Little Boots, Big Dreams!

• When Coaching Meets Parenting in Elite Football

  In this episode, we explore the unique challenges of being both a parent and a coach — especially when you're working in elite football settings and your child is on the periphery.Matt Cook, a coach with academy experience and a son playing at a high level of youth football, joins me to talk about the emotional juggling act of wearing both hats. From managing perceptions of favouritism to navigating the opinions of other coaches, we shine a light on the realities of bridging grassroots and the elite game.We unpack:⚽ What academy coaches are really looking for in young players🧠 The challenges that parent-coaches face in elite settings⏳ How 'busy' parents might unintentionally hold kids back🌱 And how lessons from elite environments can create better grassroots experiences — for players, coaches, and parents alikeIf you're raising a young footballer, coaching them, or trying to do both — this one’s for you.

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• Growing the Game – Injury Prevention & Physical Development in Young Footballers

  In this episode, we’re joined by Tracy Lewis, an expert in physiotherapy with years of experience supporting elite athletes — including her time as Head of Physiotherapy for The Women’s National Team at The FA.We dive into the key physical development considerations for young footballers aged 5–16, exploring the most common injuries, how to spot signs of overtraining, and the crucial differences in how boys and girls develop.Whether you’re a grassroots coach, a parent, or someone involved in youth development, this episode is packed with practical advice to help young players stay healthy, strong, and injury-free — without burning out.🧠 Learn how to balance fun, performance, and wellbeing — and why your job is to develop healthy, confident kids, not just better footballers.

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• Spotlight on Headcorn FC - Grassroots Done Right!

  Founded in 1886, Headcorn Football Club has transformed from two adult teams and a single junior side to a thriving community of 14 youth teams, a girls’ programme, and a clear mission focused on development, inclusion, and fun.We sit down with the people behind the scenes to talk about their incredible growth, their ethos around equal game time, how they’re tackling poor sideline behaviour, and what it's really like running a self-sustaining, community-first football club in today’s game.Expect passion, chaos, funny stories from the touchline, and plenty of wisdom for coaches, parents, and volunteers alike.🎧 A must-listen for anyone who loves grassroots football and wants to hear what good youth development really looks like.

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• Balancing Development & Competition in Youth Football

  In this episode, we’re joined by Perry Cocking - who has worked with talents like Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott. With experience in youth and first-team settings, Perry has also scouted for professional clubs, authored Did You Win, Did You Score? - founded Pezzaz Street Soccer, and hosts The Inner Huddle Podcast.We dive into how football coaching has evolved over the years, the ongoing battle between development and competitiveness, and how different academies approach player growth. Should young players be pushed to compete, or is long-term development the key to success?Packed with insights from someone who’s seen it all, this is a must-listen for coaches, parents, and anyone involved in youth football!

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• Why Mindset Matters in Child Development

  Why do some young players thrive under pressure while others crumble? Why do certain coaches and parents help kids develop resilience while others unknowingly hold them back? In this episode, we're joined by Michael Glassock, a career and life coach and mindset expert, to explore the power of a growth mindset - not just in football, but in life.We’ll break down how a fixed vs. growth mindset shapes youth development, how parents and coaches can instill resilience in young players, and why embracing failure is the key to long-term success. Plus, practical strategies to help both kids and adults develop a mindset that leads to improvement, confidence, and enjoyment - on and off the pitch.Don’t miss this one - it might just change how you approach coaching, parenting, and even your own personal challenges! 🎧⚽ #LittleBootsBigDreams

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