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Mark Roach is a journalist and former national newspaper sports editor, podcast host, event host, and ADHD, neurodivergence and resilience speaker.
With lived experience of ADHD and a rollercoaster life of highs, lows, and loss, his talks look at ‘ADHD Resilience’, the benefits and challenges of the condition, how to support people with ADHD, and how to get the best out of people with the condition.
In 2005, Mark was highly commended in the sports journalism category at the Midlands Media Awards.
Mark Roach is a journalist, event host, podcast host and ADHD, neurodivergence and resilience speaker.
Mark was diagnosed with ADHD in his late 50s – and only then began to understand how the condition has impacted his life. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects behaviour, concentration and impulse control, with symptoms often starting in childhood and continuing in adulthood.
Approximately 5% of children and 4% of adults have ADHD and, in England alone, there are an estimated 2.5 million people with ADHD – although many people live with the condition without realising they have it. Many high achievers have ADHD – and many people who have not had personal experience of ADHD have a limited understanding of how the condition can affect people and have an impact on them.
Mark has been an event speaker from a young age, first presenting a talk to an audience of parents at a school event at the age of 17 – before embarking on a dual career as a journalist and DJ.
Mark has been a DJ for celebrities and footballers. He entertained the Everton FC players, including England stars Gary Lineker and Peter Reid, after the team’s FA Cup final defeat against Liverpool in 1986.
He embarked on a successful career as a sports journalist in 1989 and went on to be sports editor of a national newspaper and editor of several magazines and websites in the UK and Middle East. In 2005, he was highly commended in the sports journalism category at the Midlands Media Awards while working as a sportswriter for the Nottingham Evening Post.
He has worked as:
– Sports editor of the Gulf Daily News
– Sports editor of the Kensington Times
– Sports editor of the Grantham Journal
– Sports editor of the Slough Observer
– Editor of Men’s Style Magazine
– Editor of On Course Magazine
He has also worked as the editor for the Dubai Desert Classics, and Dubai Desert Ladies Masters official tournament programmes.
Mark has hosted podcasts – mainly The Early Doors Football Podcast – has extensive experience in PR and sales, and has spoken at business events and schools. He has also hosted events with well-known sports personalities, including a Q&A event with Manchester United and England legend Steve Coppell in 2025.
His lived experience of ADHD and stories of resilience include coming to terms with losing more than £400,000 in a failed business venture – as well as challenges he has faced in his work and personal life.
He is available as an ADHD speaker and an event host, as well as keynote talks, fireside chats, and Q&As.
– ADHD
– Resilience
– Neurodivergence
– How to engage with and support staff with ADHD
– How to engage with and support young people and adults with ADHD
– How to encourage someone with ADHD
– How to spot signs of ADHD and neurodivergence
– How to get the best out of someone with ADHD
– Storytelling
– PR and media
Mark gets great results by keeping things simple and straightforward.
Tom Watt, Actor, Broadcaster, and Author
I’ve done a few things with Mark, including a podcast. He’s always been very easy and friendly to work with, as well as being very knowledgeable on the subject.
Alan Smith, Former Arsenal Striker Turned Sky Sports Presenter
I have known Mark for a few years and can advocate for his professionalism and knowledge, both of which are outstanding.
David Artell, Grimsby Town FC Manager
I guested on Mark’s podcast and he was a brilliant host. Leading up to the show he kept me well informed on timings, format and content. He produced a really great podcast and was able to pull in some great guests with something interesting to say. I really enjoyed chatting to him off-air too. All in all, a genuinely nice, conscientious bloke with great integrity and a passion for what he does.
Paul Boardman, Comedian and Sky Sports Presenter
Mark Roach is a top class podcast producer. When I appeared as a guest on one of his podcasts it was extremely professional.
John Gubba, Sports Producer, BBC
I have had many dealings with Mark through his podcasts and have enjoyed the experience every time. Mark is very knowledgeable and asks the right questions at the right time.
Geoff Pike, Former Professional Footballer and FA Coach Educator
Mark is a great guy who knows the media industry and is a fantastic podcast producer. His relaxed yet professional and informative approach works extremely well.
Chris Dutton, Founder, The CEO Magazine
I have worked on a number of different projects with Mark. He is very professional, his attention to detail is excellent and he is a pleasure to work with.
Dylan Kerr, Former Professional Footballer and Successful Head Coach
I have always found Mark to be very well organised and very enthusiastic in all he does. His work is forever at the highest standard – and he is very down to earth and approachable.
Peter Halpin, Owner, Halpin Sport Sponsorship
Mark is a true professional. He is very experienced, has a creative mind and is excellent at ‘the devil in the detail’. His contribution to my business has been invaluable. On a personal level he’s a top bloke and a good listener.
Darren Boston, Director, ATM Events
I’ve had the pleasure of being a guest on a podcast with Mark. Having never been on a podcast before, I was very nervous and wasn’t sure what to expect. Mark took all of that away. Mark’s reassuring engagement leading up to my guest appearance helped me to manage my expectations. The way in which he brought experience and novice into one with his relaxed and professional manner was seamless. Mark’s continued connection in the follow up left me absolutely loving the whole experience!
Annie Lydon, Head of Operations and Finance, Northern Region Football
Mark is a very organised individual, which makes working with him a breeze, as well as ensuring the highest possible success rate.
Abbos Azad, Managing Director, Sirius Networks
Mark is one of the most proactive, responsive journalists we’ve worked with, and also produced one of our favourite golf magazines – On Course, covering the Dubai golf market. He is detailed and fast, and understands the relationship between publisher and PR agency.
Andy Hiseman, Director, Zen Green Stage
Mark is an exceptional communicator, from the moment we started talking his plans were clear and organised. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him.
Ed Bottomley, On Air Host, Michigan Public
Mark is a great professional and is committed to meeting your criteria. I worked with Mark during 2020 on a campaign and he was very experienced and diligent.
Nick Hutchings, Trainer, Quanta Training
Mark is passionate and professional in everything he does. He is always available to help and support.
Ian McClurg, Owner, Learn Perform Coaching