It's Only Kids Football

This week, Ben and Mike are joined by Mike's wife and Raph's mum... Estelle Clark, for a refreshingly honest conversation about what it’s like when your family signs up for grassroots football… and it takes over your life.Estelle opens up about the good, the stressful and the downright ridiculous: from losing weekends to social plans ruined by tournaments. She talks parenting guilt, football obsession and learning what “lock on” means.She explains how she flopped as kit manager, how Mike’s role as assistant coach brought him closer to Raph and how he’s grown as both a dad and a coach.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Raph 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.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful discussion, elite mindset coach Matt Baxter, who specializes in helping young athletes and their parents, covers key strategies for fostering resilience. He reveals how to help kids build confidence and cope with mistakes through practical tools like the simple 'next' reset technique. Matt emphasizes the importance of parents as primary coaches, advocating for open communication and letting go of preconceived expectations. He tackles common challenges like self-doubt and the pressures of social media, all aimed at nurturing self-belief in children.

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/7481195067567328534TikTok: 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.