It's Only Kids Football
Ben Welch is figuring out how to be a decent kids football coach and a better Dad. He's joined by coaching experts, ex-pros as well as football industry folk and internet friends to help him navigate the minefield of parenting and grassroots kids football. It's meant to be for fun, but sometimes it's hard to remember - It's Only Kids Football.
Episodes
Are we expecting too much from grassroots coaches?
In this episode Ben and Mike get honest about the pressure, obsession, and guilt that come with volunteer coaching. After taking their U11s to play Ipswich Town’s Category 1 Academy, a tough 80-minute lesson prompts a powerful reality check on expectations, burnout and remembering that at the end of the day, you're just a dad doing your best.The episode takes an emotional turn as Ben shares th
5 lessons we learned playing a Premier League academy
What actually happens when a grassroots team takes on a Premier League Academy? In this episode, Ben and Mike break down their recent clash against Ipswich Town Under-10s —from holding their own in a 3-2 thriller to facing a brutal second-half reality check. Joined by Paul Barry, Head of Coaching at Football DNA with experience at Arsenal, Crystal Palace, and Watford, the guys dissect the massive
Are our substitutions costing us games?
Ben and Mike break down a bittersweet weekend on the touchline. The main talking point revolves around the Under-11s’ gutting 3-1 derby opening-day loss to their local rivals, the Blues.Despite a strong performance and a momentum-building equaliser, a mid-game overhaul of four simultaneous substitutions disrupted the team’s rhythm, leading directly to conceded goals and an elusive penalty call tha
The coaching superpower that outperforms every drill
In the final episode of this six-part series, Ben and Mike join child development early childhood learning specialist Laura Mellor-Bachman to reveal how grassroots football coaches can build a united front with parents. The episode addresses the real-world challenge of managing sideline expectations, shifting the narrative from rigid adult-style drills to essential play-based frameworks. Laura sha
Stop telling your kid what they did wrong! Ask this instead...
Ben and Mike relive the Ballers Elite showcase game at Tottenham's training ground, where Ben's frustration watching his son turns into one of his proudest parenting moments. They share a new way of reviewing match clips, asking kids what they were thinking rather than telling them what went wrong and unpack why confidence at home doesn't always travel to unfamiliar pitches.There's a fun new warm-
How to handle angry football parents
In part five of their coaching masterclass with Little Kickers, Ben and Mike sit down again with early childhood learning specialist Laura Mellor-Bachman to tackle grassroots football's most-asked-about topic: the parent-coach relationship. Laura explains why sideline meltdowns almost always come from one place, care, not chaos, and shares practical ways coaches can set expectations early so paren
The words I regret saying to my own son
Ben and Mike are back with a double dose of grassroots chaos: tournament tales, a brand new format, and a lot of soul-searching. Their Barking FC tournament run swings from two straight wins to a possible academy-ringer thrashing, before ending in heartbreak with a cup exit against old rivals.Ben opens up about the harsh words he regrets shouting at his own son mid-meltdown, and how tough love in
How to handle a meltdown without losing control
In part four of our six-week masterclass with Little Kickers, Ben and Mike sit down with early childhood learning specialist Laura Mellor-Bachman to tackle one of the toughest moments in youth sport: the meltdown.Whether it's tears after losing the ball or a full-blown tantrum mid-match, Laura reveals why phrases like "suck it up" make things worse, and what to say instead.She breaks down the scie
How AI is about to transform grassroots coaching forever
In this episode, Ben and Mike travel to Copenhagen to meet Henrik Teisbæk, co-founder of Veo, the AI-powered sports camera used by over 50,000 grassroots football clubs worldwide.Henrik reveals the real story behind Veo, born from a missed goal and a father who arrived too late to film his son's first strike, and how that frustration sparked a mission to bring professional-level video and analytic
How to give feedback kids will actually listen to
Giving feedback to young footballers after a game is one of the trickiest balancing acts in grassroots football. Whether you are dealing with a silent ride home, defensive reactions or outright disinterest, traditional post-match lectures often fall on deaf ears. In this episode, Ben and Mike sit down with expert Laura Mellor-Bachman to reveal how coaches and parents can transform full-time reacti
A warning to all grassroots coaches
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
The secret to getting children to listen
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 researc
Ex-Premier League striker: Why grassroots means more than my pro career
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 t
How a young footballer's brain works
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 develo
Help your child score more goals this season
What does it really take to help a young footballer become a better goalscorer? In this episode, Ben and Mike are joined by former Football League striker and specialist finishing coach Dan Holman to uncover the coaching principles that develop confident, clinical finishers.From improving ball striking and mastering different finishing techniques to making smarter runs, finding space and bouncing
The secret to raising a mentality monster
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 stori
Is 3v3 REALLY better for young footballers?
