Episoder
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This week, Ben and Mike are joined by Gemma Davies, proud mum of Alby, the goalkeeper who went from pirouettes and daydreaming to a fearless shot-stopper.
It’s a funny and deeply honest look at what it’s like to watch your child struggle in youth football — from Alby’s unpredictable early days outfield to the surprising moment he found his calling in goal.
Gemma gets real about the challenges of watching on the sidelines, the guilt that follows tough car journeys home and the emotional weight parents carry when things go wrong.
They laugh through the toenail complaints and cartwheels, dig into the raw parental emotions behind the game and explore how stepping back as adults can help our kids step up. There’s guilt, growth and a Prosecco or two along the way.
It’s a story about backing your kid when it’s hard, learning when to shut up and the transformation that happens when they finally find where they belong.
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This week, Ben and Mike dive into a tournament day full of sunshine, thrilling football and a semi-final face-off that left everyone in shock. But this one’s not just about the results, it’s about the messy, beautiful business of raising kids through football.
There’s Alfie’s meltdown that triggered a total rethink on parenting and coaching, a mindset coach who helped turn it around and Mike has his own wobble after snapping at Raf mid-game and reflects on the challenge of keeping calm when your kid freezes under pressure.
Freddie makes a pass worthy of the Louvre, Ollie channels his inner Cantona and a scout changes the mood with one well-timed conversation. This episode is about how we show up when our kids fall apart and why that’s when the real learning begins.
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Mangler du episoder?
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In this episode, Ben and Mike sit down with Dave and Billy, father and son, coach and player, for a raw and emotional look back at their 10-year grassroots football story. What started as a simple volunteer gig turned into a decade of highs, heartbreaks and sideline memories that shaped them both.
As Dave steps away from coaching, he reflects on the emotional weight of managing young players, the tough choices that come with being “Dad” and “Gaffer,” and why he wouldn’t trade it for anything. Billy shares what it was like growing up under his father’s management and why, despite the car ride silences and sideline shouts, he’d do it all over again.
This episode is about the bonds we build when we show up week after week, even when it's hard.
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This week, Ben and Mike sit down with elite mindset coach Matt Baxter for an episode that digs deep into the emotional lives of young athletes and their parents. From confidence crashes and comparison traps, Matt talks through the common themes troubling young athletes and how parents and coaches can help them.
Matt shares the everyday mindset tools he uses to help kids bounce back from mistakes and how parents can be their child’s greatest coach. They unpack the emotional toll of parenting boys in sport, the pressure to be “tough,” and why sometimes the best support a parent can offer is to let go of the kid you think they should be.
This one’s not just about football—it’s about raising kids who believe in themselves in their toughest moments.
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This week, Ben and Mike wrap the final three games of the season. From a triumphant win overshadowed by tears to a painful derby defeat, this episode explores what happens when kids lose confidence on the pitch.
We hear how Alfie's off day became a turning point thanks to a powerful parenting tool called the “three-second rule” and why it’s helping players (and parents) process mistakes and move on.
There’s also plenty of laughter, including some top-tier nibbling from a rival coach and a moment of fatherly pride that nearly left Mike in tears.
From missed sitters and emotional triggers to progress, patience, and parenting, this one’s not just about football—it’s about raising resilient kids who can fall, get up and try again.
Use the code IOKF20 at www.playgreatsoccer.com to receive 20% off. This offer is valid until May 31, 2025.
Video on the 3-second rule from Fit 4 Football: https://www.tiktok.com/@fit_4_football/video/7481195067567328534
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This week, Ben and Mike are joined by Frankie Hession-Harris, the mastermind behind Ballers Elite. In this episode, we hear about Frankie’s experience playing in the U.S. college system and how it shaped his approach and why he believes repetition, ball mastery, and 1v1s are the real building blocks of brilliance.
He explains why he stays quiet on the touchline, how mixed messages from coaches and parents can cloud young players' minds and how Ballers creates confident kids who play with flair and freedom.
We also get the lowdown on Frankie’s role as a Tottenham Hotspur scout for U7–U14s, including what really separates a grassroots player from an academy-level baller.
Frankie also gives his honest take on Alfie, Raph, and Fred—what they’re getting right, where they can grow, and how their journeys reflect the bigger picture of youth development. So sit back, relax and maybe, just maybe, learn how to keep your mouth shut on the sidelines.
Use the code IOKF20 at www.playgreatsoccer.com to receive 20% off. This offer is valid until May 31, 2025.
