It's Only Kids Football

Ben Welch and Mike Clark
  • 5.0 (7)
  • 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. 19h ago

    Why some young goalkeepers stop loving football

    Why do some young goalkeepers thrive under pressure while others lose confidence after a single mistake? In this episode, hosts Ben and Mike are joined by former professional goalkeeper and experienced academy coach Andy Collett to explore what it really takes to develop confident, resilient young shot-stoppers. Drawing on years of experience working with players of all ages, Andy explains why coaches and parents often expect too much from young goalkeepers, how confidence is built—or damaged—and why the way adults communicate can have a lasting impact on a child's development. The conversation also covers concentration, decision-making, handling mistakes, age-appropriate coaching and the unique challenges of playing the most demanding position on the pitch. This episode is packed with practical advice that will help you better understand, support and develop young goalkeepers. 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.

  2. Jul 20

    Why your kid needs to get stronger

    In this episode, Ben speaks to youth athlete development expert Dr Ben Pullen, to smash the biggest myths holding young players back. He completely dismantles the classic misconception that strength training stunts a child’s growth, revealing that avoiding physical preparation actually leaves young athletes vulnerable to injuries during peak growth spurts. You will discover how 3G pitches and explosive changes of direction subject young joints to dangerous forces, frequently triggering painful overuse conditions like Osgood-Schlatter knee pain and Sever's disease. Listeners will walk away with an exact step-by-step blueprint packed with practical coaching tips and at-home drills. Dr Pullen shares how to run highly engaging chase games that naturally build explosive sprint speed, how to integrate 5-minute plyometric jumping and landing routines into team warm-ups, and how to use clever bodyweight challenges to safely build core strength without any gym equipment. Learn how just 30 to 60 minutes a week of these games-based exercises can unlock genuine acceleration and agility. Most importantly, this physical level-up directly boosts a child’s confidence, combatting the 70% youth sports dropout rate and keeping them in love with football for the long haul. 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 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. Jul 13

    Are we raising soft footballers?

    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/ 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 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. Jul 6

    Why tournament football drives coaches crazy

    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 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. Jun 29

    Teach this skill before next season starts

    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.

  6. Jun 22

    What scouts REALLY look for in grassroots players

    What does it really take for a young player to make it in academy football and what are parents and grassroots coaches getting wrong? In this episode, Ben and Mike sit down with Sean Conlon, a former Chelsea and QPR academy coach and scout, to get honest answers from inside the system. Sean, now the ceo of We Make Footballers and founder of Project Footballer, breaks down the reality of youth football in the UK - from why early talent means nothing long-term, to what scouts actually look for (and it’s not just skills). The conversation dives into mindset, habits, and the huge influence parents have from the sidelines. Ben and Mike ask the questions every grassroots parent and coach is thinking, while Sean shares practical, no-nonsense insight on how to support young players properly, without adding pressure or taking the joy out of the game. Football DNA is the ultimate platform for coach and player development: https://footballdna.co.uk/sessions/ Power your grassroots team with effortless payments — sign up with GoCardless today at https://gocardless.com/g/payments-sports-clubs/ and spend less time chasing fees, more time developing your players. Football Discount Kits supplies quality football kits at prices that actually work for grassroots clubs — no nonsense, no hard sell, just reliable teamwear that arrives on time and looks the part on matchday: https://www.discountfootballkits.com/ Save £200 on the Veo Cam 3 👉 Use Code: iokfveocam3 Save 50% on the Veo Go 👉 Use Code: iokfveogo 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. Jun 15

    The biggest lessons from 100 episodes

    Episode 100 marks a milestone beyond numbers, as Ben and Mike reflect on how three years of coaching and honest self-examination have reshaped them from reactive, emotionally driven dads into more self-aware, confident coaches. What began as sideline frustration, post-match “crash outs,” and sleepless nights has evolved into a calmer, more thoughtful approach built on accountability and experience. They revisit early mistakes—shouting, letting results dictate emotions, and struggling to separate parenting from coaching—while sharing how expert advice and reflection helped them improve communication and focus on development over winning. Alongside practical lessons in training, confidence, and team culture, this episode highlights the power of honesty, showing how growth comes not from perfection, but from learning, adapting, and showing up better each time. Football DNA is the ultimate platform for coach and player development: https://footballdna.co.uk/sessions/ Power your grassroots team with effortless payments — sign up with GoCardless today at https://gocardless.com/g/payments-sports-clubs/ and spend less time chasing fees, more time developing your players. Football Discount Kits supplies quality football kits at prices that actually work for grassroots clubs — no nonsense, no hard sell, just reliable teamwear that arrives on time and looks the part on matchday: https://www.discountfootballkits.com/ Save £200 on the Veo Cam 3 👉 Use Code: iokfveocam3 Save 50% on the Veo Go 👉 Use Code: iokfveogo 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. Jun 8

    The ultimate 3v3 coaching guide from an elite academy coach

    In this episode, hosts Ben and Mike are joined in the studio by Football DNA's head of coaching, Paul Barry, to break down the FA’s brand-new 3v3 format for under-7s—and what it really means for coaches, players and parents. Drawing on over 30 years of coaching experience, Paul explains why 3v3 is “football in its purest form,” designed to maximise touches, decision-making, and enjoyment. The conversation explores how removing goalkeepers, referees and rigid structure creates a more creative, player-led environment—and why that’s crucial for long-term development. The episode goes beyond theory, offering practical coaching advice on what to prioritise in training, how to build decision-making through small-sided games, and why concepts like ball mastery, attacking intent, and transitions should take centre stage. Paul also shares powerful insights on coaching behaviours—from reducing sideline noise to using language that actually resonates with young players. Alongside the benefits, the discussion tackles real-world challenges, including over-coaching, parental pressure, “ball hogging,” and how to handle difficult grassroots scenarios. Whether you’re unsure about the format or excited to embrace it, this is your complete guide to coaching 3v3 the right way. Football DNA is the ultimate platform for coach and player development: https://footballdna.co.uk/sessions/ Power your grassroots team with effortless payments — sign up with GoCardless today at https://gocardless.com/g/payments-sports-clubs/ and spend less time chasing fees, more time developing your players. Football Discount Kits supplies quality football kits at prices that actually work for grassroots clubs — no nonsense, no hard sell, just reliable teamwear that arrives on time and looks the part on matchday: https://www.discountfootballkits.com/ Save £200 on the Veo Cam 3 👉 Use Code: iokfveocam3 Save 50% on the Veo Go 👉 Use Code: iokfveogo 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

5
out of 5
7 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
    107
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ben Welch
  • Show Website
    It's Only Kids Football

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