It's Only Kids Football

In this bonus episode, Ben and Mike tackle the realities of grassroots football through listener questions and stories from the community. They explore key debates like competition vs development, managing long losing streaks and what to do when training sessions fall apart.

They reflect on the pressures volunteer coaches face, the importance of parent support, and the risk of burnout, while also celebrating the emotional highs — last-minute winners, promotions, and proud dad moments.

From sideline behaviour to player development and grassroots chaos, it’s always worth it.

Football DNA is the ultimate platform for coach and player development: https://footballdna.co.uk/sessions/

Power your grassroots team with effortless payments — sign up with GoCardless today at https://gocardless.com/g/payments-sports-clubs/ and spend less time chasing fees, more time developing your players.

Football Discount Kits supplies quality football kits at prices that actually work for grassroots clubs — no nonsense, no hard sell, just reliable teamwear that arrives on time and looks the part on matchday: https://www.discountfootballkits.com/

LoveAdmin takes the admin off your plate so you can spend more time coaching and less time chasing parents: https://loveadmin.com/

Save £200 on the Veo Cam 3 👉 Use Code: iokfveocam3
Save 50% on the Veo Go 👉 Use Code: iokfveogo

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootball
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootball
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootball
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsonlykidsfootballpodcast/
Email: [email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the season wraps up, Ben and Mike take a brutally honest look back at the highs, lows, and everything in between — from standout performances and unforgettable goals to moments they’d rather forget as coaches and parents.

They revisit the team’s development across the year, celebrating the progress in confidence, teamwork, and style of play, while also acknowledging the emotional challenges of coaching their own children. The conversation digs into the reality of end-of-season reflection: the pride in how far the boys have come, mixed with regret over moments where frustration took over and lessons were learned the hard way.

Beyond the football itself, they explore how their coaching mindset has evolved—learning to let go of results, communicate more effectively, and understand that effort, decision-making, and consistency are all part of a child’s development journey. It’s a candid look at what improvement really looks like, both on the pitch and on the sidelines.

Along the way, they share their favourite memories, toughest moments, biggest lessons, and what they want to do differently next season.

Football DNA is the ultimate platform for coach and player development: https://footballdna.co.uk/sessions/

Power your grassroots team with effortless payments — sign up with GoCardless today at https://gocardless.com/g/payments-sports-clubs/ and spend less time chasing fees, more time developing your players.

Football Discount Kits supplies quality football kits at prices that actually work for grassroots clubs — no nonsense, no hard sell, just reliable teamwear that arrives on time and looks the part on matchday: https://www.discountfootballkits.com/

LoveAdmin takes the admin off your plate so you can spend more time coaching and less time chasing parents: https://loveadmin.com/

Save £200 on the Veo Cam 3 👉 Use Code: iokfveocam3
Save 50% on the Veo Go 👉 Use Code: iokfveogo

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootball
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootball
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootball
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsonlykidsfootballpodcast/
Email: [email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does your child sometimes look like two completely different footballers? Ben and Mike explore the frustrating but fascinating reality of inconsistency in youth players—where confidence, mood, environment and even small moments in a game can completely change a child’s performance.

From training intensity to matchday mentality, they unpack why the “switch” can flick on and off so dramatically. They also reflect on how factors off the pitch—like school, health worries, or even the dynamic of being coached by a parent—can quietly influence effort levels and decision-making. It’s a reminder that what looks like laziness or lack of focus is often something more complex, and understanding the “why” is key to supporting development.

Along the way, they discuss the impact of confidence swings, the importance of patience when progress isn’t linear, and how coaches and parents can respond when effort drops without damaging a child’s love for the game.

They also tackle a range of listener questions, including how to manage parent behaviour on the sidelines without burning out, setting boundaries as a volunteer coach, and navigating the challenges of growing squads.

