Shouting From The Sidelines

Football isn’t just about skills and goals — it’s about how kids handle the tough moments.In this episode, we dive into how parents can help their children build resilience when they face setbacks like rejection, injury, or just having a tough game.We’ll cover:Why resilience matters for kids in sport and in lifeCommon challenges young players face (injuries, rejection, mistakes)Practical things parents can do to support their child’s growthSimple strategies to help children develop long-term resilienceResilience is like a muscle — it grows with practice. The more our kids experience little setbacks (with our support), the stronger and more confident they become both on and off the pitch.If you’re a parent or coach who wants your child to enjoy football, stick with sport long-term, and learn life lessons along the way, this episode is for you.Don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe if you found this helpful. Share your own stories about resilience in the comments — we'd love to hear them.

What’s it really like being on both sides of academy football — as a coach and as a parent?In this episode we sit down with Leroy McIntosh, a former professional academy coach turned academy dad. Leroy’s journey started at Huddersfield Town before moving into a senior role at Barnsley FC, giving him a front-row seat to the realities of youth development in English football.Now, he’s living it from the other side of the pitch as a football parent.His son has spent time at Leeds United, Manchester United, and Manchester City, before signing for Man City Academy U9s.Leroy joins us to share his unique perspective: the lessons he’s carried over from coaching into parenting, the challenges of academy football, and the advice he’d give to other mums and dads supporting their kids in the system as well as grassroots football in general.In this episode we discuss:What Leroy would change about the academy systemThe key lessons he learnt as a coach that now help him as a football parentPractical tips for mums and dads navigating academy and grassroots footballHow to support your child without adding pressureIf you’re a football parent, grassroots coach, or just curious about life inside the academy system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Are you still making kids run laps and do bleep tests to “get fit” for football?There's a better (and more enjoyable way).In this video, we break down:​What football fitness actually means for kids​Why long runs and isolated drills don’t work​The science behind children's recovery, VO2 max, and strength development​What coaches and parents should do instead​How to build football-specific fitness through play, games, and decision-makingWhether you're a grassroots football coach or a football parent, this episode will hopefully help you think differently about football for fitness for kids.No more outdated methods.Let's create enjoyable, effective football training that actually helps kids develop.Research papers/further reading:Manna, I. (2014)Growth, Development and Maturity in Children and Adolescent: Relation to Sports and Physical Activity. Marta, C. et al. (2013)Determinants of Physical Fitness in Prepubescent Children and Its Training Effects.Armstrong, N., & Welsman, J. (2020)The Development of Aerobic and Anaerobic Fitness with Reference to Youth Athletes.Bailey, R. et al. (2012)Participant Development in Sport and Physical Activity: The Impact of Biological Maturation.Baxter-Jones, A.D.G. et al. (2005)Controlling for Maturation in Pediatric Exercise Science.Sannicandro, I. et al. (2024)Developing Physical Performance in Youth Soccer: Dynamic–Ecological vs. Traditional Training.Viru, A. et al. (1999)Critical Periods in the Development of Performance Capacity in Childhood.Prasad, N. (1996)The Relationship Between Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise Capacities in Prepubertal Children.Granacher, U. et al. (2016)Effects of Resistance Training on Muscular Fitness and Athletic Performance in Youth.Seifert, L. & Davids, K. (2016)Ecological Dynamics: A Theoretical Framework for Understanding Sport Performance.

