It's Only Kids Football

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.uk

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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 back after missed chances, Dan explains how goalscorers are made through practice, patience and repetition—not just natural talent.

The conversation also explores how parents can support their child's development at home without over-coaching, why confidence is built through keeping promises rather than chasing perfection, and the small mindset shifts that can make a huge difference on matchday.

This episode is packed with practical advice that parents, volunteers and grassroots coaches can start using immediately.

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/offers

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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/offers

Football DNA is the ultimate platform for coach and player development: https://footballdna.co.uk/sessions/

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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/offers

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.

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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/offers

Football 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/

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