Coaching your kids' football (soccer) team or watching them play is a mix of joy, frustration, and comedy gold. Tune in as we explore everything from matchday madness to the best ways to nurture young players' love for the game.
We would also love to hear about your own experiences of kids weekend football - send any funny stories or coaching ideas to littlebootsbigdreamspodcast@gmail.com
Grassroots to Academy: My Season of Transformation
Michael Glassock recounts his unexpected journey from coaching his son's grassroots team to securing a coaching role within a Professional Football Club Academy, rediscovering his passion for the game in this interview.
19 May 2025
Strong Foundations: Age-Appropriate Strength & Conditioning in Youth Football
In this episode, we tackle one of the most misunderstood areas in youth development - strength and conditioning.
Joined by Rob Anderson, 2024 UKSCA (https://www.uksca.org.uk/home) Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Year & founder of The Athlete Academy (https://theathleteacademy.uk/), we explore what age-appropriate training really looks like for young footballers aged 5-16.
From building movement skills in the early years to introducing resistance training safely during adolescence, we unpack the principles that support long-term athletic development - not shortcuts or gimmicks.
We cover:
⚽ Key movement patterns every young player needs
📊 Common mistakes to avoid in youth S&C
📈 How to support players through growth spurts
🛡️ The role of S&C in injury prevention
🧠 What coaches and parents need to know about balancing football and physical development
Whether you're a coach trying to build stronger, more resilient players, or a parent wondering when (or if!) your child should start ‘training’ - this episode breaks it all down clearly and responsibly.
5 May 2025
🎙️ Tactics & Team Identity in Youth Football: What Kids Really Need to Know
In this episode, I'm joined by grassroots coach Tom to discuss one of the most misunderstood areas of youth football — tactical education.
How do we teach tactics in a way that makes sense for a 6-year-old, a 10-year-old, or a 15-year-old? And how can coaches help young players develop a clear team identity, without taking the joy out of the game?
We explore:
⚽ How to make tactical concepts age-appropriate from U5 to U16
🧠 Why decision-making, not just formations, is the real heart of tactics
🎯 Simple ways to introduce playing styles, even at grassroots level
🤝 Why collaboration with parents is key to reinforcing learning
💬 How to keep football fun while still building awareness and structure
Whether you’re coaching your local U7s or managing a teenage side, this episode will give you practical insight into helping players think, learn, and grow on the pitch — all while loving the game.
28 Apr 2025
Psychological Development in Young Footballers
In this episode, we explore the psychological journey of young footballers, from their first kicks at U5s through to adolescence.
Oliver Spink, a Sport Psychologist (in Doctorate Training) and Founder of One More Sport Psychology (https://www.onemoresportpsychology.com/), joins me to discuss the emotional needs, mental milestones, and common challenges young players face as they grow and develop.
We dive into:
⚽ How psychological stages align with a child’s football journey
🧠 What parents and coaches can do to support emotional well-being at every age
🚸 The damaging impact of adult aggression, shouting, and violence on young players
💬 How to create a positive, safe, and development-first environment for kids
🌱 Long-term psychological consequences of too much pressure too soon
Whether you're a parent, coach, or just passionate about youth football, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you raise confident, resilient young players — both on and off the pitch.
21 Apr 2025
When Coaching Meets Parenting in Elite Football
In this episode, we explore the unique challenges of being both a parent and a coach — especially when you're working in elite football settings and your child is on the periphery.
Matt Cook, a coach with academy experience and a son playing at a high level of youth football, joins me to talk about the emotional juggling act of wearing both hats. From managing perceptions of favouritism to navigating the opinions of other coaches, we shine a light on the realities of bridging grassroots and the elite game.
We unpack:⚽ What academy coaches are really looking for in young players🧠 The challenges that parent-coaches face in elite settings⏳ How 'busy' parents might unintentionally hold kids back🌱 And how lessons from elite environments can create better grassroots experiences — for players, coaches, and parents alike
If you're raising a young footballer, coaching them, or trying to do both — this one’s for you.