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 playin
Will playing a year up make your child better?
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, wh
Why some young goalkeepers stop loving football
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 coac
Why your kid needs to get stronger
In this episode, Ben speaks to youth athlete development expert Dr Ben Pullen, to smash the biggest myths holding young players back. He completely dismantles the classic misconception that strength training stunts a child’s growth, revealing that avoiding physical preparation actually leaves young athletes vulnerable to injuries during peak growth spurts. You will discover how 3G pitches and expl
Are we raising soft footballers?
Ben and Mike are joined by former professional footballer Damian Scannell and mental performance coach Michael Hilton for an honest conversation about what it really takes to help young players thrive. Together, they explore how parents and volunteer coaches can build confidence, resilience and a lifelong love of football without adding unnecessary pressure. From handling disappointment and managi
Why tournament football drives coaches crazy
Ben and Mike reflect on another unforgettable weekend in grassroots football, where the highs of great performances were matched by the heartbreak of a cup final defeat. In this honest and relatable conversation, they unpack what really happens behind the touchline - from managing pressure, emotions and expectations to supporting young players through both success and disappointment.They discuss t
Teach this skill before next season starts
What really helps young footballers improve? In this episode, hosts Ben and Mike sit down with Jason and Neil from Rondos Academy to uncover the coaching principles they've learned from more than 15 years of developing grassroots players.From the importance of patience and creating engaging training sessions to the technical skills children should really be practising, this conversation is packed
What scouts REALLY look for in grassroots players
What does it really take for a young player to make it in academy football and what are parents and grassroots coaches getting wrong? In this episode, Ben and Mike sit down with Sean Conlon, a former Chelsea and QPR academy coach and scout, to get honest answers from inside the system.Sean, now the ceo of We Make Footballers and founder of Project Footballer, breaks down the reality of youth footb
The biggest lessons from 100 episodes
Episode 100 marks a milestone beyond numbers, as Ben and Mike reflect on how three years of coaching and honest self-examination have reshaped them from reactive, emotionally driven dads into more self-aware, confident coaches. What began as sideline frustration, post-match “crash outs,” and sleepless nights has evolved into a calmer, more thoughtful approach built on accountability and experience
The ultimate 3v3 coaching guide from an elite academy coach
In this episode, hosts Ben and Mike are joined in the studio by Football DNA's head of coaching, Paul Barry, to break down the FA’s brand-new 3v3 format for under-7s—and what it really means for coaches, players and parents.Drawing on over 30 years of coaching experience, Paul explains why 3v3 is “football in its purest form,” designed to maximise touches, decision-making, and enjoyment. The conve
What should young footballers eat? Top nutritionists explain
This week, Ben and Mike, two grassroots dads doing their best not to ruin their kids’ football journeys, are joined by Kate and Fran from Performance Canteen, specialists in youth athlete nutrition who’ve worked with elite academies and young players across the UK.While Ben admits his go-to meal plan involves oven chips and panic, Kate and Fran drop a bombshell: most grassroots kids aren’t overfed
Why England’s biggest grassroots club STOPPED keeping score
In this episode, Mike Clark and Ben sit down with Colin Windrow, the visionary club manager behind MSB Woolton—officially the largest grassroots football club in England. Colin shares the fascinating journey of scaling a local Liverpool side into an institution supporting over 2,400 players and 400 volunteers. Beyond the logistics, he reveals the club’s secret approach: an internal league designed
What every coach and parent needs to know about 3v3
In this special episode, hosts Ben and Mike travel to St George’s Park to investigate "Future Fit"—the FA’s biggest youth football restructuring in over a decade.The episode dives into the new 3v3 format for under-7s, exploring why more touches and game time are the key to developing confident, skilful players.Featuring insights from former England internationals Glen Johnson and Rachel Yankey, al
Should you play equal game time in tournament football?
