It's Only Kids 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 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/offers

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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 explosive changes of direction subject young joints to dangerous forces, frequently triggering painful overuse conditions like Osgood-Schlatter knee pain and Sever's disease.

Listeners will walk away with an exact step-by-step blueprint packed with practical coaching tips and at-home drills. Dr Pullen shares how to run highly engaging chase games that naturally build explosive sprint speed, how to integrate 5-minute plyometric jumping and landing routines into team warm-ups, and how to use clever bodyweight challenges to safely build core strength without any gym equipment.

Learn how just 30 to 60 minutes a week of these games-based exercises can unlock genuine acceleration and agility. Most importantly, this physical level-up directly boosts a child’s confidence, combatting the 70% youth sports dropout rate and keeping them in love with football for the long haul.

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 webinar: https://www.itsonlykidsfootball.com/events
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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 managing emotions to knowing when to step in and when to let children learn for themselves, the discussion is packed with practical advice and real-life experiences.

This episode offers valuable insights into raising confident young footballers while helping them develop the life skills that extend far beyond the game.

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 webinar: https://www.itsonlykidsfootball.com/events
Sign up for the newsletter here: https://www.itsonlykidsfootball.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootball
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X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootball
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootball
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Email: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com
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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 the lessons learned from tournament football, the challenges of coaching their own children, the psychology of big games, and the everyday chaos that every volunteer coach and football parent knows all too well.

They also look ahead to presentation night, sharing why celebrating every player's journey, recognising individual progress and creating lifelong memories can often mean far more than lifting a trophy.

This episode is packed with candid stories, practical insights and plenty of laughs. It's a reminder that grassroots football isn't just about winning trophies—it's about helping young players grow, creating lasting memories, and learning something new every single week.

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 webinar: https://www.itsonlykidsfootball.com/events
Sign up for the newsletter here: https://www.itsonlykidsfootball.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootball
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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 with practical advice for volunteer coaches, parents and anyone involved in youth football.

They discuss why competition can transform learning, how to support players of all abilities, what children should focus on during the summer and why long-term development matters far more than short-term results.

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/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootball
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X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootball
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootball
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsonlykidsfootballpodcast/
Email: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.