Is play the missing piece in your child’s football development and overall well-being?In this episode, we explore why unstructured, free play is crucial for kids—not just for becoming better footballers, but for developing confidence, resilience, creativity, and social skills.From research-backed insights to real coaching experience in Leeds schools and sessions with toddlers to teen. We cover:⏱️ What’s inside:00:00 – Intro: Why play is overlooked in football01:30 – What unstructured play actually means03:50 – Football skill benefits backed by research07:10 – The rise in screen time + decline in movement10:00 – Tips for coaches: how to build play into sessions13:00 – Tips for parents: how to encourage play at home17:00 – Final thoughts: blending play with purposeIf you're a parent or coach who wants their child to fall in love with football, improve their skills naturally, and grow as a human—not just a player—this episode is a must.Study Credits:-Sustainability Journal (2023) on play vs. structureNybakken & Falco (2022) on skill acquisitionLEGO Foundation on the 6 Cs of developmentPlay-Based Learning as a Tool in Enhancing Physical Skill Development of Children: Hafees Tosin Sulyman1,*, Jawad Olayemi Olosunde1, Akeem Opeyemi Raheem2The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Develoment in Young Children: Michael Yogman, MD, FAAP, Andrew Garner, MD, PhD, FAAP, Jeffrey Hutchinson, MD, FAAP, Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, PhD,d Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, PhD,e

“Keep your knee over the ball!”“Bend your leg!”“Lock your ankle”If you’ve ever shouted these phrases from the sideline (or heard a coach do it), this episode will change how you give instructions when coaching football or playing with your child in the garden.We break down the powerful difference between internal vs external focus — and why telling kids how to move could actually hurt their performance.You’ll learn:Why telling kids what to do with their body parts is often the wrong during youth footballA quick fix to help kids learn football skills fasterPractical examples of external focus cues that boost performanceMetaphors, missions & mindset shifts for playful, purposeful coachingWhether you're a parent, grassroots coach, or just trying to help your child fall in love with the game, the tips in the episode can really help.Don’t forget to like, comment & subscribe for more content on child development through football.Studies:Influence of attentional focus distance on motor learning of skilled children - Francisco Milton GonçalvesPereira Júnior, Giordano Marcio Gatinho BonuzziEffects of Internal, External and Preference of Attentional Focus Feedback Instructions on Learning Soccer“Head Kick” Bülent Okan Miçooğulları and Sadettin Kirazcı, Ömür Serdal Altunsöz The Effect of External Focus Distance on Learning Shooting for Beginners Male Soccer Players - Aiman SarhanA systematic review of motivational and attentional variables on children’s 2 fundamental movement skill development: The OPTIMAL theory. 3 Thomas Simpson, P. Ellison, E. Carnegie and D. MarchantFrequent External-Focus Feedback Enhances Motor Learning - Gabriel Wulf

As kids football coaches, we wish we'd known a few things when we first started.Over the years we've made plenty of mistakes.In this episode, we're sharing 4 of our biggest coaching mistakes and the lessons we've learnt which make for useful tips for grassroots coaches and football parents.This honest, practical discussion is perfect for youth football coaches, grassroots soccer volunteers, football parents and anyone involved in coaching kids.Foot-Tech Academy is a children’s football coaching school in Leeds. For more about what we do visit our website - https://www.foot-techacademy.co.ukJoin our football classes in Leeds:5-14 year olds 2-4 year old (pre-school football)121 football coachingSchool holiday camps

Should young footballers be placed into A & B teams?Is it helping their development or holding them back?In this episode, we dive into the pros and cons of ability-based team selection in grassroots football, how it affects player confidence, development, and motivation, and what parents and coaches need to know.Key Topics Discussed:- Why do clubs use A & B teams in youth football- Do B-team players get left behind?- The impact on confidence, self-esteem, and development- Late bloomers vs. early developers - Does early selection matter?- Solutions: How can clubs do better?- Advice for parents & coaches on supporting young playersIf your child has ever been placed in a B team or you're a coach navigating team selection, this episode is for you! Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Are agility ladders and hurdles really making your child or players faster on the pitch?For Football Parents & Coaches - whether you're coaching a team or supporting your child’s football journey, these insights will help you maximize their development.In this episode, we break down why traditional speed drills don’t translate to real football movement and what you should be doing instead.What You’ll Learn:Why agility ladders & hurdles don’t improve true football speedThe difference between quick feet & real agility in match situationsWhat science says about reaction-based training vs. rehearsed drillsBetter ways to train speed & agility for young footballersHow to help your child or players move faster & smarter in real games

