It's Only Kids Football

Ben Welch and Mike Clark
  • 4.9 (9)
  • Soccer
  • Updated Weekly

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 2d ago

    How to handle a meltdown without losing control

    In part four of our six-week masterclass with Little Kickers, Ben and Mike sit down with early childhood learning specialist Laura Mellor-Bachman to tackle one of the toughest moments in youth sport: the meltdown. Whether it's tears after losing the ball or a full-blown tantrum mid-match, Laura reveals why phrases like "suck it up" make things worse, and what to say instead. She breaks down the science behind emotional outbursts, explaining why kids can't just "snap out of it" and how acknowledging their feelings first is the fastest route back to calm. The episode also digs into spotting performative crying versus genuine distress, with a real example from Ben's own home. Packed with practical techniques, this is essential listening for any coach, volunteer or parent who's ever frozen on the sideline wondering what to say next. Start your journey with Little Kickers today at www.littlekickersfranchising.co.uk 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.

  2. 5d ago

    How AI is about to transform grassroots coaching forever

    In this episode, Ben and Mike travel to Copenhagen to meet Henrik Teisbæk, co-founder of Veo, the AI-powered sports camera used by over 50,000 grassroots football clubs worldwide. Henrik reveals the real story behind Veo, born from a missed goal and a father who arrived too late to film his son's first strike, and how that frustration sparked a mission to bring professional-level video and analytics to Sunday League football. They explore how AI coaching technology is levelling the playing field for grassroots coaches and parents, why filming games quietly improves sideline behaviour and how to use match footage and data to give young players constructive feedback without overwhelming them. Henrik also looks ahead to Veo's new analytics tools, personalised player insights, and a future where every grassroots team could have elite-level coaching support. A must-listen for parents, coaches and volunteers passionate about improving youth football. Get VEO sports camera: https://www.veo.com/sales-call 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.

  3. Sep 3

    How to give feedback kids will actually listen to

    Giving feedback to young footballers after a game is one of the trickiest balancing acts in grassroots football. Whether you are dealing with a silent ride home, defensive reactions or outright disinterest, traditional post-match lectures often fall on deaf ears. In this episode, Ben and Mike sit down with expert Laura Mellor-Bachman to reveal how coaches and parents can transform full-time reactions into meaningful learning moments. Discover why swapping emotional car journey critiques for objective, observation-based feedback completely changes how children receive guidance. Learn practical sideline techniques - such as simple mid-game note-taking - that help you step back from matchday stress and deliver calm, targeted recaps. Packed with real-world examples and actionable communication tips, this episode provides the ultimate playbook for fostering intrinsic motivation, improving player engagement and ensuring your matchday advice actually sticks. Start your journey with Little Kickers today at www.littlekickersfranchising.co.uk 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.

  4. Aug 31

    A warning to all grassroots coaches

    In this episode, Ben and Mike stagger back from their holidays to face the glorious, chaotic mess of youth football pre-season. First up, Mike delivers a classic dad-guilt moment after realising his son wasn't just being lazy—he actually has severe asthma. The boys then dive into the training pitch, breaking down high-energy 1v1 reaction drills, the 'Rivals' game, and how to stop screaming at your own flesh and blood when a drill goes sideways. Throw in the absolute nightmare of arranging 3v3 friendlies, snide football kits from abroad, and a quick reality check on why we’ll actually miss these freezing, muddy Sunday mornings, and you’ve got classic touchline therapy. Put the kettle on! Discount Football Kits are offering a special 72-hour deal from 30 August - get your coach’s folder for just £29.95 with FREE delivery (normally £39.95 + delivery): https://discountfootballkits.com/tactics-pad 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.

  5. Aug 27

    The secret to getting children to listen

    Why do some coaches instantly capture a group's attention while others spend an entire session repeating themselves? In this episode, hosts Ben and Mike are joined by Laura Mellor-Backman, Director of Curriculum and Training at Stronger Youth Brands and an early childhood learning specialist, to uncover the secret to getting young footballers to actually listen. Drawing on child development research and years of experience designing programmes for young children, Laura explains why listening isn't about speaking louder - it's about communicating differently. Together, they explore how body language, storytelling, questioning, structure and play all help children stay engaged, while sharing practical strategies for supporting shy players, managing challenging behaviour and creating sessions that are both fun and purposeful. This conversation will help you communicate more effectively, build stronger connections with your players and create an environment where every child can learn, grow and develop a lifelong love of football. Start your journey with Little Kickers today at www.littlekickersfranchising.co.uk 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.

  6. Aug 24

    Ex-Premier League striker: Why grassroots means more than my pro career

    From scoring the winning goal on his Premier League debut for boyhood club West Ham to coaching his own children on a Sunday morning, Freddie Sears has experienced almost every level of the game. But despite a career spanning more than 460 professional appearances, it’s grassroots football that now gives him some of his greatest enjoyment. In this episode, Freddie joins Ben and Mike in the studio to reflect on growing up playing grassroots football, the coaches and parents who shaped him, and the unforgettable moment he fulfilled his childhood dream at West Ham. He also opens up about the challenges of coaching his own children, managing expectations, dealing with nerves and finding the balance between pushing young players and simply letting them enjoy football. For parents and coaches, Freddie’s message is clear: football should be fun. His story is a powerful reminder that the friendships, memories and experiences created on a Sunday morning can mean far more than the result. 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.

  7. Aug 20

    How a young footballer's brain works

    Why do young players ignore instructions, forget skills they've mastered in training or simply want to play instead of listening? In this episode, hosts Ben and Mike, are joined by Laura Mellor-Bachman, Director of Curriculum and Training at Stronger Youth Brands and an early childhood learning specialist, to explore what's really happening inside a young footballer's brain. Drawing on child development research and years of experience designing programmes for young children, Laura explains why play is the foundation of learning, how emotional safety shapes confidence and why coaches often expect more than children are developmentally ready for. Whether you're a grassroots coach, volunteer or football parent, this conversation will help you better understand how young players think, learn and develop—giving you practical insights to create more enjoyable sessions and help every child build a lifelong love of football. Start your journey with Little Kickers today at www.littlekickersfranchising.co.uk 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.

  8. Aug 17

    Help your child score more goals this season

    What does it really take to help a young footballer become a better goalscorer? In this episode, Ben and Mike are joined by former Football League striker and specialist finishing coach Dan Holman to uncover the coaching principles that develop confident, clinical finishers. From improving ball striking and mastering different finishing techniques to making smarter runs, finding space and bouncing back after missed chances, Dan explains how goalscorers are made through practice, patience and repetition—not just natural talent. The conversation also explores how parents can support their child's development at home without over-coaching, why confidence is built through keeping promises rather than chasing perfection, and the small mindset shifts that can make a huge difference on matchday. This episode is packed with practical advice that parents, volunteers and grassroots coaches can start using immediately. 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.

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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Ben Welch and Mike Clark
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    118
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ben Welch
  • Show Website
    It's Only Kids Football