In this episode of It's Only Kids Football, former Premier League star Matt Jarvis joins hosts Ben Welch and Mike Clark to share his journey from grassroots football to the heights of the Premier League—and now, back on the sidelines as a supportive dad. The England international opens up about the unique experience of being raised by elite athlete parents and how it’s influenced his own approach to guiding his son in sport. Jarvis reflects on his early sporting experiences, his family’s...

With Mike living it up in Dubai, Ben is left to hold down the fort alongside Adam, the dad of Leigh Ramblers’ very own grassroots Gazza, Ollie. They dive into the team's recent triumphs—two wins in a row—featuring Alby’s chaotic antics and Freddie’s match-winning heroics. Ben candidly shares the ups and downs of being a parent-coach and how it’s tested his relationship with his son, Alfie. They also reminisce about the hilarious moment Ollie sent a football cannoning into Ben’s head right in...

Join host Ben Welch in this fun and heartfelt episode as he sits down with Dean Russell, the dad behind the viral father-son goalkeeping duo that’s won the hearts of hundreds of thousands on social media and racked up millions of views. Dean shares the journey of capturing his son Ollie’s football adventures—filled with viral saves, on-field tears and heartwarming moments. From meeting Ollie's idols Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya to the real-life challenges of coaching your own kid, Dean...

In this episode, Ben and Mike take you through the emotional highs and lows of youth football coaching—complete with sleepless nights, frustrated shouting, and even a bizarre goal.  After three painful defeats, they dive into their pre-game anxiety and the overthinking that kept them tossing and turning. But with a little help from the parents and a return to simple tactics, the team pulled off a thrilling 6-4 win. From Alfie’s occasional daydreaming to Alby’s newfound confidence in goal, Ben...

In this conversation, Ben Welch talks to striker coach Scott Chickelday about his experience coaching his own son and provides insights into teaching kids how to strike the ball cleanly. He emphasizes the importance of honesty and communication when coaching your own child and highlights the challenges of balancing the roles of coach and parent. Scott shares his journey from coaching grassroots to working with top-level professionals like Ollie Watkins. Scott also discusses the habits of top...

In this episode, Ben and Mike discuss their experiences coaching youth football, reflecting on their emotional responses to losing games and the impact of their egos. They explore the challenges of training young players, the importance of communication with parents, and the dynamics of teamwork versus individual skill development. The conversation highlights the need for patience, understanding, and a focus on the children's enjoyment of the game, while also addressing the pressures that...

In part 2 of this interview, Charlie Austin, a former professional footballer for QPR, Southampton and Burnley, shares his experiences and insights on coaching kids in football - and coaching his own son. He discusses the role of parents in creating a positive and supportive environment for the team. He highlights the challenges of coaching and refereeing, the need for realistic expectations, and the need to allow kids to play and enjoy the game. The conversation covers the importance of...

Send us your questions by signing up for the newsletter and emailing us. In this episode Ben Welch and Mike engage in a Q&A session addressing various challenges faced in kids football coaching. They discuss the importance of game time for all players, strategies for handling substitutions, and training techniques to prevent bunching during games. The conversation also touches on the balance between making training fun while maintaining discipline, emphasising the significance of...

In this conversation, Ben Welch and Mike Clark discuss their experiences and challenges of coaching and managing at summer tournaments. They talk about the excitement and fun of participating in summer tournaments, the short game durations and the difficulty of balancing winning with giving players enough game time. They also share their own experiences at various tournaments and the emotions that come with both victories and losses. The conversation highlights the importance of attitude and...

In this conversation, Charlie Austin, a former professional footballer for QPR, Southampton and Burnley, shares his experiences and insights on coaching kids in football - as well as coaching his own son. He discusses the challenges of working with children at different stages of development and emphasises the importance of understanding each player's individual needs. Charlie also talks about the joy and camaraderie that comes from playing grassroots football and the lasting memories it...

Ben Welch introduces his assistant Mike to discuss their experiences coaching together. They talk about the joys and challenges of coaching, the competitive nature of some young players, and the importance of creating a positive and supportive environment. The kids experienced some aggressive opponents in a pre-season friendly and they discuss how the kids reacted as well as their own management of the situation. They also touch on the role of parents in their children's football journey and...

In this episode, Ben Welch is joined by Harry Brooks, Follow Harry on his social channels: https://x.com/hbrooks_coach https://www.instagram.com/hbrooks_coach/ Sign up for weekly updates in our newsletter: www.itsonlykidsfootball.com Summary The conversation explores the topic of coaching young football players to play without fear and develop their skills. The guest, Harry Brooks, emphasizes the importance of empowering players and helping them become the best version of themselves. They...

Ben Welch and Jimmy Galustian discuss their experiences with coaching kids' football. They talk about the impact of Coerver Coaching on their coaching philosophies and the development of young players. They emphasize the importance of ball mastery, 1v1 skills, and small-sided games. They also discuss the challenges of coaching their own children and the emotional investment that comes with it. They share their experiences with inconsistency, giving kids game time, and finding the right...

In this episode, Ben Welch is joined by former pro footballer and seasoned coach, Paul Robinson, for a candid chat about the challenges and triumphs of coaching young football players. Paul has a stellar career as a pro, turning out for Bolton, Watford, West Brom, Leeds and Birmingham City, clocking up over 700 appearances. He also has four boys who played, so has been on the journey as a football Dad as well. They dive into Paul's personal journey of coaching his own children, discussing the...

In this conversation, Ben Welch interviews Saul Isaksson-Hurst, a former coach in the Premier League Academy system, about coaching young football players. They discuss the importance of delivery and session design, the impact of grassroots football on player development, and the role of parents in supporting their children's football journey. Saul shares his experiences working with elite players and highlights the need for players to have resilience and a love for the game. He also...