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: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com
","author_name":"Ben Welch and Mike Clark"}