In this episode, Darius and I have the pleasure of speaking with John Allpress, the original creator of the FA Coaching Awards. These awards have evolved into the Youth Module courses currently used across England, shaping our football coaching culture and contributing to the development of the talented players we see in our national senior team today. Join us as we dive deep into what the FA tasked John with creating in his groundbreaking coaching courses, the goals they aimed to achieve, and how these initiatives have directly influenced the current state of English football. We’ll also explore how the Premier League manages academies without dictating the coaching philosophy, the importance of fostering a positive learning environment for young players, and the crucial role that both coaches and parents play in developing future stars. Expect to gain valuable insights into the intricacies of youth football coaching, the evolution of coaching methods in England, and the ongoing journey to produce world-class talent. Whether you’re a coach, a parent, or just a passionate football fan, this conversation is packed with knowledge and perspectives you won’t want to miss!