It's Only Kids Football

In this episode, Ben and Mike stagger back from their holidays to face the glorious, chaotic mess of youth football pre-season. First up, Mike delivers a classic dad-guilt moment after realising his son wasn't just being lazy—he actually has severe asthma. The boys then dive into the training pitch, breaking down high-energy 1v1 reaction drills, the 'Rivals' game, and how to stop screaming at your own flesh and blood when a drill goes sideways. Throw in the absolute nightmare of arranging 3v3 friendlies, snide football kits from abroad, and a quick reality check on why we’ll actually miss these freezing, muddy Sunday mornings, and you’ve got classic touchline therapy. Put the kettle on!Discount Football Kits are offering a special 72-hour deal from 30 August - get your coach’s folder for just £29.95 with FREE delivery (normally £39.95 + delivery): https://discountfootballkits.com/tactics-padGet your team a free £300 Discount Football Kits voucher by using our exclusive link to collect subscriptions through GoCardless at https://www.itsonlykidsfootball.com/offersFootball DNA is the ultimate platform for coach and player development: https://footballdna.co.uk/sessions/Sign up for the newsletter here: https://www.itsonlykidsfootball.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootballYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsonlykidsfootballpodcast/Email: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com

Why do some coaches instantly capture a group's attention while others spend an entire session repeating themselves? In this episode, hosts Ben and Mike are joined by Laura Mellor-Backman, Director of Curriculum and Training at Stronger Youth Brands and an early childhood learning specialist, to uncover the secret to getting young footballers to actually listen.Drawing on child development research and years of experience designing programmes for young children, Laura explains why listening isn't about speaking louder - it's about communicating differently.Together, they explore how body language, storytelling, questioning, structure and play all help children stay engaged, while sharing practical strategies for supporting shy players, managing challenging behaviour and creating sessions that are both fun and purposeful.This conversation will help you communicate more effectively, build stronger connections with your players and create an environment where every child can learn, grow and develop a lifelong love of football.Start your journey with Little Kickers today at www.littlekickersfranchising.co.ukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootballYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsonlykidsfootballpodcast/Email: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com

From scoring the winning goal on his Premier League debut for boyhood club West Ham to coaching his own children on a Sunday morning, Freddie Sears has experienced almost every level of the game. But despite a career spanning more than 460 professional appearances, it’s grassroots football that now gives him some of his greatest enjoyment.In this episode, Freddie joins Ben and Mike in the studio to reflect on growing up playing grassroots football, the coaches and parents who shaped him, and the unforgettable moment he fulfilled his childhood dream at West Ham. He also opens up about the challenges of coaching his own children, managing expectations, dealing with nerves and finding the balance between pushing young players and simply letting them enjoy football.For parents and coaches, Freddie’s message is clear: football should be fun. His story is a powerful reminder that the friendships, memories and experiences created on a Sunday morning can mean far more than the result.Get your team a free £300 Discount Football Kits voucher by using our exclusive link to collect subscriptions through GoCardless at https://www.itsonlykidsfootball.com/offersFootball DNA is the ultimate platform for coach and player development: https://footballdna.co.uk/sessions/Sign up for the newsletter here: https://www.itsonlykidsfootball.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootballYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsonlykidsfootballpodcast/Email: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com

Why do young players ignore instructions, forget skills they've mastered in training or simply want to play instead of listening? In this episode, hosts Ben and Mike, are joined by Laura Mellor-Bachman, Director of Curriculum and Training at Stronger Youth Brands and an early childhood learning specialist, to explore what's really happening inside a young footballer's brain.Drawing on child development research and years of experience designing programmes for young children, Laura explains why play is the foundation of learning, how emotional safety shapes confidence and why coaches often expect more than children are developmentally ready for.Whether you're a grassroots coach, volunteer or football parent, this conversation will help you better understand how young players think, learn and develop—giving you practical insights to create more enjoyable sessions and help every child build a lifelong love of football.Start your journey with Little Kickers today at www.littlekickersfranchising.co.ukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootballYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsonlykidsfootballpodcast/Email: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com

