It's Only Kids Football

This week, Ben and Mike bring in a guest guaranteed to change your perspective. Our clueless duo welcomes renowned sports psychologist Dan Abrahams to the pod. Having worked with elite players and coaches like Arne Slot, Gareth Bale and Eddie Howe, Dan is here to help us coach from the sidelines—without emotionally scarring our kids in the process.He shares practical, actionable advice to boost both your performance and your child’s, from mastering your Game Face to squashing ANTs and creating your own Coach’s Head.They dive into the challenges of coaching young players, the psychological tools to build confidence and resilience, plus stories of sideline meltdowns, Brighton academy thrashings and the ultimate no-no: starting a car journey with, “So… how do you think you played?”If you’re a regular listener, you know the drill: tune in for laughs, honest confessions, and surprisingly good advice. And if you’re new, buckle up. Because remember, It's Only Kids' Football… but it’s also the most important thing ever.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootballYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsonlykidsfootballpodcast/Email: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 18, Ben and Mike relive the highs and lows of their latest two games, which left them planning European tours and doing victory dances in the kitchen. Then, it’s a reality check as their boys step up to face Brighton’s academy team—spoiler: it wasn’t pretty, but the lessons hit harder than the tackles.While Ben starts to show signs of listening to his son and learning to ease off, Mike struggles to contain his frustration, bringing about some much-needed introspection.There are candid confessions about coaching errors, debates over pushing vs. praising, and discussions on the importance of stepping back so the kids can shine. Plus, there’s the introduction of a new ‘Teammate of the Week’ award and how a sneaky Burger King took the sting out of a challenging car journey home.It’s another rollercoaster of footballing emotions and a reminder that, win or lose, it’s still only kids’ football… right?TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootballYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsonlykidsfootballpodcast/Email: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Ben and Mike sit down with ex-Premier League star Marc Pugh—once a flying winger, now the king of kale. While Mike confesses his love for Burger King, Marc reveals the secrets behind his Spartan lifestyle and a six-pack that could double as a washboard. They dive into nutrition, rejection and why your kid's Cheerios might be sabotaging their shot at glory. Marc also shares tales from his grassroots days, breaking records and catching the attention of scouts. If you’ve ever wondered what your little star should eat before, during and after a match—and what to avoid like a red card—this episode is for you. Grab a rice cake, brace for a guilt trip and get ready to rewrite your shopping list.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootballYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsonlykidsfootballpodcast/Email: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leigh Ramblers Black U8s are back in form and Ben and Mike are absolutely buzzing—well, mostly. While the kids are smashing it on the pitch, the dads are struggling to keep their heads on the sidelines.Alfie’s hit a rough patch and Ben’s convinced it’s all his fault for going full drill sergeant. Can they figure out how to get the best out of Alfie without Ben losing the plot?Meanwhile, Mike’s lad Raph joins goal machine Freddie Lambourne on a dream trip to Crystal Palace’s training ground, aiming to dazzle scouts from the Premier League club. And, as always, Alby steals the show with his trademark mix of madness and charm.Expect goals, gaffes and a hefty dose of goalkeeper chaos.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootballYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsonlykidsfootballpodcast/Email: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of It's Only Kids Football, former West Ham and Wolves winger Matt Jarvis joins hosts Ben Welch and Mike Clark to share his journey from grassroots football to the heights of the Premier League—and now, back on the sidelines as a supportive dad.The England international opens up about the unique experience of being raised by elite athlete parents and how it’s influenced his own approach to guiding his son in sport. Jarvis reflects on his early sporting experiences, his family’s dedication and the lessons he's learned about balancing commitment with keeping football fun.The hosts chime in with relatable stories of their own ups and downs as fathers and amateur coaches.