As parents, we all want to see our children thrive, but is there such a thing as too much football training? In this episode, we dive into the delicate balance between helping your child develop their skills and ensuring they don’t lose their love for the game. We’ll discuss the signs of overtraining, why rest and recovery are just as important as practice, and how to recognize if your child’s schedule is too demanding. You’ll also hear insights into the value of unstructured play, trying multiple sports, and how to create a training routine that supports both their physical and emotional well-being. Whether you’re a parent or a coach, this episode will give you the tools to make sure young players stay passionate, happy, and injury-free as they grow. Tune in to learn how to foster a healthy football journey for your child!

Part 2 of our chat about the games-based model approach to children’s coaching.Here we discuss:How to use the game-based approach with beginnersHow kids learn the ‘skills’ they need without us doing unopposed ball masteryThe difference between football technique & skillIs there a place for unopposed football training?Why it’s so important to maximise the time you have with your playersEnjoy and let us know your thoughts.Links to reading/courses discussed:FCE coaching courses: Football Coach EvolutionBooks by Rob Gray: https://perceptionaction.com/book/Research paper: “Train as you play”: Improving effectiveness of training in youth soccer players

A few years ago we completely changed the way we coach at our football sessions. We'd previously had a big part of our sessions made up of individual ball-mastery and 'skills' work. In this episode we discuss: What is a games-based approach to football coaching What are 'constraints' and how we use them to make sure our players learn and improve for football Why we stopped SAQ at our sessions How to really coach decision-making Why aren't all coaches using this method? The difference between learning and performing ...and loads more. Let us know what you think and any questions you have.

One of the hardest things for a grassroots football manager to deal with is when a player is being left behind...and it starts to become obvious.It is a difficult thing to communicate to parents but we offer some help and advice in this video on how to navigate it.Often times a young footballer being left behind in terms of improving comes down to 2 things.We discuss what they are and how best to handle each situation.Don’t forget to subscribe so you're notified of all our new episodes.

Spend 10 mins at any junior football match and we all but guarantee you'll hear one of old cliché football phrases shouted from the sidelines. But a lot of what is being said is of little use and, if anything, does more harm than good when it comes to the football development of children. What are the things we should avoid? And what should you be shouting, if shouting anything at all? Listen now to find out.

'I would like to live in a healthier, happier world and I believe in using the power of sport to positively drive the changes to make this a reality.' - Jordan Liburd. We sat down with our very own Jordan Liburd who has the very unique experience of running a grassroots team, being on a club committee, coaching at Foot-Tech, refereeing and also undertaking leadership roles within the FA. On top of that he also works in biomedical research...a very busy man! He's been there and done it when it comes to grassroots football and he talks openly about the ups, downs and everything in-between. This is a good one for football parents to really understand the amount of effort that goes into running a junior team and for grassroots coaches to take some ideas on how to create the right environment for your players.

The demand for one to one football coaching is increasing - but is it worth it? 121 football training has been part of our business for almost 10 years. We’ve coached all ages & abilities and have done upwards of 1000+ sessions between our coaching team. We’ve tried and tested all sorts of different ideas, football drills and equipment. Are they right for everyone? What are the benefits (if any)? We go through everything in this video and give our honest thoughts and opinion based on past experience and knowledge. Feel free to comment with any questions or thoughts.

We recently spent a week in Portugal on an FC Evolution coaching course. It’s the second FCE course we’ve done and it once again did not disappoint. This time we had the added bonus of being able to watch and analyse training sessions with Braga’s u15’s delivered by Raymond Verheijen (ex Holland, South Korea, Chelsea, Man City & Barca coach). We learnt loads on this course. In this episode we talk through some of key takeaways that really stood out and that football-parents and coaches will be interested to hear.