14 Apr 2025
Growing the Game – Injury Prevention & Physical Development in Young Footballers
In this episode, we’re joined by Tracy Lewis, an expert in physiotherapy with years of experience supporting elite athletes — including her time as Head of Physiotherapy for The Women’s National Team at The FA.
We dive into the key physical development considerations for young footballers aged 5–16, exploring the most common injuries, how to spot signs of overtraining, and the crucial differences in how boys and girls develop.
Whether you’re a grassroots coach, a parent, or someone involved in youth development, this episode is packed with practical advice to help young players stay healthy, strong, and injury-free — without burning out.
🧠 Learn how to balance fun, performance, and wellbeing — and why your job is to develop healthy, confident kids, not just better footballers.
10 Apr 2025
Spotlight on Headcorn FC - Grassroots Done Right!
Founded in 1886, Headcorn Football Club (https://headcornfc.org.uk/) has transformed from two adult teams and a single junior side to a thriving community of 14 youth teams, a girls’ programme, and a clear mission focused on development, inclusion, and fun.
We sit down with the people behind the scenes to talk about their incredible growth, their ethos around equal game time, how they’re tackling poor sideline behaviour, and what it's really like running a self-sustaining, community-first football club in today’s game.
Expect passion, chaos, funny stories from the touchline, and plenty of wisdom for coaches, parents, and volunteers alike.
🎧 A must-listen for anyone who loves grassroots football and wants to hear what good youth development really looks like.
31 Mar 2025
Balancing Development & Competition in Youth Football
In this episode, we’re joined by Perry Cocking - who has worked with talents like Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott. With experience in youth and first-team settings, Perry has also scouted for professional clubs, authored Did You Win, Did You Score? (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Did-You-Win-Score-football/dp/1913012980/ref=sr_1_1?asc_campaign=2b5a785186b501c352c95398a3440b1b&asc_source=01HR9VP94Y1D5169EY7N03357G&crid=1L40Q60J7BGAF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IALWCNLKc8VUdoAof6op4w.ZlNsCgeAVASh3lsxRnxrvy2jGF4UWMxD61hXaCjdeBA&dib_tag=se&keywords=perry+cocking&qid=1704965403&sprefix=perry+coc%2Caps%2C76&sr=8-1&tag=snxgb326-21) - founded Pezzaz Street Soccer (https://pezzazstreetsoccer.com/), and hosts The Inner Huddle Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-inner-huddle-the-football-soccer-development/id1351231007).
We dive into how football coaching has evolved over the years, the ongoing battle between development and competitiveness, and how different academies approach player growth. Should young players be pushed to compete, or is long-term development the key to success?
Packed with insights from someone who’s seen it all, this is a must-listen for coaches, parents, and anyone involved in youth football!
24 Mar 2025
Why Mindset Matters in Child Development
Why do some young players thrive under pressure while others crumble? Why do certain coaches and parents help kids develop resilience while others unknowingly hold them back? In this episode, we're joined by Michael Glassock (https://www.michaelglassockcoaching.com/), a career and life coach and mindset expert, to explore the power of a growth mindset - not just in football, but in life.
We’ll break down how a fixed vs. growth mindset shapes youth development, how parents and coaches can instill resilience in young players, and why embracing failure is the key to long-term success. Plus, practical strategies to help both kids and adults develop a mindset that leads to improvement, confidence, and enjoyment - on and off the pitch.
Don’t miss this one - it might just change how you approach coaching, parenting, and even your own personal challenges! 🎧⚽ #LittleBootsBigDreams
17 Mar 2025
Football for Everyone: The Story of Autistic FC
⚽ Football should be for everyone. But for many neurodiverse players, the traditional football setup can be a challenge. In this episode, we sit down with Dan, Chairman of Autistic FC, to explore how his club is breaking down barriers and creating a truly inclusive environment for autistic players.
