Folgen
-
Ever tried teaching kids to mark in football? Itâs like herding catsâwith shin pads. This week, Ben and Mike, try to deal with kids who think âmarkingâ means standing 10 yards away looking bored, to warm-ups so bad theyâll make you question life itself.
Ben shares how heâs finally improving his relationship with Alfie by stepping back, ditching the intense dad-coach mode and focusing on fun (with a little help from parenting audiobooks). Meanwhile, Mike does his best to stay calm during a warm-up so disastrous it could make a nun swear, all while battling his inner rage over kids ignoring every instruction about marking.
Throw in some questionable tactics, a few positive training sessions and tips theyâve shamelessly nicked from actual pros and youâve got a therapy session for anyone whoâs ever wanted to scream, âJUST MARK YOUR MAN!â
Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be https://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Inside-bestselling-parenting-Philippa/dp/0008505543
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.
-
This week, Ben and Mike return with a thought-provoking episode featuring Saul Isaksson-Hurst, also known as My Personal Football Coach. Saul is an elite coach who works with top talents like Noni Madueke and has experience at Chelsea and Tottenham academies.
In this episode, he shares his insights on potential changes the FA may introduce to youth football formats. Saul believes that smaller formats will help prioritise skill development in younger players.
He explains how smaller-sided games can lead to 60% more scoring opportunities and 25% more 1v1 situations, how to teach tactical principles like balance and rotation without losing the kids' interest and why scaling back the "helicopter coaching" approach might be the key to success.
If you're looking to develop better players while still securing winsâor simply want to avoid becoming the coach featured on YouTube for all the wrong reasonsâthis episode is packed with valuable advice you won't want to miss.
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.
-
Fehlende Folgen?
-
In this episode of Itâs Only Kids Football, Ben and Mike are joined by goalscoring legend Adam Le Fondre to tackle one of the hardest skills to teach young players: movement off the ball.
Packed with practical insights and digestible tips, Adam shares his secrets on how to create space, lose your defender and rack up goals like a seasoned striker. Perfect for football parents, coaches and anyone whoâs ever shouted âMove!â at a kid standing still on the pitch.
Adam also takes them on a journey through his grassroots beginnings, rise to stardom and advice for aspiring strikers. He dives into everything from how to instil dedication in young players to the impact of supportive (and tough-love) parents like his own dad, whose high standards fuelled his career.
The former Reading striker also shares vivid memories of his childhood matches and the friendships and life lessons learned along the way.
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.
-
Three losses, five wins, five losses. On this weekâs Itâs Only Kids Football, Ben and Mike struggle to cope with the teamâs erratic form. As die-hard Gooners, their Spurs-like inconsistency cuts even deeper.
Ben works to help Alfie battle through a crisis of confidence that turns bedtime into a tearful therapy session. Meanwhile, Mike realises he needs to coach Raph on the nuances of effortâsometimes itâs more effective to work smart, not just hard.
The management duo discuss potential formations to shore up their leaky defence, fears of losing their best players, the challenge of motivating the boys to run harder and the endless debate over shouting versus silence.
Holding it all together with little more than duct tape and denial, the lads wonder: will 2025 finally bring better results or are they doomed to remain the Grassroots Tottenham?
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.
-
This week, Ben and Mike are joined by Asmir Begovicâa Premier League-winning goalkeeper whoâs faced Messi, endured Tony Pulisâ gruelling pre-seasons and played under prime JosĂ© Mourinho.
Begovic shares his remarkable journey from fleeing war-torn Bosnia as a child to becoming a top-class keeper. With stories of training like Rockyârunning up snowy hills and battling brutal Canadian winters under his dadâs unforgiving training regimeâhe reveals the immense dedication and grit required to reach the top.
He also takes time to assess young Albyâs goalkeeping highlights, offering invaluable advice on bravery, technique and what it takes to excel in the game. Packed with life lessons from an elite-level goalkeeper and a reminder to enjoy it all, because letâs be honest, itâs only kidsâ football, isnât it?
Asmir Begovic gloves: https://ab1gk.com/
Asmir Begovic Academy: https://ab1academy.com/
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.
-
This week, Ben and Mike find themselves deep in the trenches as the team endures a streak of disappointing defeats, including tough losses to their inter-club rivals.
Ben opens up about the challenges he's facing with his son Alfie, who's struggling with a loss of confidence and learning how to bounce back after mistakes. Balancing support and discipline proves trickier than ever, as Alfie's emotional highs and lows leave Ben questioning his coaching approach.
Amidst the chaos and tears, there's a hamster to bury and cheeky voice notes from a rival manager taunting Ben and Mike after inflicting a painful defeat. The duo try implementing new motivational techniques but fail to spark the boys, leaving the managers wondering if they're speaking another language.
Messy, emotional, and seemingly more serious than life or deathâit's just kids' football, right?
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.
-
This week, Ben and Mike bring in a guest guaranteed to change your perspective. Our clueless duo welcomes renowned sports psychologist Dan Abrahams to the pod. Having worked with elite players and coaches like Arne Slot, Gareth Bale and Eddie Howe, Dan is here to help us coach from the sidelinesâwithout emotionally scarring our kids in the process.
