talking in a group, how to express how I feel and explain it

I'd like to thank Nathan for opening my eyes to what's possible with the right mindset and positive thoughts and outlook

It's hard to put your finger on exactly what it is about him. He has an aura, a way of immediately making you feel as though he understands you, as though he cares about you.

We are delighted to have Nathan as one of our newest Associates, bringing with him a unique perspective on emotional health and well-being (the mental and physical health of men and boys a speciality), personal achievement and resilience in the face of adversity.

A compelling speaker with an amazing story to tell (and some fairy-tale sporting moments to share), Nathan is proof that talent is only part of the picture when it comes to success and achievement. An important message in these pressured times.

Nathan has been with Independent Thinking since March 2022
You'll find his work in our Leadership and Well-Being topic areas
Nathan is one of our New Voices

Call us on +44(0)1267 211432 or email learn@independentthinking.co.uk for a chat about Nathan's prices, current availability and how to save money when you book.

Make a booking, ask a question, panic. All acceptable.

Give us a call on +44 (0)1267 211432 or drop us a line at learn@independentthinking.co.uk.

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