Ben and Mike dive into one of grassroots football’s biggest debates: should every player get equal game time in tournaments? Drawing from real tournament experiences, they unpack the tension between fairness and competitiveness, where short matches and high stakes force tough decisions. From squad rotation challenges to the impact on team flow, they explore how equal minutes can both support devel
Simple coaching language that actually works
Ben and Mike are joined by Mark Thompson, UEFA A Licensed coach and International Technical Coaching Manager at Everton, to explore a simple truth: kids don’t need more coaching - they need clearer coaching. From summer training to tournament chaos, they discuss why overcomplicated instructions hold players back and how using simple language like “always see the ball” can transform understanding i
We answer your toughest kids' football questions
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 c
What we learned coaching our own kids this season
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 c
Why your child plays like two different footballers
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.
Why separating players by ability doesn’t work
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 chall
Should kids have set positions in grassroots football? Our response sparked a backlash
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 th
6 lessons from a pro goalkeeper that will transform your child’s confidence
What’s it really like for a child playing the most pressured position on the pitch? In this episode, Salford City goalkeeper Mark Howard shares honest insights from academy football at Arsenal to parenting his own son.Coaches and parents will learn how to build confidence, handle mistakes, and support kids through the emotional highs and lows of goalkeeping. From simple “reset” techniques to smart
When adults go too far at kids football… Do you step in?
In this episode, Ben and Mike, talk about their experience of loud adult spectators unintentionally overwhelming young players. The hosts reflect on balancing resilience with responsibility, questioning when to step in and highlighting how adult behaviour on the sidelines can shape a child’s experience.They discuss the science of "preclude constraints", using the powerful analogy of Kyrie Irving p
The ultimate defensive cheat code for grassroots football
Every grassroots coach faces the same nightmare: a defence that’s "all over the place" and young players who just want to be on the ball.In this episode, Ben and Mike, chat with Mac Smith, a football director and coach at Moreton City Excelsior FC in Australia’s Queensland NPL, who reveals why traditional tactical plans fail young players and how to instead build "defensive habits" that stick.Lear
The sideline mistake most parent coaches don’t realise they’re making
Ben and Mike break down two intense matches, from a muddy “battle” to a frustrating defeat after a brilliant first half and reflect on the fine margins between development and results. The conversation dives into defensive organisation, why kids lose concentration and the challenge of coaching your own child without letting emotions take over. The discussion becomes particularly honest when Mike r
The Premier League Insider who now manages under-7s
What happens when a football insider with 165,000 followers, Premier League contacts and a career around the game ends up managing his son’s Under-7s team?In this honest conversation, Ben and Mike, meet the man behind the famous @ExWHUEmployee X (Twitter) account joins the podcast to reveal the emotional rollercoaster of grassroots football.From overthinking line-ups and man-of-the-match decisions
When kids want to quit: Tough love or sympathy?
Ben and Mike deliver an honest reflection on the reality of being a football dad, diving into the difficult balance between coaching a player and raising a son. They explore stoicism, discussing how to handle your emotions and unrealistic expectations.The conversation gets raw as they break down a gut-wrenching defeat played in "war zone" conditions, questioning why some losses stay with a coach l
Academy coaches reveal what grassroots football must fix now
In this unfiltered episode, former academy coaches Michael Fox and Olly Porteous join Ben and Mike to tackle the biggest issues facing grassroots football right now.From 3v3 formats, silent weekends and heading bans to kick-ins, league tables and parent behaviour, the conversation goes beyond surface-level opinions and into what’s actually helping — and what might be quietly harming — player devel
Why your child doesn’t need a “Braveheart” pep talk
Ben and Mike are joined in the studio by Josh Paul, the social media powerhouse behind @fit_4_football to dissect the parental pre-game pep talk. Josh reveals why giving technical instructions to a young child is not only ineffective but also ignores the reality of how children actually learn and play.The conversation explores the dangers of comparing grassroots players to the "wonder kids" seen i
Ex-Manchester United player reveals how to build confident young footballers
In this episode, Ben and Mike are joined by John Curtis — former Manchester United player and founder of NCE Soccer — for a wide-ranging conversation on what really drives youth football development.John reflects on his own journey from grassroots football to Manchester United, sharing how early environments, coaching culture, and emotional support shape confident, resilient players.Drawing on his
Why your kid listens to other coaches (but not you)
Ben and Mike tackle one of grassroots football’s biggest false divides: the idea that fun and development can’t coexist. From debates around training more than once a week and mixed-ability teams, to the realities of repetition, confidence-building and unseen work away from the pitch, they unpack what actually helps kids improve — and enjoy the game more.The conversation weaves through emotional c
The retreat rule: Is it helping or hurting player development?
