It's Only Kids Football

Dec 08 2024 19 ep. 39 mins 3
It's Only Kids Football Podcast artwork

Ben Welch is figuring out how to be a decent kids football coach and a better Dad.

He's joined by coaching experts, ex-pros as well as football industry folk and internet friends to help him navigate the minefield of parenting and grassroots kids football.

It's meant to be for fun, but sometimes it's hard to remember - It's Only Kids Football.

Links: https://linktr.ee/itsonlykidsfootballpodcast

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  Sports  Kids & Family  Education
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Arne Slot's sport psychologist on how you can develop your child's mental skills

Dec 08 2024 49 mins  
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

This valuable lesson helped our sons perform at their best

Dec 01 2024 54 mins  
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 lea

Ex-Prem Star: Nutrition secrets every parent should know

Nov 24 2024 45 mins  
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 sh

Can Mike's son impress Premier League scouts?

Nov 17 2024 43 mins  
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 pl

Matt Jarvis: How my childhood turned me into an England international

Nov 10 2024 41 mins  
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 in

Essential advice for parents navigating the academy system

Nov 03 2024 49 mins  
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

How to support your child after a poor performance

Oct 27 2024 42 mins  
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.Fro

How the parents helped turn our season around: Tactics, teamwork and positivity

Oct 20 2024 45 mins  
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,

Ollie Watkins’ striker coach changed how I coach my son

Oct 06 2024 40 mins  
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

Are we rubbish coaches? Our poor start has got us soul-searching

Sep 29 2024 38 mins  
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,