Should kids have set positions in grassroots football? Our response sparked a backlash

Should kids have set positions in grassroots football? Our response sparked a backlash

Is advertising for specific positions in youth football the right approach for development? Ben and Mike debate whether recruiting for roles like “defenders only” is a practical necessity or risks pigeonholing players too early, shaping how they see themselves on the pitch.


They also discuss why losing is essential for growth, how competition builds resilience, and what lessons really stick when things don’t go your way. It’s a reminder that, while winning feels great, it’s often the tough moments—the missed chances, poor decisions and defeats—that teach children the most, even if they’re harder for parents to watch.


They also look at how the close proximity and constant instruction between parent and child in training can quickly spark tension, misunderstandings and those all-too-familiar flashpoints. There are positives too, as elements from recent training—particularly around shooting and decision-making—begin to show up in matches, reinforcing the idea that repetition and patience do pay off over time.


Alongside this, they tackle the practical realities of grassroots football, including how best to trial a new player without disrupting the group or placing too much pressure on the individual.


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 more time coaching and less time chasing parents: https://loveadmin.com/


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Episoder(92)

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Why your child plays like two different footballers

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Why separating players by ability doesn’t work

In this episode, Ben and Mike welcome Chris Ramsey onto the pod. One of the most respected voices in player development and coaching in the English game, Ramsey's career spans roles at QPR, Tottenham,...

20 Apr 1h 5min

6 lessons from a pro goalkeeper that will transform your child’s confidence

6 lessons from a pro goalkeeper that will transform your child’s confidence

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When adults go too far at kids football… Do you step in?

When adults go too far at kids football… Do you step in?

In this episode, Ben and Mike, talk about their experience of loud adult spectators unintentionally overwhelming young players. The hosts reflect on balancing resilience with responsibility, questioni...

30 Mar 1h 6min

The ultimate defensive cheat code for grassroots football

The ultimate defensive cheat code for grassroots football

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23 Mar 1h 6min

The sideline mistake most parent coaches don’t realise they’re making

The sideline mistake most parent coaches don’t realise they’re making

Ben and Mike break down two intense matches, from a muddy “battle” to a frustrating defeat after a brilliant first half and reflect on the fine margins between development and results. The conversatio...

16 Mar 1h 4min

The Premier League Insider who now manages under-7s

The Premier League Insider who now manages under-7s

What happens when a football insider with 165,000 followers, Premier League contacts and a career around the game ends up managing his son’s Under-7s team?In this honest conversation, Ben and Mike, me...

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