In this episode, Ben and Mike welcome back Michael Fox, former Peterborough United academy coach and now head coach at Focusing on Excellence Football Academy, to tackle one of grassroots football’s most debated topics: playing out from the back.Drawing on his first season coaching in grassroots, Michael shares how academy principles can work at under-9s and under-10s level—despite the retreat rul
Why parents need to stop blaming the coach
Ben and Mike reflect on a weekend that sharpened one of the biggest truths in grassroots football: coaches can guide, but parents carry the real responsibility for a child’s development.As training resumes after the Christmas break, the focus is on repetition, patience and building habits — passing, movement and decision-making that only improve through consistent exposure. The session reinforces
World-renowned skills coach on developing technical players
This week, Ben and Mike are joined by Saul Isaksson Hurst, one of the world’s leading technical coaches and the man behind elite players including Noni Madueke and Antoine Semenyo.Saul breaks down what truly separates top academy and Premier League players from the rest, exploring mindset, work ethic, technical mastery and the environments that allow young players to thrive.The conversation dives
Cristiano Ronaldo’s former coach on how you can build a top-class athlete
This week, Ben and Mike welcome Mick Clegg, the former Manchester United power development coach who helped transform a young Cristiano Ronaldo into a global icon.Mick pulls back the curtain on the elite habits of the world’s best, revealing how grassroots coaches and parents can apply these same principles today.They dive into the biggest conditioning mistakes in youth football, the importance of
The game our boys learned to play for each other
Ben and Mike reflect on a defining mid-season episode that spans an academy test against Arsenal’s development squad and a local derby to close the year. Against Arsenal, the boys learn what real team football demands. Faced with sharper movement, quicker pressing and higher standards, individual moments stop being enough.They are forced to communicate, release the ball earlier and trust each othe
A smarter way to coach your team
Ben and Mike kick things off by reliving their dramatic derby against the Blues — from a chaotic training session to touchline wobblers, goal-line drama and the boys’ grit in a scrappy 4–3 win.They’re then joined by Cambridge United’s Dario Seminerio, Youth Development Phase Lead Coach (U13- U16) at Cambridge United, who explains why great coaching is about teaching principles, not patterns. Dario
Am I doing enough? The question every parent-coach can’t escape
This episode dives into the nagging anxiety every parent-coach secretly carries: Am I actually doing a good job? Should I be doing more? Ben and Mike relive a chaotic comeback win featuring a spectacular warm-up wipe-out and a pre-match team talk that fell apart faster than a cheap pop-up goal.But beneath the muddy knees and over-enthusiastic touchline gesticulations lies something far more import
How a message from Noni Madueke changed everything
In this episode, Ben and Mike relive a turbulent fortnight in their grassroots coaching journey — from a humiliating 7–1 collapse to an emotionally charged comeback win built on grit and passing football.What starts as a defensive nightmare spirals into soul-searching: confidence crises for both boys, sideline meltdowns, overthinking, burnout and the heavy emotional load that parent-coaches quietl
The secret to raising resilient young men
In this episode, former Southend and Dagenham & Redbridge winger Damien Scannell sits down with Ben and Mike for an honest, vulnerable and often hilarious conversation about fatherhood, identity and the emotional minefield of kids’ football.Damien reflects on his own childhood — growing up without parents on the touchline, finding freedom in grassroots football and watching his brother go thro
Glenn Murray: When parents want the dream more than their kids
In this episode, former Crystal Palace and Brighton striker Glenn Murray joins Ben to reflect on his childhood in grassroots football, the memories that shaped him and the pure joy of playing with friends before the pressures of the professional game took over.He opens up about the car-ride home truths that built his resilience, the emotional tightrope parents walk, and why honest feedback matters
Coaching your own kid should come with a warning label
Ben and Mike deliver their most emotionally honest episode to date — a rollercoaster through three tough grassroots games, a confidence crisis for both of their sons, a sideline flashpoint and a revealing look at the hidden strain of being a parent-coach.They talk honestly about shouting, pressure, overthinking, the pain of watching your child struggle and the moments that make you want to walk aw
Creating the right environment for player development
In this episode, Ben and Mike welcome Nick Green, Football DNA ambassador and seasoned youth coach with experience across England and Australia, for a deep dive into the emotional and tactical side of coaching young players.Drawing from his work in academies and grassroots football, Nick shares how to create a positive environment that builds belief and resilience in kids—especially when confidenc
When a sideline flare-up almost ruins our game