He shares practical, actionable advice to boost both your performance and your childâs, from mastering your Game Face to squashing ANTs and creating your own Coachâs Head.
They dive into the challenges of coaching young players, the psychological tools to build confidence and resilience, plus stories of sideline meltdowns, Brighton academy thrashings and the ultimate no-no: starting a car journey with, âSo⊠how do you think you played?â
If youâre a regular listener, you know the drill: tune in for laughs, honest confessions, and surprisingly good advice. And if youâre new, buckle up. Because remember, It's Only Kids' Football⊠but itâs also the most important thing ever.
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 Episode 18, Ben and Mike relive the highs and lows of their latest two games, which left them planning European tours and doing victory dances in the kitchen.
Then, itâs a reality check as their boys step up to face Brightonâs academy teamâspoiler: it wasnât pretty, but the lessons hit harder than the tackles.
While Ben starts to show signs of listening to his son and learning to ease off, Mike struggles to contain his frustration, bringing about some much-needed introspection.
There are candid confessions about coaching errors, debates over pushing vs. praising, and discussions on the importance of stepping back so the kids can shine.
Plus, thereâs the introduction of a new âTeammate of the Weekâ award and how a sneaky Burger King took the sting out of a challenging car journey home.
Itâs another rollercoaster of footballing emotions and a reminder that, win or lose, itâs still only kidsâ football⊠right?
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.
-
This week, Ben and Mike sit down with ex-Premier League star Marc Pughâonce a flying winger, now the king of kale. While Mike confesses his love for Burger King, Marc reveals the secrets behind his Spartan lifestyle and a six-pack that could double as a washboard.
They dive into nutrition, rejection and why your kid's Cheerios might be sabotaging their shot at glory. Marc also shares tales from his grassroots days, breaking records and catching the attention of scouts.
If youâve ever wondered what your little star should eat before, during and after a matchâand what to avoid like a red cardâthis episode is for you.
Grab a rice cake, brace for a guilt trip and get ready to rewrite your shopping list.
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.
-
Leigh Ramblers Black U8s are back in form and Ben and Mike are absolutely buzzingâwell, mostly. While the kids are smashing it on the pitch, the dads are struggling to keep their heads on the sidelines.
Alfieâs hit a rough patch and Benâs convinced itâs all his fault for going full drill sergeant. Can they figure out how to get the best out of Alfie without Ben losing the plot?
Meanwhile, Mikeâs lad Raph joins goal machine Freddie Lambourne on a dream trip to Crystal Palaceâs training ground, aiming to dazzle scouts from the Premier League club. And, as always, Alby steals the show with his trademark mix of madness and charm.
Expect goals, gaffes and a hefty dose of goalkeeper chaos.
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 of It's Only Kids Football, former West Ham and Wolves winger Matt Jarvis joins hosts Ben Welch and Mike Clark to share his journey from grassroots football to the heights of the Premier Leagueâand now, back on the sidelines as a supportive dad.
The England international opens up about the unique experience of being raised by elite athlete parents and how itâs influenced his own approach to guiding his son in sport. Jarvis reflects on his early sporting experiences, his familyâs dedication and the lessons he's learned about balancing commitment with keeping football fun.
The hosts chime in with relatable stories of their own ups and downs as fathers and amateur coaches.
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.
-
With Mike living it up in Dubai, Ben is left to hold down the fort alongside Adam, the dad of Leigh Ramblersâ very own grassroots Gazza, Ollie. They dive into the team's recent triumphsâtwo wins in a rowâfeaturing Albyâs chaotic antics and Freddieâs match-winning heroics. Ben candidly shares the ups and downs of being a parent-coach and how itâs tested his relationship with his son, Alfie.
They also reminisce about the hilarious moment Ollie sent a football cannoning into Benâs head right in the middle of a team talk. Adam provides valuable advice for parents navigating the world of pro academies as he supports two of his sons in the pursuit of their dreams.
Together, they discuss the challenge of fostering good habits without squeezing the joy out of play. Adam also shares his experience as a sideline spectator, witnessing all the drama of the matchesâand the emotional rollercoaster endured by Ben. If youâve ever wondered what grassroots football truly looks like, this episode offers an honest and entertaining peek behind the curtain.
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.
-
Join host Ben Welch in this fun and heartfelt episode as he sits down with Dean Russell, the dad behind the viral father-son goalkeeping duo thatâs won the hearts of hundreds of thousands on social media and racked up millions of views.
Dean shares the journey of capturing his son Ollieâs football adventuresâfilled with viral saves, on-field tears and heartwarming moments.
From meeting Ollie's idols Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya to the real-life challenges of coaching your own kid, Dean doesnât hold back on the highs, lows, and funny stories of being a football dad.
Packed with relatable parenting advice, practical coaching tips and a few laugh-out-loud stories, this episode is a must-listen for parents, coaches and grassroots football fans.
