About this episode

Ben and Mike discuss the challenges of coaching youth soccer, focusing on emotional reactions and the importance of prioritizing player development over immediate results.

Ben and Mike break down two intense matches, from a muddy “battle” to a frustrating defeat after a brilliant first half and reflect on the fine margins between development and results. The conversation dives into defensive organisation, why kids lose concentration and the challenge of coaching your own child without letting emotions take over. The discussion becomes particularly honest when Mike reflects on a moment where frustration got the better of him while coaching his son during the game. Looking back, he questions whether his reaction was really about tactics or influenced by the emotions that come with being both a parent and a coach. Alongside the emotional side of coaching, they analyse the football itself—talking through missed chances, defensive lapses, and the importance of communication and positioning. They also reinforce a key philosophy: prioritising development over results by giving every player meaningful minutes, rotating positions, and allowing kids to learn the game through experience, even when it costs the team in the short term. Football DNA is the ultimate platform for coach and player development: https://footballdna.co.uk/sessions/ Get FREE delivery…

People in this episode

Hosts: Ben Welch, Mike Clark

Topics covered

• parent coaching
• youth soccer
• emotional challenges
• player development
• defensive organization
• communication

Keywords

• youth soccer
• parent coaching
• emotional reactions
• player development
• defensive organization
• communication

Sponsors

Discount Football Kits, 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
• Should kids have set positions in grassroots football? Our response sparked a backlash · April 13, 2026 · 1h 16m
• 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

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the It's Only Kids Football podcast page.