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 dedication and the lessons he's learned about balancing commitment with keeping football fun.

The hosts chime in with relatable stories of their own ups and downs as fathers and amateur coaches.

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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 the middle of a team talk. Adam provides valuable advice for parents navigating the world of pro academies as he supports two of his sons in the pursuit of their dreams.

Together, they discuss the challenge of fostering good habits without squeezing the joy out of play. Adam also shares his experience as a sideline spectator, witnessing all the drama of the matches—and the emotional rollercoaster endured by Ben. If you’ve ever wondered what grassroots football truly looks like, this episode offers an honest and entertaining peek behind the curtain.

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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 doesn’t hold back on the highs, lows, and funny stories of being a football dad.

Packed with relatable parenting advice, practical coaching tips and a few laugh-out-loud stories, this episode is a must-listen for parents, coaches and grassroots football fans.

The video that helped Ben support Alfie after he made a mistake: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBG3gkjNQd4/

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Email: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com

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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 and Mike hilariously balance being supportive dads and demanding coaches. They explore the real challenge—managing their expectations while reminding themselves (and their kids) that it’s just a game… sort of.

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Escape room training drill: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-DSepZo1sj/?igsh=MXdoZWVmdWlzdW1iYw%3D%3D

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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 players, such as Harry Kane, and the importance of an elite mentality.

They discuss the key coaching points in a finishing drill, the importance of hitting the target, and basing shots off goalkeeper behaviour.

They also talk about the pride and joy of seeing their own children score goals and the challenges of balancing coaching and parenting.

Scott emphasizes the importance of letting kids play and not putting too much pressure on them.

He also shares a story about a negative coaching experience he witnessed in grassroots football.

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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 come with coaching their own kids.

Takeaways:

Coaching youth football can evoke strong emotional responses.

Ego plays a significant role in how coaches react to losses.

Training sessions can vary greatly in effectiveness.

Communication with parents is essential for a positive team environment.

It's important to focus on player development over winning.

Coaches should model emotional regulation for their players.

Understanding each child's unique needs is vital.

Building a supportive community among parents enhances the experience.

Ultimately, it's about the kids having fun and enjoying the game.

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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 teaching kids about winning and losing in football.

The discussion also touches on the key aspects of teaching kids to score goals, such as hitting the target and trusting their abilities.

The conversation concludes with advice for grassroots coaches, highlighting the importance of enjoying the journey with the players and being open-minded.

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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 fostering a close-knit team environment.

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