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Ben and Mike are back and this one gets messy. Fresh from an unforgettable visit to Tottenham’s training ground, where their sons squared off against academy talent, the dads are riding high on pride... but it doesn't last long.
The team gets dismantled by a man-child on a mission to break every goalscoring record in a single game and when emotions boil over, complete with full-blown meltdowns from both boys during and after the match, Ben and Mike are left asking: Are we doing more harm than good?
From the highs of watching their sons shine at a Premier League training ground to the gut punch of wondering if their kids want them to walk away from the team, the lads get honest about the impossible tightrope of being both parent and coach.
Use the code IOKF20 at www.playgreatsoccer.com to receive 20% off. This offer is valid until May 31, 2025.
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Email: [email protected]
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Ben and Mike are joined by some actual experts this week – which is a first. Ex-pro Katie Chapman and psychologist Dr. Simon Moore are here to drop some truth bombs about how we really impact our kids' game.
Turns out, it's not just about the kids on the pitch. We're diving deep into sideline confessions, with Ben and Mike admitting they've been part of the problem.
During their fascinating chat, they explore the fight for control – why parents struggle to let go, why it all goes so wrong, angry outbursts and baffling instructions. Will Ben and Mike learn anything? Will you? Tune in to find out what you're getting wrong and how to fix it.
Use the code IOKF20 at www.playgreatsoccer.com to receive 20% off. This offer is valid until May 31, 2025.
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Email: [email protected]
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Ben and Mike are buzzing after a couple of wins – turns out, it only takes a sniff of success to turn these two into emotional wrecks planning birthday parties like they're 21 again.
But don't get comfy, because controversy is never far away. Ben's managed to spark a full-blown touchline war and attract the wrath of the social media police.
Plus, there's a deep dive into the joys and stark lessons of 7-a-side football and Ben's trying to smooth things over with a box of chocolates after upsetting another coach's wife. Will they ever learn? Probably not. But it's bloody funny listening to them try.
Use the coupon code IOKF20 at www.playgreatsoccer.com to receive 20% off. This offer is valid until May 31, 2025.
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Email: [email protected]
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The lads are back, and this week, it’s all about the minefield that is coaching your own kid. Ben’s convinced he’s holding his son to impossible standards, Mike’s trying (and failing) to stay calm and they’re both wondering if they should start charging parents just to keep themselves in check.
But things get deeper (and a bit existential). How do you actually know if you’re pushing your kid too hard or not hard enough? Catalan Soccer’s Matt Ogden in the hot seat, dishing out wisdom on coaching thousands of kids, why he’s banned scouts from his academy and what parents get wrong when trying to develop their children. Expect big lessons, big laughs and possibly a midlife crisis or two.
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Ben and Mike are back and this week they’re breaking down two big games: one where they were unlucky and one where they were actually good (a rare moment of self-praise) and of course, there's reflection on their latest emotional breakdown.
But controversy is never far away. Ben is accused of breaking touchline rules (again) and sparking s touchline war with rival fans, while Mike is begging for sponsorship (again) and the boys put in their best team performance yet.
Plus, how coaching from both sides of the pitch got some parents raging and is this finally the week the lads figure out how to win a close game? What’s the best way to lose a match but still feel positive? And did a camera REALLY mistake Ben’s head for the ball?
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Ben and Mike call in the big guns, elite coach Edu Rubio, to help them crack formations, teamwork and how to stop their lads from bunching. Along the way, they confront their own coaching disasters, debate England vs. Spain’s youth setups and uncover the real secret to coaching kids: it’s not tactics - it’s psychology.
The key takeaways? Get to know your players and make them feel valued, because coaching isn’t just about formations and winning. Praise progress, not just results and focus on developing skills rather than chasing the win.
Involve players in decision-making to boost their engagement and learning and above all, stay calm and lead by example - if you lose your head, they will too. If you’ve ever wondered how to get an 8-year-old to listen, this one’s for you.
The former West Ham and Wolves first-team coach also shares his thoughts on the FA’s latest steps to improve grassroots youth football in England.
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Ben’s losing his voice, Mike’s losing his mind, and the kids are losing their markers. A 5-1 win had them dreaming, but a 7-4 battering brought them crashing back to earth.
A shambolic training session saw Ben and Mike lose their rag with their own lads, bringing on instant regret and damage control. In a bid to lift the mood, Mike unleashed his inner Ted Lasso with an American Soccer Dad routine—spoiler: total disaster. Then, to top it off, he went full Wolf of Wall Street, popping champagne after Raph bagged a brace.
