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/

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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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X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootball

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootball

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsonlykidsfootballpodcast/

Email: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com

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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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/

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.