In this episode, we look into the fascinating world of the Relative Age Effect and its implications for young football players. We discuss the issues that can come for early and late developers and how parents and coaches can offer support. We explore how birthdate can influence a child's athletic development, opportunities, and potential pitfalls in the youth football world. Whether you're a seasoned football parent or new to the game, understanding this phenomenon is crucial for supporting your child's journey in football. We'll also provide actionable tips to help you navigate this often-overlooked aspect of junior football that continues to play a big part in the development and enjoyment of young players.

Ever wondered why some young footballers stop improving? Well, you're about to find out! In today's episode we unravel the top 4 reasons why some young footballers excel while others seem to hit a plateau. Through years of coaching experience and countless interactions with young players, we've identified key areas where attention is needed. But, have you ever asked yourself if your child is truly enjoying their football journey, or if they're in the right environment that nurtures their growth? From discussing the critical importance of adequate training frequency to the nuanced dynamics of coaching quality and environment fit, we delve deep into youth football development. This conversation isn't just about identifying areas for improvement; it's about actionable insights. How can you, as a parent or coach, facilitate a more enriching footballing experience for your child? Is it through embracing more playtime in the park with friends, or perhaps seeking out football camps that offer intensive skill honing? We also tackle the often-overlooked aspect of personal desire and enjoyment in football. It's a candid exploration of what truly motivates young players and how this understanding can radically transform their developmental trajectory. Plus, we share practical applications, like specific drills and strategies, to immediately elevate training sessions. Whether you're a coach looking to refine your approach or a parent aiming to support your child's football aspirations, this video is packed with valuable takeaways.In our community, we believe in the power of shared knowledge and experiences. So, we'd love to hear your thoughts and stories. How have you navigated the challenges of youth football development? What strategies have worked for you? Drop your insights in the comments below, and let's learn from each other. For more rich discussions and expert advice on football training, coaching, and youth development, make sure to subscribe to our channel. And don't forget to visit the Foot-Tech Academy website for detailed information on our classes, coaching philosophy, and upcoming football camps Foot-Tech Academy is a children’s football coaching school in Leeds.  For more about what we do visit our website - https://www.foot-techacademy.co.uk Join our football classes in Leeds: 5-14 year olds - https://www.foot-techacademy.co.uk/football-sessions 2-4 year old (pre-school football) - https://www.foot-techacademy.co.uk/3-4-year-old-football-training 121 football coaching - https://www.foot-techacademy.co.uk/1-2-1-coaching  School holiday camps - https://www.foot-techacademy.co.uk/school-holidays

As parents, we want nothing but the best for our children, especially when it comes to their interests and passions. But in the world of youth football, how do we strike the right balance between nurturing our kids' love for the game and inadvertently pressuring them to excel? In this insightful video, we delve into the delicate balance of fostering football passion in children without overwhelming them with parental expectations. Discover practical tips and strategies for creating a supportive environment where children can develop a genuine obsession for football on their terms so it is them, not us, who are obsessed. Foot-Tech Academy is a children’s football coaching school in Leeds.  For more about what we do visit our website - https://www.foot-techacademy.co.uk Join our football classes in Leeds: 5-14 year olds - https://www.foot-techacademy.co.uk/football-sessions 2-4 year old (pre-school football)-  https://www.foot-techacademy.co.uk/3-4-year-old-football-training 121 football coaching - https://www.foot-techacademy.co.uk/1-2-1-coaching  School holiday camps - https://www.foot-techacademy.co.uk/school-holidays

How to coach mixed-abilities - a question we get asked a lot. Coaching football is hard enough but when you need to balance different ability levels it becomes even harder! We have a lot of experience of this at Foot-Tech as we welcome all abilities and often times we have children who are late to football, which can make things even trickier. In this episode we go through some of our best tips for coaching mixed ability football training sessions. Some are obvious, some are maybe ones you haven't thought about. Always keen to get the views of others so please do share your ideas. Parents, if you have a beginner player and you're worried about how to get them involved in football training because you feel they'll be too far behind... Speak to us about how we can help. Find more details out about our football coaching school by visiting our website: https://foot-techacademy.co.uk