Kicking It Off

Thank you for listening to this series, we hope you've enjoyed the guests so far, and thank you for your support! In today's final episode, we're joined by Gabriel Bussinger, Technical Coordinator and Director of Football at Vasco da Gama. With more than 20 years of experience in coaching and youth development, Gabriel has worked across some of Brazil’s biggest clubs, from Santos to Avaí, before taking on his current role in Rio. In this conversation, he shares his vision for shaping football environments that nurture both players and coaches. We talk about what it takes to build a strong culture, why development goes beyond the pitch, and how creating the right structures can unlock potential at every level of the game.

We’re back with Dan Micciche for part two of our conversation! In Series 1, Dan began to share his journey through coaching England U16s and shaping young talent at academy level. This time, we go even deeper into his coaching philosophy — exploring the principles that still guide his work today, what makes an effective learning environment and why it's not always about winning or losing but what's learned along the way. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Scott and Paul from Skillwise Sports, a coaching company that’s been rooted in Wigan since 2002. What started with football skills has grown into a community-based approach that’s all about how children learn, build confidence, and fall in love with the game. From multi-sport holiday camps to helping players progress into academies, Skillwise have built their reputation on creating fun, inclusive environments for kids of all ages. We talk about their journey, the lessons they’ve learned from two decades in grassroots football, and why joy and inclusivity should always come first in coaching.

This week we welcome Joe Harvey, Head of Pre-Academy Recruitment at Norwich City. Joe is a strong advocate for a child-first approach, making sure that enjoyment, wellbeing, and development come before results. In our conversation, he talks about what good recruitment looks like in the academy system, why creating the right environment matters so much, and how to keep the joy of football alive for children stepping into those first stages of the pathway. It’s a reminder that when we put the child before the player, everything else follows! 

Futsal fans, this one's for you! In this episode, we shine a light on Mary Pacitti, founder and Head Coach of Chiltern Futsal FC. Mary’s journey is one of passion, dedication, and community impact — showing how you can truly shape the future of the game. Mary's love for futsal combined with the aim to create equal chances for women and girls to play & lead sport makes this a brilliant listen. We discuss the challenges grassroots coaches face, the joy of seeing young players thrive, and the difference that committed people can make when they put children first.

This week we’re joined by Dr. Diogo Coutinho, Assistant Professor at the University of Maia Portugal and UEFA A licensed coach, known for his groundbreaking work in coaching science and small-sided games. Diogo bridges the gap between research and practice, helping coaches design environments that challenge and inspire players. In our conversation, he reflects on the importance of growth and self-improvement: “What we should try to do is be the best version of ourselves, improving every single day. If coaches help define goals for us in every session, every player has the chance to be their best self.” Together, we explore how this philosophy can transform the way coaches think about learning and development. 

In this episode of Kicking It Off, we sit down with the amazing Gemma Grainger, head coach of the Norway Women’s National team!  With over two decades of experience — from leading England youth sides, to guiding Wales on the international stage, to preparing Norway for Euro 2025 — Gemma brings a unique perspective on coaching at the highest level. She reminds us that success isn’t just about tactics or results, but about people.  Listen as we dive into her approach to leadership, culture, and building teams that can truly thrive and what is really takes to create a winning environment. 

We're back! We're delighted to bring you series 2 of Kicking It Off with another brilliant line-up of guests for you to enjoy. To kick off the series we've got a fantastic conversation with Jamie Williams, Pre-Academy Lead Coach at Newcastle United. Jamie has spent over 15 years working in youth coaching and coach development, including time as an FA Coach Developer. Jamie has a wealth of insight into how young players learn and thrive. In this episode, he shares his belief that resilience starts with relationships — trust, unconditional support, and an environment where children feel safe to take on challenges. As Jamie puts it: “The best surfers run towards the biggest waves, and what we want is for our players to run towards the biggest challenges.” We explore how this mindset shapes his work, and how coaches can create environments where kids embrace difficulty and grow through it. 

Join Pete, Lauren and studio dog Dora in the final episode of the series as they discuss everything you need to consider when developing your own coaching programme.  Thank you to everyone who has listened to and supported Kicking It Off. Thanks again to our sponsors: BazookaGoal: https://bazookagoal.com/ AirPitch: https://airpitchfootball.com/ 3v3UK: https://3v3europe.com/uk 

This penultimate episode of Kicking It Off is so jam packed with top tips and advice that we've made it a two-parter!  Join us in the first half of this episode as we take you through the key things to remember when developing your very own coaching programme. Thanks again to our sponsors: BazookaGoal: https://bazookagoal.com/ AirPitch: https://airpitchfootball.com/ 3v3UK: https://3v3europe.com/uk