🔹 How & why Autistic FC was founded
🔹 The struggles neurodiverse players face in mainstream football
🔹 How grassroots teams can become more inclusive
🔹 The impact on players, parents & the wider football community
Join us for an inspiring conversation about football, inclusion, and the power of sport to bring people together. 🌍⚽
🎧 Listen now!
10 Mar 2025
The Highs and Lows of Running a Grassroots Team
Managing a grassroots football team isn’t just about kicking a ball around on a Saturday—it’s a rollercoaster of parent politics, player development, league logistics, and unexpected side-line drama.
In this episode, I’m joined by grassroots coach Joe to talk about the reality of running a team, from the joys of watching kids develop to the absolute chaos that sometimes unfolds. We discuss:
⚽ The biggest challenges of running a grassroots team – keeping parents and players happy and finding the balance between inclusivity and competitiveness.
🤯 Managing parents – are some a little too invested in their child’s football journey?
🔥 Side-line rivalries & poaching players – when does competition cross the line?
🚨 The FA’s role in protecting grassroots football – are we doing enough to safeguard kids and improve the game?
Plus, a brand-new Tales from the Touchline story featuring an overzealous coach, a Veo camera cover-up, and a car park showdown. You don’t want to miss this one!
🎧 Listen now and let us know your thoughts!
28 Feb 2025
Coaching the Right Way: Making Technical Training Age-Appropriate
Are you coaching the right skills at the right time? In this episode, we explore the technical side of age-appropriate coaching and how to develop young footballers effectively.
Breaking down the FA Four Corner Model, I focus on technical development across different age groups, from ball mastery for U5s to high-intensity match realism for U14+. I’ll cover:
⚽ What "technical ability" actually means in youth football
⚽ Common coaching mistakes that slow down development
⚽ How to make technical training age-appropriate for U5-U14+
Whether you're a parent coach, academy coach, or just starting out, this episode will help you refine your approach and maximise player growth.
21 Feb 2025
Then & Now: A Football Journey Across Generations
In this episode, I’m joined by a former professional footballer and his grandson to explore how the game has evolved across generations. We dive into the ex-pro’s memories of grassroots football and his journey through the game, comparing it to the experiences of his grandson in today’s youth football landscape.
How has coaching, competition, and player development changed? What lessons from the past still hold true today? And what impact does grassroots football have on young players beyond the pitch?
🎧 Tune in now for a fascinating conversation about football, family, and the game we all love!
16 Feb 2025
Building Team Players: The Social Side of Youth Football
Football is more than just skills and tactics - it’s about teamwork, friendships, and personal growth. In this episode of Little Boots, Big Dreams, we explore how social development changes at different ages and what coaches can do to create a positive and inclusive team environment.
Tune in and hear about:
⚽ How you should be communicating with each age group
⚽ Helping shy players to feel included
⚽ Encouraging teamwork & communication
⚽ Managing emotions after wins and losses
⚽ Dealing with cliques and tricky team dynamics
Whether you're coaching U6s or U14s, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you bring out the best in your young players!
3 Feb 2025
Dealing with Matchday Chaos: Surviving the Madness on the Sidelines!
Matchdays in youth football are anything but predictable - players in dreamworld, spectators shouting at the ref from the sidelines and the occasional missing shin pad!
In this episode of Little Boots, Big Dreams, we dive into the madness of matchdays and explore the biggest challenges coaches and parents face every weekend.
From keeping young players focused to managing overenthusiastic parents and staying calm under pressure, this episode is packed with real-life stories, practical tips, and a few laughs along the way.
🎧 Tune in now and discover how to survive the beautiful chaos of grassroots football!
13 Jan 2025
Welcome to Little Boots, Big Dreams: Kicking Off Our Journey!
In this debut episode, we introduce Little Boots, Big Dreams, a podcast for parents who double as weekend football (soccer) coaches or have kids that are involved with a weekend team.
Join us as we share the inspiration behind the show, highlight the joys and challenges of coaching kids, and preview what’s to come in future episodes. From hilarious matchday moments to practical coaching tips, this is your go-to space for stories, support, and plenty of laughs. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a community that’s as passionate about youth football as you are!
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