Football DNA is the ultimate platform for coach and player development: https://footballdna.co.uk/sessions/

Power your grassroots team with effortless payments — sign up with GoCardless today at https://gocardless.com/g/payments-sports-clubs/ and spend less time chasing fees, more time developing your players.

Football Discount Kits supplies quality football kits at prices that actually work for grassroots clubs — no nonsense, no hard sell, just reliable teamwear that arrives on time and looks the part on matchday: https://www.discountfootballkits.com/

LoveAdmin takes the admin off your plate so you can spend more time coaching and less time chasing parents: https://loveadmin.com/

Save £200 on the Veo Cam 3 👉 Use Code: iokfveocam3
Save 50% on the Veo Go 👉 Use Code: iokfveogo

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootball
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootball
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootball
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsonlykidsfootballpodcast/
Email: [email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Ben and Mike welcome Chris Ramsey onto the pod. One of the most respected voices in player development and coaching in the English game, Ramsey's career spans roles at QPR, Tottenham, and the FA. He has worked across academy football, first-team management, and coach education, helping shape not just players, but better coaches and environments.

Together, they unpack the real challenges of grassroots football: coaching mixed ability groups, building confidence in young players, and managing the pressures that come from parents and expectations.

You’ll learn why keeping sessions simple often beats copying elite tactics, how repetition and structure accelerate development, and why communication—not drills—is the most important coaching skill.

They also tackle the debate around positions, explain how to create a positive environment where kids enjoy the game, and share practical insights to help volunteer coaches get the best out of every player.

Football DNA is the ultimate platform for coach and player development: https://footballdna.co.uk/sessions/

Power your grassroots team with effortless payments — sign up with GoCardless today at https://gocardless.com/g/payments-sports-clubs/ and spend less time chasing fees, more time developing your players.

Football Discount Kits supplies quality football kits at prices that actually work for grassroots clubs — no nonsense, no hard sell, just reliable teamwear that arrives on time and looks the part on matchday: https://www.discountfootballkits.com/

LoveAdmin takes the admin off your plate so you can spend more time coaching and less time chasing parents: https://loveadmin.com/

Save £200 on the Veo Cam 3 👉 Use Code: iokfveocam3
Save 50% on the Veo Go 👉 Use Code: iokfveogo

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootball
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootball
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootball
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsonlykidsfootballpodcast/
Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is advertising for specific positions in youth football the right approach for development? Ben and Mike debate whether recruiting for roles like “defenders only” is a practical necessity or risks pigeonholing players too early, shaping how they see themselves on the pitch.

They also discuss why losing is essential for growth, how competition builds resilience, and what lessons really stick when things don’t go your way. It’s a reminder that, while winning feels great, it’s often the tough moments—the missed chances, poor decisions and defeats—that teach children the most, even if they’re harder for parents to watch.

They also look at how the close proximity and constant instruction between parent and child in training can quickly spark tension, misunderstandings and those all-too-familiar flashpoints. There are positives too, as elements from recent training—particularly around shooting and decision-making—begin to show up in matches, reinforcing the idea that repetition and patience do pay off over time.

Alongside this, they tackle the practical realities of grassroots football, including how best to trial a new player without disrupting the group or placing too much pressure on the individual.

Football DNA is the ultimate platform for coach and player development: https://footballdna.co.uk/sessions/

Power your grassroots team with effortless payments — sign up with GoCardless today at https://gocardless.com/g/payments-sports-clubs/ and spend less time chasing fees, more time developing your players.

Football Discount Kits supplies quality football kits at prices that actually work for grassroots clubs — no nonsense, no hard sell, just reliable teamwear that arrives on time and looks the part on matchday: https://www.discountfootballkits.com/

LoveAdmin takes the admin off your plate so you can spend more time coaching and less time chasing parents: https://loveadmin.com/

Save £200 on the Veo Cam 3 👉 Use Code: iokfveocam3
Save 50% on the Veo Go 👉 Use Code: iokfveogo

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootball
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootball
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootball
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsonlykidsfootballpodcast/
Email: [email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.