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootballYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsonlykidsfootballpodcast/Email: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Mike living it up in Dubai, Ben is left to hold down the fort alongside Adam, the dad of Leigh Ramblers’ very own grassroots Gazza, Ollie. They dive into the team's recent triumphs—two wins in a row—featuring Alby’s chaotic antics and Freddie’s match-winning heroics. Ben candidly shares the ups and downs of being a parent-coach and how it’s tested his relationship with his son, Alfie.They also reminisce about the hilarious moment Ollie sent a football cannoning into Ben’s head right in the middle of a team talk. Adam provides valuable advice for parents navigating the world of pro academies as he supports two of his sons in the pursuit of their dreams. Together, they discuss the challenge of fostering good habits without squeezing the joy out of play. Adam also shares his experience as a sideline spectator, witnessing all the drama of the matches—and the emotional rollercoaster endured by Ben. If you’ve ever wondered what grassroots football truly looks like, this episode offers an honest and entertaining peek behind the curtain.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootballYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsonlykidsfootballpodcast/Email: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join host Ben Welch in this fun and heartfelt episode as he sits down with Dean Russell, the dad behind the viral father-son goalkeeping duo that’s won the hearts of hundreds of thousands on social media and racked up millions of views. Dean shares the journey of capturing his son Ollie’s football adventures—filled with viral saves, on-field tears and heartwarming moments.From meeting Ollie's idols Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya to the real-life challenges of coaching your own kid, Dean doesn’t hold back on the highs, lows, and funny stories of being a football dad.Packed with relatable parenting advice, practical coaching tips and a few laugh-out-loud stories, this episode is a must-listen for parents, coaches and grassroots football fans.The video that helped Ben support Alfie after he made a mistake: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBG3gkjNQd4/Follow Dean and Ollie on social media:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ollierussellgkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherandsongoalkeepingYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fatherandsongoalkeepingTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootballYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootballEmail: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Ben and Mike take you through the emotional highs and lows of youth football coaching—complete with sleepless nights, frustrated shouting, and even a bizarre goal. After three painful defeats, they dive into their pre-game anxiety and the overthinking that kept them tossing and turning. But with a little help from the parents and a return to simple tactics, the team pulled off a thrilling 6-4 win.From Alfie’s occasional daydreaming to Alby’s newfound confidence in goal, Ben and Mike hilariously balance being supportive dads and demanding coaches. They explore the real challenge—managing their expectations while reminding themselves (and their kids) that it’s just a game… sort of.X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootballEscape room training drill: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-DSepZo1sj/?igsh=MXdoZWVmdWlzdW1iYw%3D%3D  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation, Ben Welch talks to striker coach Scott Chickelday about his experience coaching his own son and provides insights into teaching kids how to strike the ball cleanly.He emphasizes the importance of honesty and communication when coaching your own child and highlights the challenges of balancing the roles of coach and parent.Scott shares his journey from coaching grassroots to working with top-level professionals like Ollie Watkins.Scott also discusses the habits of top players, such as Harry Kane, and the importance of an elite mentality.They discuss the key coaching points in a finishing drill, the importance of hitting the target, and basing shots off goalkeeper behaviour.They also talk about the pride and joy of seeing their own children score goals and the challenges of balancing coaching and parenting.Scott emphasizes the importance of letting kids play and not putting too much pressure on them.He also shares a story about a negative coaching experience he witnessed in grassroots football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Ben and Mike discuss their experiences coaching youth football, reflecting on their emotional responses to losing games and the impact of their egos. They explore the challenges of training young players, the importance of communication with parents, and the dynamics of teamwork versus individual skill development.The conversation highlights the need for patience, understanding, and a focus on the children's enjoyment of the game, while also addressing the pressures that come with coaching their own kids.Takeaways:Coaching youth football can evoke strong emotional responses.Ego plays a significant role in how coaches react to losses.Training sessions can vary greatly in effectiveness.Communication with parents is essential for a positive team environment.It's important to focus on player development over winning.Coaches should model emotional regulation for their players.Understanding each child's unique needs is vital.Building a supportive community among parents enhances the experience.Ultimately, it's about the kids having fun and enjoying the game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.