The video that helped Ben support Alfie after he made a mistake: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBG3gkjNQd4/
Follow Dean and Ollie on social media:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ollierussellgk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherandsongoalkeeping
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fatherandsongoalkeeping
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootball
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootball
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootball
Email: [email protected]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
In this episode, Ben and Mike take you through the emotional highs and lows of youth football coachingâcomplete with sleepless nights, frustrated shouting, and even a bizarre goal.
After three painful defeats, they dive into their pre-game anxiety and the overthinking that kept them tossing and turning. But with a little help from the parents and a return to simple tactics, the team pulled off a thrilling 6-4 win.
From Alfieâs occasional daydreaming to Albyâs newfound confidence in goal, Ben and Mike hilariously balance being supportive dads and demanding coaches. They explore the real challengeâmanaging their expectations while reminding themselves (and their kids) that itâs just a game⊠sort of.
X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootball
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball
Escape room training drill: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-DSepZo1sj/?igsh=MXdoZWVmdWlzdW1iYw%3D%3D
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
In this conversation, Ben Welch talks to striker coach Scott Chickelday about his experience coaching his own son and provides insights into teaching kids how to strike the ball cleanly.
He emphasizes the importance of honesty and communication when coaching your own child and highlights the challenges of balancing the roles of coach and parent.
Scott shares his journey from coaching grassroots to working with top-level professionals like Ollie Watkins.
Scott also discusses the habits of top players, such as Harry Kane, and the importance of an elite mentality.
They discuss the key coaching points in a finishing drill, the importance of hitting the target, and basing shots off goalkeeper behaviour.
They also talk about the pride and joy of seeing their own children score goals and the challenges of balancing coaching and parenting.
Scott emphasizes the importance of letting kids play and not putting too much pressure on them.
He also shares a story about a negative coaching experience he witnessed in grassroots football.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
In this episode, Ben and Mike discuss their experiences coaching youth football, reflecting on their emotional responses to losing games and the impact of their egos.
They explore the challenges of training young players, the importance of communication with parents, and the dynamics of teamwork versus individual skill development.
The conversation highlights the need for patience, understanding, and a focus on the children's enjoyment of the game, while also addressing the pressures that come with coaching their own kids.
Takeaways:
Coaching youth football can evoke strong emotional responses.
Ego plays a significant role in how coaches react to losses.
Training sessions can vary greatly in effectiveness.
Communication with parents is essential for a positive team environment.
It's important to focus on player development over winning.
Coaches should model emotional regulation for their players.
Understanding each child's unique needs is vital.
Building a supportive community among parents enhances the experience.
Ultimately, it's about the kids having fun and enjoying the game.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
In part 2 of this interview, Charlie Austin, a former professional footballer for QPR, Southampton and Burnley, shares his experiences and insights on coaching kids in football - and coaching his own son.
He discusses the role of parents in creating a positive and supportive environment for the team.
He highlights the challenges of coaching and refereeing, the need for realistic expectations, and the need to allow kids to play and enjoy the game.
The conversation covers the importance of teaching kids about winning and losing in football.
The discussion also touches on the key aspects of teaching kids to score goals, such as hitting the target and trusting their abilities.
The conversation concludes with advice for grassroots coaches, highlighting the importance of enjoying the journey with the players and being open-minded.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
Send us your questions by signing up for the newsletter and emailing us.
In this episode Ben Welch and Mike engage in a Q&A session addressing various challenges faced in kids football coaching.
They discuss the importance of game time for all players, strategies for handling substitutions, and training techniques to prevent bunching during games.
The conversation also touches on the balance between making training fun while maintaining discipline, emphasising the significance of fostering a close-knit team environment.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
In this conversation, Ben Welch and Mike Clark discuss their experiences and challenges of coaching and managing at summer tournaments.
They talk about the excitement and fun of participating in summer tournaments, the short game durations and the difficulty of balancing winning with giving players enough game time.
They also share their own experiences at various tournaments and the emotions that come with both victories and losses.
The conversation highlights the importance of attitude and behaviour in young players and the frustration that can arise when they are not fully engaged in the game.
They talk about the importance of teaching shape and holding positions, as well as the success they had with a new box formation.
They also express gratitude for the support they've received for their podcast and share shoutouts from other coaches and teams.
The conversation ends with advice on handling substitutions and teaching players to avoid bunching and ball-watching.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
In this conversation, Charlie Austin, a former professional footballer for QPR, Southampton and Burnley, shares his experiences and insights on coaching kids in football - as well as coaching his own son.
He discusses the challenges of working with children at different stages of development and emphasises the importance of understanding each player's individual needs.
Charlie also talks about the joy and camaraderie that comes from playing grassroots football and the lasting memories it creates.
He opens up about his own ADHD diagnosis and how it has influenced his coaching approach.
Overall, Charlie's goal is to create a positive and enjoyable environment for young players to learn and grow.
Charlie Austin shares his experience of getting involved in his son's football team and the importance of being a parent coach.
He emphasises the value of creating memories and moments for the kids, rather than just focusing on winning.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Mehr anzeigen
