

It's Only Kids Football
Ben Welch and Mike Clark
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.Links: https://linktr.ee/itsonlykidsfootballpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 1, 2024 • 31min
A spicy pre-season ‘friendly’ and introducing Assistant Manager Mike
Ben Welch introduces his assistant Mike to discuss their experiences coaching together.They talk about the joys and challenges of coaching, the competitive nature of some young players, and the importance of creating a positive and supportive environment.The kids experienced some aggressive opponents in a pre-season friendly and they discuss how the kids reacted as well as their own management of the situation.They also touch on the role of parents in their children's football journey and the excitement they feel for the upcoming season.Follow us on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/itsonlykidsfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 23, 2024 • 33min
Is it wrong to want to win? With coach and analyst Harry Brooks
In this episode, Ben Welch is joined by Harry Brooks,Follow Harry on his social channels:https://x.com/hbrooks_coachhttps://www.instagram.com/hbrooks_coach/Sign up for weekly updates in our newsletter: www.itsonlykidsfootball.comSummaryThe conversation explores the topic of coaching young football players to play without fear and develop their skills.The guest, Harry Brooks, emphasizes the importance of empowering players and helping them become the best version of themselves.They discuss the balance between winning and development, highlighting the need for players to understand what it means to win and how to handle both success and failure.They also touch on the mistakes that parents and coaches make when they become obsessed with winning, such as making it about themselves and their own ambitions rather than the players' growth and enjoyment of the game.The conversation explores the importance of putting the players first and letting them find their own journey in football. It emphasizes the need for coaches to set aside their egos and focus on helping players be the best they can be.The discussion also touches on the balance between structure and freedom in coaching, the importance of simplicity and fun in sessions, and the role of targets and challenges to motivate players.Overall, the conversation highlights the key principles of player-centered coaching and the value of creating a positive and enjoyable environment for young players.TakeawaysEmpowering players and helping them become the best version of themselves is crucial in coaching young football players.There is a balance between winning and development, and both are important in the player's journey.Parents and coaches should avoid making it about themselves and their own ambitions, and instead focus on the players' growth and enjoyment of the game.Understanding what it means to win and how to handle both success and failure is essential for young players. Put the players first and help them find their own journey in football.Set aside your ego and focus on the development of the players.Find the balance between structure and freedom in coaching.Keep sessions simple and fun to engage young players.Use targets and challenges to motivate players.Create a positive and enjoyable environment for young players. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 16, 2024 • 50min
Elite youth coach on how to develop players and coach your own children
Ben Welch and Jimmy Galustian discuss their experiences with coaching kids' football.They talk about the impact of Coerver Coaching on their coaching philosophies and the development of young players. They emphasize the importance of ball mastery, 1v1 skills, and small-sided games.They also discuss the challenges of coaching their own children and the emotional investment that comes with it.They share their experiences with inconsistency, giving kids game time, and finding the right balance between being supportive and pushing them to improve.They also touch on the growing level of girls' football and the importance of goalkeepers in playing a certain style of football.They emphasise the importance of creating a fearless and supportive environment for young players to develop their skills. Follow on social media: https://linktr.ee/itsonlykidsfootballCheck out Coerver Coaching: https://www.coerver.com/The Coerver Coaching Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ipFw3t10vdfO7qMGHf4Lx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 9, 2024 • 42min
Advice from a former Premier League player on coaching kids and being a football dad
In this episode, Ben Welch is joined by former pro footballer and seasoned coach, Paul Robinson, for a candid chat about the challenges and triumphs of coaching young football players.Paul has a stellar career as a pro, turning out for Bolton, Watford, West Brom, Leeds and Birmingham City, clocking up over 700 appearances. He also has four boys who played, so has been on the journey as a football Dad as well.They dive into Paul's personal journey of coaching his own children, discussing the balancing act between being a supportive coach and a guiding parent on and off the field.Together, they share practical advice on building resilience and confidence in kids, addressing player behaviour, and the importance of positive feedback during coaching sessions.They also explore the joy and fulfillment found in grassroots football, and how these community-based experiences shape young athletes.This conversation offers a mix of personal stories and professional insights, making it a must-listen for parents and coaches alike, looking to foster both skill and enjoyment in young footballers.TakeawaysCoaching your own children can be challenging but also rewardingFinding the balance between being a supportive parent and a coach is importantInstilling resilience and confidence in young players is crucialUsing positive and constructive feedback, as well as asking questions, can be effective in coaching children Coaching styles can have a significant impact on players' development and enjoyment of the game.The love of football often stems from playing as a child in grassroots football.Parents play a crucial role in supporting and encouraging young players.Allowing players to make mistakes is essential for their learning and development.Positivity, enthusiasm, and clear communication are key attributes for coaches.Coaches should focus on creating a positive and enjoyable environment for players.🫶 Sign up and follow us on social: https://linktr.ee/itsonlykidsfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 30, 2024 • 31min
How Jamal Musiala trained and developed his elite 1 v 1 skills
In this conversation, Ben Welch interviews Saul Isaksson-Hurst, a former coach in the Premier League Academy system, about coaching young football players.They discuss the importance of delivery and session design, the impact of grassroots football on player development, and the role of parents in supporting their children's football journey.Saul shares his experiences working with elite players and highlights the need for players to have resilience and a love for the game. He also emphasises the importance of playing and training in the garden to develop skills and work ethic.The conversation explores the topic of coaching young players in grassroots football.The main themes discussed include developing confidence in players, common mistakes made by grassroots coaches, session design, and managing player behaviour.The key takeaways are to create a positive and supportive environment, focus on ball-to-player ratios and ball rolling time, avoid overcomplicating drills, and prioritise player enjoyment and development over winning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


