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 football

01:30 – What unstructured play actually means

03:50 – Football skill benefits backed by research

07:10 – The rise in screen time + decline in movement

10:00 – Tips for coaches: how to build play into sessions

13:00 – Tips for parents: how to encourage play at home

17:00 – Final thoughts: blending play with purpose

If 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. structure
• Nybakken & Falco (2022) on skill acquisition
• LEGO Foundation on the 6 Cs of development
• Play-Based Learning as a Tool in Enhancing Physical Skill Development of Children: Hafees Tosin Sulyman1,*, Jawad Olayemi Olosunde1, Akeem Opeyemi Raheem2
• The 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