Little Boots, Big Dreams!

In this special end-of-season episode, I welcome Michael Glassock back to reflect on a season that’s been nothing short of transformational.At the start of the year, I had zero plans to return to coaching - just a parent on the touchline. Fast forward to now: I’ve coached my son’s grassroots team, stepped into a Premier League club’s foundation programme, and recently secured a coaching role within a Professional Football Club/Category 2 Academy, working with the U13s and U14s boys.This episode is about chasing the dream - even when you didn’t realise you were still dreaming. It’s about saying yes to unexpected opportunities, rediscovering your passion, and trusting that the game still has a place for you - whether you’re 8, 28, or 48.Tune in to hear how this season changed everything.

In this episode, we tackle one of the most misunderstood areas in youth development - strength and conditioning.Joined by Rob Anderson, 2024 UKSCA Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Year & founder of ⁠The Athlete Academy⁠, we explore what age-appropriate training really looks like for young footballers aged 5-16.From building movement skills in the early years to introducing resistance training safely during adolescence, we unpack the principles that support long-term athletic development - not shortcuts or gimmicks.We cover:⚽ Key movement patterns every young player needs📊 Common mistakes to avoid in youth S&C📈 How to support players through growth spurts🛡️ The role of S&C in injury prevention🧠 What coaches and parents need to know about balancing football and physical developmentWhether you're a coach trying to build stronger, more resilient players, or a parent wondering when (or if!) your child should start ‘training’ - this episode breaks it all down clearly and responsibly.Helpful resources:Developing athletic motor skillA-Z of Animal Shapes (for warm-ups etc)Kids Back 2 Sport | Physiotherapy

In this episode, I'm joined by grassroots coach Tom to discuss one of the most misunderstood areas of youth football — tactical education.How do we teach tactics in a way that makes sense for a 6-year-old, a 10-year-old, or a 15-year-old? And how can coaches help young players develop a clear team identity, without taking the joy out of the game?We explore:⚽ How to make tactical concepts age-appropriate from U5 to U16🧠 Why decision-making, not just formations, is the real heart of tactics🎯 Simple ways to introduce playing styles, even at grassroots level🤝 Why collaboration with parents is key to reinforcing learning💬 How to keep football fun while still building awareness and structureWhether you’re coaching your local U7s or managing a teenage side, this episode will give you practical insight into helping players think, learn, and grow on the pitch — all while loving the game.

In this episode, we explore the psychological journey of young footballers, from their first kicks at U5s through to adolescence.Oliver Spink, a Sport Psychologist (in Doctorate Training) and Founder of One More Sport Psychology, joins me to discuss the emotional needs, mental milestones, and common challenges young players face as they grow and develop.We dive into:⚽ How psychological stages align with a child’s football journey🧠 What parents and coaches can do to support emotional well-being at every age🚸 The damaging impact of adult aggression, shouting, and violence on young players💬 How to create a positive, safe, and development-first environment for kids🌱 Long-term psychological consequences of too much pressure too soonWhether you're a parent, coach, or just passionate about youth football, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you raise confident, resilient young players — both on and off the pitch.

In this episode, we explore the unique challenges of being both a parent and a coach — especially when you're working in elite football settings and your child is on the periphery.Matt Cook, a coach with academy experience and a son playing at a high level of youth football, joins me to talk about the emotional juggling act of wearing both hats. From managing perceptions of favouritism to navigating the opinions of other coaches, we shine a light on the realities of bridging grassroots and the elite game.We unpack:⚽ What academy coaches are really looking for in young players🧠 The challenges that parent-coaches face in elite settings⏳ How 'busy' parents might unintentionally hold kids back🌱 And how lessons from elite environments can create better grassroots experiences — for players, coaches, and parents alikeIf you're raising a young footballer, coaching them, or trying to do both — this one’s for you.

In this episode, we’re joined by Tracy Lewis, an expert in physiotherapy with years of experience supporting elite athletes — including her time as Head of Physiotherapy for The Women’s National Team at The FA.We dive into the key physical development considerations for young footballers aged 5–16, exploring the most common injuries, how to spot signs of overtraining, and the crucial differences in how boys and girls develop.Whether you’re a grassroots coach, a parent, or someone involved in youth development, this episode is packed with practical advice to help young players stay healthy, strong, and injury-free — without burning out.🧠 Learn how to balance fun, performance, and wellbeing — and why your job is to develop healthy, confident kids, not just better footballers.

Founded in 1886, Headcorn Football Club has transformed from two adult teams and a single junior side to a thriving community of 14 youth teams, a girls’ programme, and a clear mission focused on development, inclusion, and fun.We sit down with the people behind the scenes to talk about their incredible growth, their ethos around equal game time, how they’re tackling poor sideline behaviour, and what it's really like running a self-sustaining, community-first football club in today’s game.Expect passion, chaos, funny stories from the touchline, and plenty of wisdom for coaches, parents, and volunteers alike.🎧 A must-listen for anyone who loves grassroots football and wants to hear what good youth development really looks like.

In this episode, we’re joined by Perry Cocking - who has worked with talents like Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott. With experience in youth and first-team settings, Perry has also scouted for professional clubs, authored Did You Win, Did You Score? - founded Pezzaz Street Soccer, and hosts The Inner Huddle Podcast.We dive into how football coaching has evolved over the years, the ongoing battle between development and competitiveness, and how different academies approach player growth. Should young players be pushed to compete, or is long-term development the key to success?Packed with insights from someone who’s seen it all, this is a must-listen for coaches, parents, and anyone involved in youth football!

Why do some young players thrive under pressure while others crumble? Why do certain coaches and parents help kids develop resilience while others unknowingly hold them back? In this episode, we're joined by Michael Glassock, a career and life coach and mindset expert, to explore the power of a growth mindset - not just in football, but in life.We’ll break down how a fixed vs. growth mindset shapes youth development, how parents and coaches can instill resilience in young players, and why embracing failure is the key to long-term success. Plus, practical strategies to help both kids and adults develop a mindset that leads to improvement, confidence, and enjoyment - on and off the pitch.Don’t miss this one - it might just change how you approach coaching, parenting, and even your own personal challenges! 🎧⚽ #LittleBootsBigDreams

⚽ Football should be for everyone. But for many neurodiverse players, the traditional football setup can be a challenge. In this episode, we sit down with Dan, Chairman of Autistic FC, to explore how his club is breaking down barriers and creating a truly inclusive environment for autistic players.🔹 How & why Autistic FC was founded🔹 The struggles neurodiverse players face in mainstream football🔹 How grassroots teams can become more inclusive🔹 The impact on players, parents & the wider football communityJoin us for an inspiring conversation about football, inclusion, and the power of sport to bring people together. 🌍⚽🎧 Listen now!