About this episode

Ben and Mike debate the implications of assigning specific positions in youth football and discuss the importance of losing for growth.

Is advertising for specific positions in youth football the right approach for development? Ben and Mike debate whether recruiting for roles like “defenders only” is a practical necessity or risks pigeonholing players too early, shaping how they see themselves on the pitch. They also discuss why losing is essential for growth, how competition builds resilience, and what lessons really stick when things don’t go your way. It’s a reminder that, while winning feels great, it’s often the tough moments—the missed chances, poor decisions and defeats—that teach children the most, even if they’re harder for parents to watch. They also look at how the close proximity and constant instruction between parent and child in training can quickly spark tension, misunderstandings and those all-too-familiar flashpoints. There are positives too, as elements from recent training—particularly around shooting and decision-making—begin to show up in matches, reinforcing the idea that repetition and patience do pay off over time. Alongside this, they tackle the practical realities of grassroots football, including how best to trial a new player without disrupting the group or placing too much pressure…

People in this episode

Hosts: Ben Welch, Mike Clark

Topics covered

• youth football
• player development
• grassroots football
• competition
• parenting
• coaching

Keywords

• grassroots football
• youth development
• competition
• parent-child dynamics
• coaching strategies
• football positions

Sponsors

GoCardless

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Football DNA

More episodes of It's Only Kids Football

• We answer your toughest kids' football questions · May 7, 2026 · 34 min
• Why your child plays like two different footballers · April 27, 2026 · 1h 5m
• Why separating players by ability doesn’t work · April 20, 2026 · 1h 6m
• 6 lessons from a pro goalkeeper that will transform your child’s confidence · April 6, 2026 · 1h 2m
• When adults go too far at kids football… Do you step in? · March 30, 2026 · 1h 7m
• The ultimate defensive cheat code for grassroots football · March 23, 2026 · 1h 7m

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