What separates the young footballers who keep improving from those who stand still? According to ex-professionals and Complete Football Academy coaches Kudus Oyenuga and Garry Richards, it isn't talent — it's mentality.Joining Ben and Mike, they explore how parents and coaches can develop resilience, intensity and self-belief without crushing a child's confidence or love for the game.Through stories from academy football, grassroots coaching and parenting their own children, they discuss why kids need to be challenged, why protecting them too much can hold them back, and how the right standards can unlock potential both on and off the pitch.They also share practical advice on coaching your own child, giving feedback that motivates rather than discourages, and creating environments where young players learn to embrace mistakes, work harder and push beyond their comfort zone.Get your team a free £300 Discount Football Kits voucher by using our exclusive link to collect subscriptions through GoCardless at https://www.itsonlykidsfootball.com/offersFootball DNA is the ultimate platform for coach and player development: https://footballdna.co.uk/sessions/Sign up for the newsletter here: https://www.itsonlykidsfootball.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootballYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsonlykidsfootballpodcast/Email: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com

In this webinar, hosts Ben and Mike host an expert panel, featuring the FA’s head of grassroots coach, John Folwell, elite academy coach Michael Fox, professional goalkeeper Mark Howard, and youth league chairman Ryan Walker—to dissect the FA’s new 3v3 format for under-7s.Drawing on extensively tested research and real-world rollout experience, John and Ryan explain how 3v3 maximises active playing time, touches, and player autonomy while simplifying match logistics for grassroots clubs.The panel explores the core philosophy of giving the game back to the kids, highlighting how small-sided matches foster creative decision-making and fundamental movement skills without early parental or sideline pressure.Beyond the general format, the discussion tackles heat-button debates—including the controversial removal of goalkeepers, logistical pitch setups, parent-facilitator roles, and managing mixed-ability squads. Packed with practical advice on matchday execution, training adaptations, and navigating adult mindset shifts, this session offers an essential roadmap for coaches and parents embarking on the 3v3 journey.Get your team a free £300 Discount Football Kits voucher by using our exclusive link to collect subscriptions through GoCardless at https://www.itsonlykidsfootball.com/offersPower 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.Sign up for the newsletter here: https://www.itsonlykidsfootball.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootballYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsonlykidsfootballpodcast/Email: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com

Ben and Mike dive into one of grassroots football's biggest debates: will playing a year up actually make your child a better footballer? Using their own team's pre-season as a real-life case study, they share what happened when they tested their Under-10s against older, stronger opposition—and the surprising lessons they learned. They discuss how physical challenges can accelerate development, why confidence and resilience matter just as much as technical ability, and the signs parents should look for before making the leap. Along the way, they explore pre-season training, helping younger players build confidence, coaching intensity, and why more football isn't always the answer unless it's the right football. This episode gives parents and coaches practical insight into making the right long-term decision.Get your team a free £300 Discount Football Kits voucher by using our exclusive link to collect subscriptions through GoCardless at https://www.itsonlykidsfootball.com/offersFootball DNA is the ultimate platform for coach and player development: https://footballdna.co.uk/sessions/Sign up for the newsletter here: https://www.itsonlykidsfootball.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootballYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsonlykidsfootballpodcast/Email: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com

Why do some young goalkeepers thrive under pressure while others lose confidence after a single mistake? In this episode, hosts Ben and Mike are joined by former professional goalkeeper and experienced academy coach Andy Collett to explore what it really takes to develop confident, resilient young shot-stoppers.Drawing on years of experience working with players of all ages, Andy explains why coaches and parents often expect too much from young goalkeepers, how confidence is built—or damaged—and why the way adults communicate can have a lasting impact on a child's development. The conversation also covers concentration, decision-making, handling mistakes, age-appropriate coaching and the unique challenges of playing the most demanding position on the pitch.This episode is packed with practical advice that will help you better understand, support and develop young goalkeepers.Get your team a free £300 Discount Football Kits voucher by using our exclusive link to collect subscriptions through GoCardless at https://www.itsonlykidsfootball.com/offersFootball DNA is the ultimate platform for coach and player development: https://footballdna.co.uk/sessions/Sign up for the newsletter here: https://www.itsonlykidsfootball.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootballYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsonlykidsfootballpodcast/Email: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com