Ben and Mike are back with their most explosive episode yet — a day that should’ve been all about wonder goals and winning football turns into a masterclass in how not to behave on the sidelines.After a brilliant first half, a confrontation between parents spills over, forcing Ben to face the uncomfortable truth: for all his talk about calm and composure, he’s just as capable of losing it when the
The superpower all children need
In this episode, Ben and Mike welcome clinical psychologist, performance coach and author Dr Kate Lund to unpack one of the hardest balancing acts in youth sport—how to build resilience in children without turning them into emotionless robots.Drawing from her work with young athletes and parents, Dr Lund explains why modern resilience goes beyond “toughen up and get on with it.” She shares practic
The brutal truth about wanting your kid to shine
Ben and Mike return with one of their most honest episodes yet, tackling a feeling every parent-coach knows but few admit: the desperate, irrational need for your child to play well when someone’s watching.What begins as a normal weekend of grassroots football — a couple of big games and the usual sideline chaos — spirals into a raw reflection on pride, pressure, and parenting. When Ben’s son Alfi
Dwight Gayle: Getting released by Arsenal saved my career
What happens when a Premier League goal scorer goes back to where it all started — the grassroots pitches that shaped him? In this heartfelt episode, Dwight Gayle opens up to Ben and Mike about his journey from being a child prodigy at Arsenal’s academy to rediscovering his passion for the game after being released at just 12 years old.He shares powerful insights on identity, rejection, and resili
Why grassroots management is emotional torture
Ben and Mike return to the touchline for an episode that captures everything maddening and magical about grassroots football. One match leaves them questioning their tactics, their tempers and even their sanity — but also delivers a reminder of why they keep coming back week after week.In the latest instalment of their season diary, the dads relive a pair of unforgettable games — both dramatic, bo
Teach kids to love defending
In this episode, Ben and Mike sit down with Ross Clarke Brooks—UEFA A-Licensed coach at West Ham United and Football DNA content creator—to tackle one of grassroots football’s toughest challenges: coaching kids to defend.Ross draws on over a decade of experience working with young players to share practical ways coaches can introduce defending without killing the fun. From teaching body positionin
Bad habits are creeping back into our behaviour
Ben and Mike kick off the new season with equal parts optimism and exasperation. Pre-season friendlies brought slick football, impressive wins and a series of great goals, but also reminded the coaching duo not to get too carried away.The first league match against Hullbridge Sports was supposed to be routine – until the boys froze on the grass, the opposition dug in and a last-gasp equaliser left
When should kids start strength and conditioning training?
In this episode, Ben and Mike are joined by Neal Lattimore, strength and conditioning coach at Peterborough United and founder of Active Performance Gym. Drawing on this experience working with academy players, Neil breaks down one of youth football’s biggest questions—when and how kids should start physical training.The conversation covers what to focus on at different ages, how to navigate growt
Why parents are the biggest problem in youth football
In this episode, Ben and Mike sit down with renowned coach James Galanis, best known for his work with World Cup winners and elite US internationals, to unpack what grassroots football can learn from the highest level.The conversation dives into James’s philosophy that coaches are “creators of environments” and why the biggest obstacles to player development are often not kids, but parents. He sha
Are we really ready for the new season?
Ben and Mike gear up for the new season with a mix of excitement, dread and brutal honesty. They look back at the Essex Royal Tournament — a reminder of how far they’ve come since that nightmare first outing — and ask if this year’s squad can handle the jump to 7-a-side.With nine players, equal game time and two new signings, the boys finally have the steel they’ve been missing. But will concentra
Harry Kane’s grassroots coach on what set England’s record goalscorer apart
Ben and Mike sit down with Dave Bricknell — long-time Tottenham coach and scout who first spotted Harry Kane — and Ben’s uncle, Arty, Dave's assistant manager, while running a youth team back in the 90s. Dave gives an honest assessment of Ben’s son Alfie’s recent Spurs trial, pinpointing what he needs to improve to reach the next level. Then Dave and Arty tell stories of grassroots battles and the
What pro clubs don’t want you to know about the academy system
In this episode, Ben and Mike are joined by Chris Platts—a career coach working with professional clubs, parents and young players—to explore what grassroots football can learn from elite environments.They take a candid look at the world of professional football academies—highlighting the pressure, uncertainty and harsh realities behind the polished image. Chris offers valuable insight into the em
How to teach kids shape, positioning and movement
In this episode, Ben and Mike tackle one of grassroots football’s trickiest challenges—teaching positioning—with the help of Michael Fox, a seasoned coach with 14 years at Peterborough United and now head coach at the Focusing on Excellence Football Academy. Michael shares his approach to helping young players understand space, shape and decision-making without overwhelming them or losing the fun.
