We answer your toughest kids' football questions
From It's Only Kids Football by Ben Welch and Mike Clark
May 7, 2026 · 34 min · Season 1 · Episode 94
About this episode
Ben and Mike address listener questions about grassroots football, discussing key issues and celebrating the emotional highs of the game.
In this bonus episode, Ben and Mike tackle the realities of grassroots football through listener questions and stories from the community. They explore key debates like competition vs development, managing long losing streaks and what to do when training sessions fall apart. They reflect on the pressures volunteer coaches face, the importance of parent support, and the risk of burnout, while also celebrating the emotional highs — last-minute winners, promotions, and proud dad moments. From sideline behaviour to player development and grassroots chaos, it’s always worth it. Football DNA is the ultimate platform for coach and player development: https://footballdna.co.uk/sessions/ Power your grassroots team with effortless payments — sign up with GoCardless today at https://gocardless.com/g/payments-sports-clubs/ and spend less time chasing fees, more time developing your players. Football Discount Kits supplies quality football kits at prices that actually work for grassroots clubs — no nonsense, no hard sell, just reliable teamwear that arrives on time and looks the part on matchday: https://www.discountfootballkits.com/ LoveAdmin takes the admin off your plate so you can spend…
People in this episode
Hosts: Ben Welch, Mike Clark
Topics covered
- grassroots football
- coaching
- parent support
- player development
- competition vs development
- burnout
- community stories
Keywords
- kids football
- grassroots
- coaching
- parenting
- competition
- development
- burnout
- community
Sponsors
GoCardless, Football Discount Kits, LoveAdmin
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Football DNA
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- What should young footballers eat? Top nutritionists explain · June 1, 2026 · 1h 6m
- Why England’s biggest grassroots club STOPPED keeping score · May 25, 2026 · 1h 1m
- What every coach and parent needs to know about 3v3 · May 22, 2026 · 47 min
- Should you play equal game time in tournament football? · May 18, 2026 · 1h 15m
- Simple coaching language that actually works · May 11, 2026 · 1h 10m
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