DiscoverIt's Only Kids FootballCreating the right environment for player development
Creating the right environment for player development

Creating the right environment for player development

Update: 2025-11-17
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In this episode, Ben and Mike welcome Nick Green, Football DNA ambassador and seasoned youth coach with experience across England and Australia, for a deep dive into the emotional and tactical side of coaching young players.


Drawing from his work in academies and grassroots football, Nick shares how to create a positive environment that builds belief and resilience in kids—especially when confidence dips or results don’t go their way. From using reflection and delayed feedback to managing “car-ride emotions” as parent-coaches, the conversation explores how to keep football enjoyable while fostering growth and grit.


Nick also offers practical insights on helping smaller players thrive, developing defensive skills, handling positional challenges and creating club-wide coaching plans that align players, parents, and coaches.


Football DNA is the ultimate platform for coach and player development: https://footballdna.co.uk/sessions/


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Creating the right environment for player development

Creating the right environment for player development