Will playing a year up make your child better?

Ben and Mike dive into one of grassroots football's biggest debates: will playing a year up actually make your child a better footballer? Using their own team's pre-season as a real-life case study, they share what happened when they tested their Under-10s against older, stronger opposition—and the surprising lessons they learned.

They discuss how physical challenges can accelerate development, why confidence and resilience matter just as much as technical ability, and the signs parents should look for before making the leap. Along the way, they explore pre-season training, helping younger players build confidence, coaching intensity, and why more football isn't always the answer unless it's the right football.

This episode gives parents and coaches practical insight into making the right long-term decision.

Get your team a free £300 Discount Football Kits voucher by using our exclusive link to collect subscriptions through GoCardless at https://www.itsonlykidsfootball.com/offers

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