In today's episode we're joined by Mr Bazooka himself, Anders Wennesland! Anders is the inventor, founder and director of BazookaGoal and Airpitch Football. Join us as we discuss the current landscape and the impact these brands have had in training sessions and small-sided games. Thanks again to our sponsors: BazookaGoal: https://bazookagoal.com/ AirPitch: https://airpitchfootball.com/ 3v3UK: https://3v3europe.com/uk

This episode is all about the Play Phase!  Coaching young children aged 4-6 and want to learn more about their development and how you can best support their growth?  Then you won't want to miss this episode! Join us and learn about the Play Phase. Thanks again to our sponsors: BazookaGoal: https://bazookagoal.com/ AirPitch: https://airpitchfootball.com/ 3v3UK: https://3v3europe.com/uk

In today's episode we're joined by the fantastic Lewis Goater, Arsenal FC's Foundation Phase Lead. We dive into Lewis' career so far and the innovative programme he is currently developing at Arsenal where he has been since 2019, before that, he was Reading's head of academy player development for 11 years.  In 2022, at the Premier League Youth Development conference, players, coaches and former athletes were honoured for their achievements and the impact they have had at football academies. Lewis was deservedly rewarded for his work as U11 head coach and lead coach for U9 to U11. Lewis shares brilliant tips and advice for coaches across the game. Thanks again to our sponsors: BazookaGoal: https://bazookagoal.com/ AirPitch: https://airpitchfootball.com/ 3v3UK: https://3v3europe.com/uk

In this episode we're joined by the amazing Sally Needham.  Sally spent 13 years at The FA within the skills programme and then as a county coach developer. She holds the UEFA A Licence and the Advanced Youth Award (5-11) and is a Thrive Practitioner where she has taken the latest in neuroscience, child development and attachment theory and applied it into football. Sally is currently the Academy Human Development and Performance Culture Lead at Sheffield United Academy along with being a Coach Developer for The FA and Consultant at 4Growth.  One of Sally's latest achievements is the completion of her Professional Doctorate in Elite Performance at UCLAN. Sally's work exploring how neuroscience is fundamental to teaching and learning has massively changed the game.  Thanks again to our sponsors: BazookaGoal: https://bazookagoal.com/ AirPitch: https://airpitchfootball.com/ 3v3UK: https://3v3europe.com/uk 

In today's episode we're joined by the brilliant Dan Micciche, currently Player Development Lead Coach at Everton, he is considered to be one of the best coaches in the country. His wealth of managing and coaching experience makes for a conversation you don't want to miss.  Thanks again to our sponsors: BazookaGoal: https://bazookagoal.com/ AirPitch: https://airpitchfootball.com/ 3v3UK: https://3v3europe.com/uk 

Today's episode is all about creativity!  What is it? How do we recognise it and value it? And how can we plan for it in our sessions? Join us as we dive into the world of creativity discussing the difference between coaching creatively and coaching for creativity in our players. Thanks again to our sponsors: BazookaGoal: https://bazookagoal.com/ AirPitch: https://airpitchfootball.com/ 3v3UK: https://3v3europe.com/uk 

Reflecting on last weeks conversation with the brilliant Dr Christine Pascal, founder and director of the Centre for Research in Early Childhood (CREC), we continue to talk all things play, session creating and giving our young players more voice and choice! Thanks again to our sponsors: BazookaGoal: https://bazookagoal.com/ AirPitch: https://airpitchfootball.com/ 3v3UK: https://3v3europe.com/uk 

Joining us in the first episode of the series is a very special guest. We headed down to Birmingham to the Centre for Research in Early Childhood (CREC) to meet child development specialist, founder and director of CREC, the one and only Dr Chris Pascal OBE.  Currently she is President of the European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA) and was previously President of the British Association for Early Childhood Education from 1994-1997 (and is now Vice President). She has also done extensive work at government level to support the development of early years policy, has served as a ministerial advisor, and an Early Years Specialist Adviser to the House of Commons Select Committee on Education.  Chris really is the expert and in this conversation she offers insight and advice for anyone working with early years. You really don't want to miss it!  https://www.crec.co.uk/prof-chris-pascal   Follow on X: @christinepascal @_CREC Thanks again to our sponsors: BazookaGoal: https://bazookagoal.com/ AirPitch: https://airpitchfootball.com/ 3v3UK: https://3v3europe.com/uk 

Ahead of the release of Monday's first episode, featuring child development specialist Dr Chris Pascal, we wanted to give you an introduction to this series and the opportunity to better get to know the legend that is Pete Sturgess!  Listen to find out what led him to become the coach he became, his influences and experiences then subscribe to our Kicking It Off series to enhance your own coaching journey.  This podcast series is sponsored by BazookaGoals, AirPitch and 3v3UK.