Now we’re asking: are our sessions actually helping or just leaving the kids more confused? If you’ve got a player who listens and tracks back, hit us up—the transfer window is still wide open.
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Email: [email protected]
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In this episode, Ben and Mike and joined by The Athletic's Rory Smith. Rory has spent his career dissecting elite football, interviewing some of the greatest minds in the game, but none of that prepared him for the minefield of coaching his son’s under-7s team.
Rory confesses to a few questionable touchline moments, wrestles with the impossible task of getting kids to understand positioning (spoiler: they don’t) and wonders if teaching them to "play out from the back" is just setting them up for failure.
He’s also baffled by the number of dads screaming "PRESS!" at children who still struggle to put their boots on the right feet. But it’s not all stress and shouting, Rory also reflects on the good bits, like watching the kids grow in confidence, problem-solving on the pitch and occasionally kicking the ball in the right direction.
Oh and there’s the small matter of trying to coach your own kid without losing the plot. Plenty to unpack, plenty to laugh at.
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Mike’s been on the Guinness, Ben’s on the edge and the kids have been on the wind-up. A losing streak hangs in the balance… but at what cost?
We finally get a result… well, sort of. A chaotic inter-club derby leaves everyone questioning whether it was a step forward or just more of the same. Meanwhile, Mike has been living it up in Dublin, missing the carnage and landing back into a WhatsApp storm.
Training was chaos, the warm-up was a shambles and the match? Well, let's just say it involved dodgy defending, a miniature Robbie Savage and some sideline parents who took ‘passion’ a bit too far. Oh and if you’ve got a decent under-8s player, get in touch – the transfer window is open.
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This week Ben and Mike are joined by Neil Harris, a coach who spent 21 years at Manchester United, helping bring through stars like Scott McTominay and Anthony Elanga. And to spice things up, his son Jamie Harris—a rising coach himself—jumps in to give us the truth on what it’s like being coached by your dad (spoiler: brutal!).
Expect top-class coaching insights on how to keep kids' attention, providing individual feedback and objectives for players and having a structured arrival routine to help players transition into the session.
Plus, Neil explains why Marcus Rashford played right-back for him in the academy, focusing on development rather than just results and the best way to help your kid get better without making them hate football (note to self).
It’s football, family, and a whole lot of self-reflection—this one’s not to be missed.
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Email: [email protected]
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After eight defeats in a row and a mental state that’s circling the drain, Ben and Mike have finally hit rock bottom. In this episode, they unravel their latest meltdown.
For Ben, the emotional toll is hitting new heights as he questions everything—his coaching, his parenting and whether Alfie would just be better off under literally anyone else’s management. Has Ben ruined the one thing they both love?
Meanwhile, Mike’s realising that even when he's keeping his mouth shut, his body language is screaming absolute despair. And don’t even get him started on Raph deciding he was “cold” mid-game.
This is grassroots football at its rawest—where well-intentioned dads turn into stress-ridden lunatics, obsess over tactics that seven-year-olds will never listen to and spend entire Sundays suppressing the urge to launch themselves into the abyss.
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This week, Ben and Mike are back, reliving their latest touchline dramas. From celebrating Alfie’s newfound resilience to bemoaning yet another defeat, it’s the usual mix of chaos and tears.
But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom – they’ve brought out the big guns. Former Arsenal and West Brom winger Jerome Thomas drops in to share some fantastic insights and anecdotes.
From training with Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp to getting schooled by Ashley Cole, Jerome’s got stories that you’ll want to share in the WhatsApp group or over a pint at the pub. He breaks down how he mastered the art of the 1v1, sharing essential tips you can pass on to your young players.
Now working as a top scout, Jerome explains what pros really look for in grassroots talent. So whether you’re a stressed-out coach or a parent clinging to sanity on the sidelines, this one’s a must-listen. It’s football, but funny – and a little bit useful.
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Ever tried teaching kids to mark in football? It’s like herding cats—with shin pads. This week, Ben and Mike, try to deal with kids who think “marking” means standing 10 yards away looking bored, to warm-ups so bad they’ll make you question life itself.
Ben shares how he’s 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 they’ve shamelessly nicked from actual pros and you’ve got a therapy session for anyone who’s ever wanted to scream, “JUST MARK YOUR MAN!”
Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be https://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Inside-bestselling-parenting-Philippa/dp/0008505543
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Email: [email protected]
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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 wins—or simply want to avoid becoming the coach featured on YouTube for all the wrong reasons—this episode is packed with valuable advice you won't want to miss.
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootball
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Email: [email protected]
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- Se mer