Charlie Austin: What coaching my son taught me about fatherhood
What happens when a Premier League striker swaps stadium roars for Sunday league sidelines? In this emotional and brutally honest episode, Charlie Austin returns to the pod to talk with Ben and Mike about his two-year journey coaching his son’s grassroots team.From coaching kids with ADHD to navigating “dad vs coach” guilt, Charlie opens up on what it really taught him about football, parenting an
Old-school grassroots gaffer reveals the secret to man management
This week, Ben and Mike, chat with Ben's old football manager Martin Skinner—a legendary (and unfiltered) former coach of the Brentwood Boys. In this episode, Martin unloads a treasure trove of memories: crazy van rides, dodgy leg rubs, makeshift training camps and a philosophy that mixed old-school discipline with raw devotion.With his trademark wit and razor-sharp memory, Martin reflects on how
Powerful words every coach should say to their players
This week, Ben and Mike sit down with Paul Barry, head of coaching at Crystal Palace for U8–U12s and a 28-season veteran of the foundation phase. Paul offers real insight on what really matters when coaching kids—from using words like "fireworks" and "magnets" to help the kids understand tactics and shape, to handling overzealous parents with clear communication and understanding.Expect smart, pra
Kieran Gibbs: What it really takes to survive at Arsenal’s Academy
In this episode of It’s Only Kids Football, Ben and Mike are joined by former Arsenal and England full-back Kieran Gibbs for a chat about the grassroots experiences that shaped his professional journey and the mission driving his post-playing career.From Sunday mornings with the Purley Panthers to the pressure cooker of Hale End and winning trophies with the Gunners, Kieran shares vivid memories,
This is what makes grassroots football so special
Ben and Mike mark 50 episodes with a tournament win that means way more than it should. They laugh, cringe and nearly cry as they relive the game, the chaos, and the goal that set off a celebration even more embarrassing than Mike’s tiny car.They relive every kick from the tournament and talk about what these little moments really mean as dads and coaches. They also reflect on two recent friendlie
How parents and coaches can build confident young goalkeepers
This week, Ben and Mike sit down with Paul Horwood, co-founder of PL One Goalkeeping, the leading goalkeeping academy in Essex.From transforming our very own Alby into confident shot-stoppers to dealing with parents on the sidelines, Paul shares honest, practical advice for coaches navigating the unique challenges of developing youth goalkeepers.Drawing on his extensive experience, Paul
Neuroscientist explains how playing football impacts a child's brain development
This week, Ben and Mike are joined by renowned neuroscientist and best-selling author, Dr Dean Burnett, to explore what’s really going on inside young players’ minds and why even the calmest parents can turn into full-blown lunatics on the touchline.From daydreaming and memory lapses to executive function and emotional regulation, Dean unpacks the science behind how children develop and why grassr
The coach who teaches kids to listen and find their voice on the pitch
This week, Ben and Mike sit down with Josh Paul, the inspiring coach behind Fit4Football, to explore the power of the “three-second rule” to the simple, game-changing strategies that keep kids engaged. Josh shares his no-nonsense wisdom on getting players to listen, talk and move with purpose. They unpack the realities of grassroots football—losing players, managing teams and dealing with social m
Ben's dad talks tough love, crunching tackles and touchline brawls
This week, Ben and Mike are joined by Danny Welch - Ben’s dad - for a brutally honest, funny and nostalgic deep-dive into youth football, fatherhood and tough love.Danny reflects on his old-school approach to parenting, his sideline shouting and why he believed being hard on Ben was the only way to build resilience. They swap stories of freezing rain, tough tackles and touchline scraps, painting a
