This week, Ben and Mike sit down with Paul Barry, head of coaching at Crystal Palace for U8–U12s and a 28-season veteran of the foundation phase.

Paul offers real insight on what really matters when coaching kids—from using words like "fireworks" and "magnets" to help the kids understand tactics and shape, to handling overzealous parents with clear communication and understanding.

Expect smart, practical advice on managing the jump from 5-to-7-a-side, improving player focus and how to set up a killer 60-minute session—plus why one-word feedback might be your secret weapon.

He also talks about coaching the parents, avoiding the "chimp brain," and why football is about shaping kids for the next 25 years—not the next 25 minutes.

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

Paul Barry's children's books:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Mr-Paul-David-Barry/author/B08VCXJZJG

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootball

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootball

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootball

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsonlykidsfootballpodcast/

Email: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.