Show Notes
In this bonus episode, Ben and Mike tackle the realities of grassroots football through listener questions and stories from the community. They explore key debates like competition vs development, managing long losing streaks and what to do when training sessions fall apart.
They reflect on the pressures volunteer coaches face, the importance of parent support, and the risk of burnout, while also celebrating the emotional highs — last-minute winners, promotions, and proud dad moments.
From sideline behaviour to player development and grassroots chaos, it’s always worth it.
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More from It's Only Kids Football
In Part Two of this deep dive with Paul Barry — Head of coaching at Football DNA with experience at Crystal Palace, Arsenal, and Watford — Ben and Mike breaks down how to bring professional academy standards to grassroots teams.
In this episode Ben and Mike get honest about the pressure, obsession, and guilt that come with volunteer coaching. After taking their U11s to play Ipswich Town’s Category 1 Academy, a tough 80-minute lesson prompts a powerful reality check on expectations, burnout and remembering that at the end of the day, you're just a dad doing your best.
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Ben and Mike break down a bittersweet weekend on the touchline. The main talking point revolves around the Under-11s’ gutting 3-1 derby opening-day loss to their local rivals, the Blues.
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